Eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation.

Eco-tourism is
consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world's natural and cultural environments. It
accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the
environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility
of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism also endeavours to encourage and support the diversity of local economies for which the
tourism-related income is important. With support from tourists, local services and producers can
compete with larger, foreign companies and local families can support themselves. Besides all these, the
revenue produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund conservation projects and
training programs.

Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-
tourism is all about. Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt
and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the
life cycle of nature.

Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning
new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora,
fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that
minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural
integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors,
initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation
of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism.

Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of
the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and
developing eco-tourism policies. They come from the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife
Management, Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National and State Park
Management, Environmental Sciences, Women in Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc.

Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, according to the World
Tourism Organization with an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world
gross domestic product, 11.4% of all consumer spending - not a market to be taken lightly.

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What is Eco-tourism?

Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to
sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when
visiting a place. This is responsible form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going
back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development.

The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who
implement and participate in Eco-tourism activities should follow the following principles:

Minimize impact
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
 Support international human rights and labour agreements

Aware of the Environment - Today the "Green Laws" of conservation are making people aware of how
man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the only way
to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the
process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had.

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In India too the movement is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related
organisation's are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-tourism in the country.
Some basic do's and don'ts of eco-tourism are listed below:

Do's

Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not
litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment
equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make
sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a
photograph.

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Don'ts

Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in
the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region
has to be protected at all costs.
Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local
traditions.
Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be
used and littered.

As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Here
are some rules of thumb to make this impact positive!

Golden Rules When You Travel

Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories,
and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings,
appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local
acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.
Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what
their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on
trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to
minimize your impact in sensitive areas.
 Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to
ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.

Eco-Tourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the
fragile Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the
largest concentration in the world.

Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotel accommodation are gathering momentum amongst the metropolis
traveller. A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure
tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked
deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India
one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on the planet. Some of these are given below

Eco-Tourism Pioneers in Kerala - http://www.tourindiakerala.com

Jungle Lodges and Resorts - (Eco-Tourism Pioneers in South India) - http://www.junglelodges.com
The Camp RapidFire - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

The Camp BodhiSatva - Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh

The Himalayan Trout House - Tirthan, Himachal Pradesh - www.questrails.com

Info on Organic Farming & Eco-Tourism:

The Saat-tal Camp - Saat-tal, Nainital

The Camp Purple - Mukteshwar

The Camp Kyari (one of the finest models of Eco-tourism in the country) - Village Kyari, Ramnagar -
www.wildrift.com

Camp Silver Sands - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

Camp Lunagarh - Mori, Uttaranchal - www.treknraft.com

The Himalayan River Runner Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal - www.hrr.com

The OAI Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal - www.oai.com
The Leopard Beach Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal - www.snowleopardadventures.com

These are but a selective panorama on the Indian Eco-tourism products. Some other eco-tourism spots in
India are well detailed on the website http://ecoclub.com/india.html
Q: How is ecotourism different from nature tourism, sustainable tourism, responsible tourism?

A: Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves
the well-being of local people." While "nature-based tourism" is simply describes travel to natural places,
ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism that benefits local communities and destinations environmentally,
culturally and economically. Ecotourism represents a set of principles that have been successfully implemented
in various global communities, and are supported by extensive industry and academic research. Ecotourism,
when properly executed based on these principles, exemplifies the benefits of socially and environmentally
sound tourism development. Like ecotourism, such terms as sustainable tourism and responsible tourism are
rooted in the concept of sustainable development, or development that "meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs" (Bruntland Commission, 1987).
With this concept in mind, sustainable tourism was defined in the 1992 Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism
Industry as tourism that "meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing
opportunities for the future." For more information on responsible tourism and other ecotourism-related
terminology, see: Ecotourism Resources.

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Q: How has ecotourism evolved over the years?

Ecotourism first grew out of the global environmental movement in the late 1970s. While the development and
growth of ecotourism took various paths in different parts of the world, by the early 1990s, ecotourism, along
with nature-based, cultural, heritage and adventure tourism, had become among the fastest growing sectors of
the tourism industry worldwide. More recently, ecotourism has helped to spawn a variety of new terms, such as
sustainable tourism, pro-poor tourism, and responsible tourism, all of which encompass the concept that
tourism can and should benefit conservation and host communities. An important trend within the development
of sustainable tourism is initiatives to mainstream sustainability within travel and tourism, by taking the
principles and good practices of ecotourism and applying them to wider swath of the market, e.g. hotel chains,
urban tourist attractions, ski resorts, golf courses, and beach resorts.

