What Is The Difference Between Eco-tourism And Tourism

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Wendeline Wagoner

Introduction

Eco-tourism and tourism are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences that go beyond mere semantics. Understanding these differences is crucial for both travelers and travel industry professionals. While both involve travel and exploration, they have different goals, impacts, and principles.

Eco-tourism, short for ecological tourism, is a form of travel that focuses on responsible and sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment while promoting conservation and community engagement. On the other hand, tourism refers to general travel activities that encompass a wide range of experiences and can involve various levels of environmental consciousness.

In this article, we will delve into the key characteristics of eco-tourism and tourism, highlight their environmental impacts, examine the economic benefits they bring, and explore their social and cultural effects. By understanding these aspects, it will be easier to distinguish between the two and make informed choices when planning your travel experiences.

Definition of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a form of travel that emphasizes responsible and sustainable practices to minimize the negative impact on the environment and local communities. It involves exploring natural areas, engaging in conservation efforts, and promoting cultural awareness, all while supporting the well-being of local communities and preserving the integrity of ecosystems.

Eco-tourism aims to create a positive relationship between travelers and nature by fostering environmental education and promoting the conservation of biodiversity. It seeks to provide unique and immersive experiences that allow travelers to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Key principles of eco-tourism include:

Environmental Conservation: Eco-tourism strives to protect and preserve natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems. It aims to minimize pollution, habitat destruction, and negative impacts on biodiversity.
Sustainable Practices: Eco-tourism promotes sustainable tourism practices, including the use of renewable resources, waste management, energy efficiency, and responsible consumption.
Economic Benefits for Local Communities: Eco-tourism emphasizes community involvement and works towards providing economic opportunities for local communities through fair employment, supporting local businesses, and contributing to community development projects.
Cultural Respect: Eco-tourism values and respects the cultural heritage of local communities. It encourages travelers to engage with local traditions, customs, and practices, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
Education and Awareness: Eco-tourism aims to educate and raise awareness among travelers about environmental issues, conservation efforts, and the importance of sustainable practices.

Overall, eco-tourism recognizes the interconnectedness of the natural world and human societies. It seeks to strike a balance between satisfying travelers’ desires for exploration and adventure, while ensuring the long-term protection of the environment and the well-being of local communities.

Definition of Tourism

Tourism refers to the activities, experiences, and services associated with travel for leisure, business, or recreational purposes. It encompasses a wide range of travel-related activities, including visiting attractions, exploring new destinations, engaging in cultural experiences, and experiencing different cuisines and traditions.

Key characteristics of tourism include:

Travel for Pleasure: Tourism involves travel undertaken for leisure and enjoyment, aiming to provide individuals with a break from their routine and the opportunity for relaxation and recreation.
Destination Exploration: Tourism often revolves around the desire to explore new places and experience different cultures, landscapes, and attractions. It can involve domestic or international travel, depending on the individual’s preferences and interests.
Various Forms of Accommodation: Tourism encompasses various types of accommodations, ranging from hotels and resorts to vacation rentals and campsites, catering to different travel budgets and preferences.
Entertainment and Recreation: Tourism offers a wide array of activities and experiences, such as visiting museums, amusement parks, historical sites, participating in adventure sports, and engaging in cultural events.
Economic Impact: Tourism plays a significant role in generating revenue, creating job opportunities, and stimulating economic growth in destinations as travelers spend money on accommodations, dining, shopping, and other tourism-related activities.
Infrastructure Development: Tourism often drives the development of infrastructure, including transportation networks, hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities, to cater to the needs of travelers.

Tourism can capture both domestic and international travel, focusing on individuals, families, or groups seeking diverse experiences and new discoveries. It is a dynamic industry that evolves with changing travel trends, technological advancements, and consumer demands.

While tourism can bring numerous benefits to destinations, it is also essential to acknowledge and address the potential negative impacts it may have on the environment and local communities. This is where the concept of eco-tourism comes into play, as it emphasizes responsible travel practices aimed at mitigating environmental harm and promoting sustainability.

