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Ecotourism
What is Ecotourism?
It does not matter where you begin your research, the term "ecotourism" has a variety of definitions. It even goes different names, including the following:
- Sustainable tourism
- Responsible tourism
- Community tourism
- Adventure travel
- Rural tourism
- Civic tourism
- Geotourism
- Voluntourism
Each of the above terms vary slightly in their meanings, but they all have a central theme: the combination of travel and responsibility towards better care of the Earth.
Among the many definitions for "ecotourism," The International Ecotourism Society's best sums up North Dakota Tourism's ideology:
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people."
Tourism cannot exist without environmental and ecological species richness; tourists will not travel to see dry, brittle grass or attractions that are known for not being socially responsible.
North Dakota has already been involved in the ecotourism sector for a few years; the 2005-2007 North Dakota Blue Book dedicated the special feature section to Ecotourism and its application to this very state.
The Tourism Division is interested in learning more that communities and lodging-providers are doing to enhance energy-savings and promote environmentally-friendly attributes. Please help by taking our brief surveys:
Hotel survey
Community survey
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Where do I go from here?
Trying to "Go Green" can be a daunting task, but it does not have to be one. Under the various headings on the left are links provided to help guide you during your "greening" process.
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