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Q: Why is ecotourism important?

A: Ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry that is making significant positive
contributions to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of destinations and local
communities around the world. Offering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective
economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and
cultural heritage of our beautiful planet. By increasing capacity building opportunities, ecotourism is also an
effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve
sustainable development. Furthermore, ecotourism has provided an impetus to assist in greening the tourism
industry on many fronts.

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Q: Who are eco-tourists?

A: Ecotourism appeals to a wide range of travelers, of all ages and interests. Travelers who choose ecotourism
are responsible consumers interested in social, economic and environmental sustainability. Seeking authentic
local experiences and opportunities to give back to the communities they visit, many eco-tourists participate in
voluntourism activities. Increasingly, eco-tourists are also seeking to minimize the carbon footprint of their
travel, traveling with climate in mind by planning wisely and choosing consciously. Find out where TIES Traveler
members are, and connect with fellow conscious travelers around the world at Ecotourism Explorer.

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Q: Why should I become involved in ecotourism?

A: Ecotourism is a tool that provides opportunities - a financially viable tool that provides sustainable solutions
to economic challenges and conservation needs of local people; an alternative means of supporting rural
economies to help revitalize and sustain local heritage; and a market-linked force connecting and empowering
stakeholders. Equally importantly, ecotourism also provides you, the traveler with unique opportunities to gain
authentic experiences, discover new places, make new friends, and have a fun, memorable time. Eco-traveling
can be much more than just taking only pictures and leaving only footprints; it’s an opportunity for you to make
a difference and to make a lasting impact on communities and destinations you visit.

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Q: Where can I find more information about ecotourism?

A: TIES website offers information and resources for travelers, professionals and media. Visit our eLibabry to
view and download our publications and relevant resources on various topics - sustainable tourism certification,
volunteer vacations, parks and protected areas, community-based ecotourism, among others. If you are
interested in e-learning opportunities, check out our Multimedia Room to access interactive web resources.
Ecotourism Explorer is a great tool for travelers seeking information and tips on particular destinations, as well
as for professionals and organizations seeking partnership opportunities.

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Q: What does TIES do?

A: TIES is dedicated to the mission of promoting ecotourism by:

• Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry:

• Educating tourists and tourism professionals; and
• Influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism
into their operations and policies.

Using TIES' definition and principles of ecotourism as guidelines, we continue to serve as an unbiased source of
information and resources on ecotourism and responsible travel, and seek to promote a well-researched
message about what ecotourism stands for.

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Q: What are donations and membership fees used for?

A: The contributions that we receive from our members and supporters are used to strengthen TIES work of
uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel. All of TIES programs and projects are dedicated to
our mission. Through TIES Ecotourism Fund, we support and promote ecotourism initiatives worldwide that
focus on solutions, implementation, and action, and we seek innovative ways to strengthen responsible
business and empower communities. Learn more about how your contribution supports ecotourism.

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Q: How can I get involved in TIES' activities and projects?

A: There are many ways to become part of TIES initiatives. Joining TIES global ecotourism network as a
member is a great way to support TIES and ecotourism, to receive various benefits that will help enhance your
knowledge and skills, and to gain many exciting opportunities. You can also help TIES vital work of promoting
ecotourism and supporting communities worldwide by spreading our messages. We also encourage you to get
involved in ecoDestinations by actively participating in the auction and online discussions each month, and to
become part of our events and conferences. If you are interested in internship opportunities at TIES, please
review the current internship descriptions.
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Q: Who are TIES members?