Key Characteristics of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism is characterized by specific principles and practices that set it apart from traditional tourism. These key characteristics are focused on promoting sustainability, conservation, and community engagement:

Environmental Responsibility: Eco-tourism prioritizes the protection and preservation of natural environments. It aims to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems, reduce carbon footprint, and protect biodiversity. This includes promoting responsible waste management, conserving energy and water resources, and respecting wildlife.
Educational Focus: Eco-tourism places a strong emphasis on environmental education and awareness. Travelers are encouraged to learn about the ecosystems they visit, understand the importance of conservation efforts, and gain insights into sustainable practices. This educational component helps foster a sense of environmental responsibility and encourages travelers to become advocates for conservation.
Community Involvement: Eco-tourism recognizes the significance of local communities and aims to involve and benefit them. It encourages travelers to engage with local cultures, support community-based initiatives, and contribute to local economies through responsible spending. The involvement of local communities ensures that they have a stake in preserving their natural and cultural heritage.
Small-Scale and Low-Impact: Eco-tourism promotes small-scale and low-impact tourism operations. This means avoiding large crowds, minimizing infrastructure development in sensitive areas, and focusing on sustainable practices such as responsible land use, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Conservation Projects: Eco-tourism often aligns with conservation initiatives and supports efforts to protect endangered species, restore habitats, and preserve natural resources. Travelers may have the opportunity to actively participate in conservation projects, such as tree planting, wildlife monitoring, or habitat restoration, contributing directly to conservation efforts.
Local Guides and Experts: Eco-tourism frequently involves local guides and experts who possess deep knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and local culture. These guides provide valuable insights, facilitate interactions with the local community, and ensure that travelers have a meaningful and authentic experience.

By incorporating these key characteristics, eco-tourism aims to create a positive and sustainable relationship between travelers, the environment, and local communities. It encourages responsible travel practices that foster environmental stewardship, cultural appreciation, and economic empowerment for the communities in which it operates.

Key Characteristics of Tourism

Tourism is a diverse and multifaceted industry that encompasses a wide range of travel experiences, and it is characterized by several key features:

Leisure and Recreation: Tourism is primarily driven by the desire for leisure and recreation. It provides individuals with the opportunity to take a break from their everyday routine and engage in activities that bring enjoyment and relaxation.
Destination Exploration: Tourism involves traveling to different destinations, both domestic and international, with the purpose of exploring and experiencing new cultures, traditions, landscapes, and attractions. It satisfies the human curiosity for discovery and adventure.
Hospitality Services: In the tourism industry, various services are provided to cater to the needs of travelers, including accommodations, transportation, dining, and entertainment. These services ensure comfortable and convenient experiences for tourists during their stay.
Economic Impact: Tourism contributes significantly to the economy of destinations. It generates revenue and creates job opportunities in various sectors, such as hospitality, transportation, retail, and tourism-related services. Additionally, tourists’ spending stimulates local businesses and economies.
Cultural Exchange: Tourism facilitates cultural exchange by bringing together people from different backgrounds and allowing them to interact and share experiences. It promotes understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.
Infrastructure Development: The growth of tourism often leads to the development of necessary infrastructure and facilities, including hotels, resorts, transportation networks, restaurants, and recreational sites. This infrastructure enhances the tourism experience and supports the needs of visitors.
Recreation and Entertainment: Tourism offers a wide range of recreational and entertainment activities. This can include visiting museums, historical sites, theme parks, engaging in adventure sports, attending festivals, or participating in cultural events.

It is important to note that while tourism brings economic benefits and cultural exchange, it can also have negative impacts on the environment and local communities if not managed sustainably. This has led to the emergence of eco-tourism, which focuses explicitly on responsible travel practices and minimizing environmental and social impacts.

