Ecotourism is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." By merging the tenets of conservation, community and sustainability, ecotourism aims to minimize the impact of our travel footprint. Organizations like the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) promote awareness and appreciation for biocultural diversity and conservation through education, promotion and by setting sustainable travel standards.

 

(Source: TIES, Photo: Shutterstock)