According to the World Conservation Union, eco-tourism is "...environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present) that:

• promotes conservation
• has low negative visitor impact
• provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations."

Eco-tourism builds upon the beauty and interest of unique environments and local cultures as major attractions for tourism. It can operate at several levels, ranging from easy access and information on local environmental attractions (mountains, waterfalls, marine areas, etc.) to very close and intense personal interaction with local cultures and organizations. When considering a visit to an area such as this, it is a good idea to keep in mind the vulnerability of sensitive locations (both the natural environment and the human populations who may live there), the direct and indirect impacts of facilities construction and operation, recreational activities available at the hotel or resort, and how these facilities are monigored and managed.

For more information on Eco-tourism, check out: The Ontario Eco-Tourism Society and the International Eco-Tourism Society.