Overall, tourism plays a vital role in promoting economic growth, cultural understanding, and personal enrichment. It allows individuals to explore new destinations and experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Environmental Impact of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism aims to minimize its environmental impact and promote sustainability. While it strives to be environmentally responsible, it is important to acknowledge that even eco-friendly tourism practices can still have some level of impact. The following are some key environmental impacts associated with eco-tourism:

Habitat Preservation and Conservation: Eco-tourism often focuses on protecting and preserving natural habitats. By promoting responsible tourism practices, it helps minimize habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation.
Wildlife Protection: Eco-tourism plays a significant role in wildlife conservation. It supports initiatives that protect endangered species, promote responsible wildlife viewing practices, and discourage activities that disrupt natural ecosystems.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Eco-tourism emphasizes measures to reduce carbon emissions. This includes supporting sustainable transportation options, promoting energy-efficient practices, and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.
Waste Management: Eco-tourism advocates for responsible waste management practices. It encourages the use of reusable and recyclable materials, proper disposal of waste, and the reduction of single-use items.
Water Conservation: Eco-tourism promotes responsible water usage and conservation efforts. Travelers are encouraged to use water sparingly, support local initiatives for water management, and be mindful of the water ecosystems they visit.
Minimization of Pollution: Eco-tourism aims to minimize pollution in all its forms, including air, water, and noise pollution. This involves using eco-friendly transportation, encouraging sustainable practices in accommodations, and promoting awareness among travelers about their impact on the environment.

Eco-tourism recognizes that preserving natural resources and minimizing environmental impact is vital for the long-term sustainability of both tourist destinations and the planet as a whole. By prioritizing responsible travel practices and supporting conservation efforts, eco-tourism strives to create a positive and lasting impact on the environment.

However, it is essential for eco-tourists to be aware of their own actions and choices, as even small decisions can have cumulative effects. By making conscious choices, supporting responsible eco-tourism operators, and spreading the message of sustainability, travelers can contribute towards a more environmentally conscious approach to travel.

Environmental Impact of Tourism

Tourism, while providing many benefits, can also have significant environmental impacts. It is important to be aware of these impacts in order to implement strategies and practices to mitigate them. Some key environmental impacts of tourism include:

Resource Consumption: Tourism places a strain on local resources, including water, energy, and land. The high demand for accommodations, transportation, and other tourist facilities can lead to overuse, depletion, and degradation of these resources.
Waste Generation: Tourism generates a substantial amount of waste, including packaging, food waste, and other disposable items. Improper waste management can lead to pollution of water bodies, soil, and air, and harm local ecosystems and wildlife.
Loss of Biodiversity: The development of tourism infrastructure often results in habitat destruction and fragmentation, leading to the loss of biodiversity. Construction of resorts, roads, and other facilities can disrupt natural ecosystems and threaten the survival of plant and animal species.
Carbon Emissions: Tourism contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through transportation, energy use, and other activities. This contributes to climate change, which has far-reaching environmental impacts, including rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and changes in weather patterns.
Ecosystem Degradation: Activities associated with tourism, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and off-road driving, can lead to ecosystem disturbances and damage. Trampling of vegetation, soil erosion, and disturbance to wildlife habitats can disrupt natural processes and harm ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Tourism can lead to increased pollution of water bodies due to improper waste disposal, sewage runoff, and the use of chemicals in hotels and resorts. This pollution can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

It is crucial for the tourism industry to adopt sustainable practices and minimize these environmental impacts. This involves implementing measures such as energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, sustainable transportation options, and promoting eco-friendly accommodations.

Individual travelers also play a role in minimizing the environmental impact of tourism. By practicing responsible tourism, such as reducing waste, conserving water and energy, choosing eco-friendly transportation options, and supporting local sustainable initiatives, travelers can contribute to the preservation of the environment and the long-term sustainability of tourist destinations.

Addressing the environmental impact of tourism requires collaboration between all stakeholders, including governments, tourism businesses, communities, and travelers. By working together, we can ensure that tourism contributes positively to the environment while allowing future generations to enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world.

Economic Benefits of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism has the potential to bring about significant economic benefits to local communities and destinations. These economic benefits go beyond mere financial gains and contribute to sustainable development. Some key economic benefits of eco-tourism are:

Job Creation: Eco-tourism can generate employment opportunities for local communities. As eco-tourism often emphasizes community involvement and engagement, it provides avenues for local residents to become guides, naturalists, and interpreters, among other roles.
Local Entrepreneurship: Eco-tourism encourages the growth of local businesses. Local entrepreneurs can offer services such as accommodations, transportation, local crafts, and sustainable food options, stimulating economic activity within the community.
Income Generation: Through eco-tourism, local communities can benefit financially from tourists’ spending. Visitors who engage in eco-friendly activities are often willing to pay a premium for authentic and sustainable experiences, ensuring that a significant portion of their expenditure remains within the community.
Community Development: Eco-tourism can contribute to community development and empowerment. By providing economic opportunities, it helps in improving the quality of life, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting initiatives such as education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Eco-tourism recognizes the value of cultural heritage and seeks to preserve and celebrate it. This can lead to the revitalization of traditional practices and crafts, thereby supporting the local economy and cultural identity.
Diversification of Local Economy: Eco-tourism diversifies the local economy, reducing dependence on a single industry. This, in turn, enhances the resilience of the community to economic fluctuations and provides a more sustainable economic foundation.

These economic benefits contribute to the overall well-being of local communities, providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive. By promoting sustainable practices and responsible tourism, eco-tourism ensures that economic benefits are shared equitably among community members and the negative social and environmental impacts are mitigated.

Moreover, eco-tourism can also contribute to the broader economy of a country by attracting international visitors, generating revenue through taxes and fees, and stimulating investment in infrastructure development and support services.

By embracing eco-tourism as a sustainable economic model, communities can foster long-term growth, empower local residents, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Economic Benefits of Tourism

Tourism brings various economic benefits to destinations, contributing to job creation, income generation, and economic growth. These benefits can have a significant impact on both local communities and the broader economy. Some key economic benefits of tourism are:

Job Creation: Tourism is a major source of employment, providing opportunities in various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, retail, and entertainment. From hotel staff to tour guides, taxi drivers to artisans, tourism supports a diverse range of jobs for local communities.
Small Business Support: Tourism can create business opportunities for small enterprises, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the local economy. This includes accommodations, local dining establishments, souvenir shops, and tourism-related services.
Revenue Generation: Tourism brings in revenue for destinations through the spending of tourists on accommodations, meals, activities, and shopping. This revenue can directly support local businesses, infrastructure development, and public services.
Infrastructure Development: The growth of tourism often leads to the development of necessary infrastructure, such as transportation networks, airports, roads, and public facilities. This infrastructure not only caters to tourists but also benefits local residents and other sectors of the economy.
Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings for countries, as international visitors spend money in the local currency. This strengthens the balance of payments and can be used to support other sectors of the economy.
Cultural Preservation: Tourism can support the preservation and celebration of local culture and heritage. It creates opportunities for cultural exchange, revitalization of traditional practices, and the development of cultural tourism initiatives that showcase unique customs, traditions, and arts.

These economic benefits have a ripple effect throughout the economy, stimulating growth and development in related industries and services. Additionally, tourism can contribute to the reduction of poverty by providing income opportunities and improving living standards for individuals and communities.

However, it is important to note that the distribution of these economic benefits may not always be equitable, and there may be challenges such as leakage of revenue from the local economy and the concentration of benefits in large-scale tourism enterprises. It is crucial for destinations to implement strategies and policies that promote inclusive growth, support local businesses, and involve communities in decision-making processes.

Overall, tourism’s economic benefits extend beyond the tourism industry itself, making it a vital component of many economies worldwide. By managing tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner, these economic benefits can be harnessed to support the well-being of local communities and foster long-term economic growth.

Social and Cultural Effects of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism has significant social and cultural effects on both host communities and travelers. By promoting meaningful interactions and fostering mutual understanding, eco-tourism offers opportunities for cultural exchange, community empowerment, and the preservation of local traditions. Some key social and cultural effects of eco-tourism include:

Cultural Exchange: Eco-tourism encourages travelers to engage with local cultures, traditions, and ways of life. This promotes mutual understanding and respect between tourists and locals, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and reducing stereotypes and prejudices.
Community Empowerment: Eco-tourism often involves the active participation and engagement of local communities. By involving local residents in various aspects of tourism, such as providing accommodations, guiding tours, and sharing traditional knowledge and practices, eco-tourism empowers communities and strengthens their sense of identity and pride.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Eco-tourism values and celebrates the cultural heritage of host communities. It supports the preservation of traditional practices, languages, arts, and crafts, ensuring that these elements of cultural identity are passed down from generation to generation and are not lost to globalization.
Economic Opportunities: Eco-tourism creates economic opportunities for local communities, providing income sources beyond traditional sectors. This allows residents to preserve their way of life and reduces the need for migration to urban areas in search of employment.
Increased Awareness and Cultural Appreciation: Eco-tourism promotes education and awareness among travelers about local cultures, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. This enhances visitors’ understanding of the value of cultural diversity, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for different ways of life.
Community Development: Eco-tourism can contribute to community development by supporting infrastructure improvements, educational initiatives, healthcare facilities, and other social services. This improves the overall quality of life for residents.

Eco-tourism recognizes the importance of cultural authenticity and strives to celebrate and preserve the unique cultural heritage of host communities. It emphasizes the value of respecting local customs, traditions, and beliefs, treating them as assets rather than commodities.

It is important to note that while eco-tourism can have positive social and cultural effects, there is also a need for responsible and ethical tourism practices. Measures should be in place to ensure that local communities are active participants and decision-makers in the tourism development process, and that they benefit equitably from the economic gains of tourism.

Overall, eco-tourism has the potential to create a positive impact on the social fabric of host communities and foster cultural appreciation and understanding among travelers. By embracing sustainable practices and respecting local customs, eco-tourism allows for meaningful and enriching experiences for both locals and visitors.

Social and Cultural Effects of Tourism

Tourism has profound social and cultural effects on both host communities and travelers. It provides opportunities for cultural exchange, promotes understanding between different cultures, and can have both positive and negative impacts on social structures. Some key social and cultural effects of tourism include:

Cultural Exchange: Tourism facilitates interactions between people from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting tolerance and appreciation for different customs, traditions, and ways of life. This cultural exchange enriches both hosts and visitors.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Tourism can play a significant role in preserving and promoting local cultural heritage. Communities often showcase their traditions, arts, crafts, music, and culinary practices, ensuring their preservation for future generations and contributing to the overall cultural identity of the destination.
Economic Opportunities: Tourism provides economic opportunities for local communities. It generates employment in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, transportation, and entertainment. This can lead to increased income levels and improved living standards for residents.
Infrastructure Development: The growth of tourism often stimulates infrastructure development, benefiting host communities. Improved transportation networks, hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities not only enhance the tourism experience but also benefit locals by enhancing their quality of life and access to services.
Community Empowerment: Tourism can empower local communities by involving them in decision-making processes, giving them a voice in tourism development, and creating opportunities for community-led initiatives and entrepreneurship.
Potential for Social Integration: Tourism can provide a platform for different social groups to interact and engage with one another. This can facilitate social integration, reduce biases and stereotypes, and foster social cohesion within communities.
Promotion of Cultural Pride: Tourism often encourages locals to take pride in their cultural heritage and traditional practices. It can create a renewed interest in cultural customs, encourage the transmission of traditional knowledge, and help communities revive and celebrate their unique identity.

While tourism brings many positive social and cultural effects, it is important to ensure that these effects are sustainable and inclusive. Responsible tourism practices, such as engaging local communities, respecting cultural norms, and minimizing negative social impacts, should be prioritized to ensure that tourism benefits host communities in a fair and equitable manner.

Negative social and cultural effects can also occur in tourism destinations, such as overcrowding, loss of authenticity, commodification of culture, and social inequalities. These potential negative impacts need to be carefully managed to protect the well-being and social fabric of local communities.

Overall, when managed responsibly, tourism can facilitate cultural understanding, promote social cohesion, and contribute to the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering mutual respect, tourism can create positive social and cultural outcomes for both hosts and visitors.

The Difference between Eco-tourism and Tourism

Eco-tourism and tourism may sound similar, but they have distinct differences in their principles, goals, and impacts. Understanding these differences is crucial for both travelers and industry professionals. Here are the key distinctions between eco-tourism and tourism:

Environmental Focus: Eco-tourism places a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible practices. It aims to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable resource management. In contrast, while tourism may incorporate some eco-friendly practices, it does not necessarily prioritize environmental conservation.
Sustainable Tourism Practices: Eco-tourism promotes sustainable practices such as waste management, energy efficiency, and responsible consumption. It encourages travelers to choose low-impact transportation methods and supports eco-friendly accommodations. In contrast, tourism encompasses a broader range of practices, including mainstream tourism that may not prioritize sustainability.
Community Engagement: Eco-tourism actively involves and benefits local communities. It supports community-led initiatives, provides economic opportunities, and encourages cultural exchange. In contrast, while tourism may bring economic benefits to communities, it may not always prioritize community engagement and empowerment.
Cultural Preservation: Eco-tourism values and respects local cultural heritage. It emphasizes the preservation of traditional practices, supports local artisans, and promotes authentic cultural experiences. In contrast, while tourism may showcase local culture, it may also lead to the commodification of traditions and the loss of cultural authenticity.
Educational and Awareness Component: Eco-tourism incorporates an educational element, seeking to raise awareness about environmental issues, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. It aims to inspire travelers to become advocates for the environment. While tourism may also offer educational opportunities, it may not have the same focus or depth of environmental education.
Size and Scale: Eco-tourism often operates on a smaller scale, focusing on low-impact, personalized experiences that promote environmental and cultural sustainability. Tourism, on the other hand, can encompass a wide range of travel activities, from mass tourism to niche markets.

It is important to note that eco-tourism is a subset of the broader tourism industry. It represents a more conscious and responsible approach to travel, emphasizing environmental conservation, community engagement, and cultural preservation. While both eco-tourism and tourism offer travel experiences, the key distinction lies in the principles and impacts that each promotes.

By understanding the difference between eco-tourism and tourism, travelers can make informed choices that align with their personal values and support sustainable and responsible travel practices. Industry professionals can also incorporate eco-tourism principles into their operations to minimize environmental impacts and ensure the well-being of host communities and natural ecosystems.

Conclusion

Eco-tourism and tourism are two distinct concepts within the travel industry, each with its own set of principles, goals, and impacts. Eco-tourism emphasizes environmentally responsible practices, sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation. It strives to minimize negative environmental impacts, promote conservation, and empower local communities. On the other hand, tourism encompasses a wider range of travel experiences and may not always prioritize sustainability or community involvement.

Eco-tourism offers unique opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in nature, learn about different ecosystems, and actively contribute to environmental conservation. It encourages visitors to engage with local cultures, support community-led initiatives, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of a destination.

While tourism brings economic benefits and cultural exchange, it also has the potential to harm the environment and disrupt local communities if not managed responsibly. Therefore, embracing eco-tourism principles and practices becomes critical for mitigating negative impacts and promoting sustainability in the tourism industry.

By choosing eco-tourism experiences, travelers can contribute to the preservation of natural resources, support local economies, and foster cultural appreciation. Engaging in responsible travel choices, such as minimizing waste, respecting local customs, conserving resources, and supporting eco-friendly accommodations and services, helps ensure the long-term viability of destinations and the well-being of both communities and the environment.

Ultimately, the success of eco-tourism lies in the collaboration and commitment of travelers, tourism businesses, governments, and local communities. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry that benefits everyone involved, preserves our planet’s natural and cultural treasures, and allows future generations to enjoy the wonders of travel.