A: TIES membership is a "network of networks," representing 50+ local, national and regional ecotourism
associations around the world. TIES Business members are both businesses involved in ecotourism and
sustainable travel (e.g. tour operators, lodge owners/managers) and businesses involved in affiliated industries
(e.g. PR/marketing agencies). TIES Professional members are academics, consultants, conservation
professionals and other experts involved in the field of ecotourism. Our membership also caters to educators
(College & University members) and students (Student members), NGOs and non-profit organizations (NGO
members), CVBs, destination marketing organizations, and tourism offices (Institution members), and
ecotourism supporters (Traveler members) from all over the world. Search for and connect with TIES members
at Ecotourism Explorer, and if you are not yet a member, join us today!

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Q: Who are TIES' partners?

A: TIES partners with environmental NGO's, travel associations, conservation groups and other organizations
that share our commitment to responsible travel and sustainable development worldwide in various ways. We
offer complimentary Association-level membership to non-profit, non-governmental and multi-stakeholder
associations with primary focus on ecotourism and sustainable travel. Providing the vital links between
governments, NGOs, businesses and citizens, these local, national and regional ecotourism associations, are a
crucial part of our efforts to further TIES mission. Learn more about TIES' partners: Our Partners & Supporters.

Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low
impact and (often) small scale (as an alternative to mass tourism). Its purpose is to educate the traveler;
provide funds for ecological conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political
empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since
the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future
generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.[1] Several university
programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.[2]

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or voluntourism, personal growth and environmental

responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural
heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the
impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on
the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating
environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy
efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.[3] For these
reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.
RURAL TOURISM:

Rural tourism focuses on participating in a rural lifestyle. It can be a variant of ecotourism. Any village
can be a tourist attraction, and many villagers are very hospitable. Agriculture is becoming highly
mechanized and therefore requires less manual labor. This is causing economic pressure on some villages,
leading to an exodus of young people to urban areas.

Benefits
Rural tourism allows the creation of an alternative source of income in the non-agricultural sector for
rural dwellers.[citation needed] The added income from rural tourism can contribute to the revival of lost folk art
and handicrafts. It is an ideal and natural method of rural and urban economic exchange.

Tourism growth potential can be harnessed as a strategy for Rural Development.

The development of a strong platform around the concept of Rural tourism is
definitely useful for a country like India, where almost 74% of the population resides
in its 7 million villages. Across the world the trends of industrialization and
development have had an urban centric approach. Alongside, the stresses of urban
lifestyles have led to a “counter-urbanization” syndrome. This has led to growing
interest in the rural areas. At the same time this trend of urbanization has led to
falling income levels, lesser job opportunities in the rural areas leading to an
urbanization syndrome in the rural areas. Rural Tourism is one of the few activities
which can provide a solution to these problems. Besides, there are other factors
which are shifting the trend towards rural tourism like increasing levels of
awareness, growing interest in heritage and culture and improved accessibility, and
environmental consciousness. In the developed countries, this has resulted in a new
style of tourism of visiting village settings to experience and live a relaxed and
healthy lifestyle. This concept has taken the shape of a formal kind of Rural Tourism.
Under this Scheme, thrust is to promote village tourism as the primary tourism
product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and its new
geographic regions. Key geographic regions are identified for development and
promotion of Rural Tourism. The implementation is done through a Convergence
Committee headed by the District Collector. Activities like improving the
environment, hygiene, infrastructure etc. are covered for assistance. Apart from
providing financial assistance, the focus is to tap the resources available under
different schemes of Department. of Rural Development, State Governments and
other concerned Departments of the Government of India.

1. Definition of Rural Tourism : Any form of tourism that showcases the rural
life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations, thereby benefiting the local
community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction between the
tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism experience can be termed as
rural tourism. Rural tourism is essentially an activity which takes place in the
countryside. It is multi-faceted and may entail farm/agricultural tourism, cultural
tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism. As against
conventional tourism, rural tourism has certain typical characteristics like; it is
experience oriented, the locations are sparsely populated, it is predominantly in
natural environment, it meshes with seasonality and local events and is based on
preservation of culture, heritage and traditions.

Agri tourism:
Agritourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that
brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Agritourism has different definitions in different parts of the world, and
sometimes refers specifically to farm stays, as in Italy. Elsewhere, agritourism includes a wide variety of
activities, including buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze, picking fruit,
feeding animals, or staying at a B&B on a farm[1].

Agritourism is a form of niche tourism that is considered a growth industry in many parts of the world,
including Australia[2], Canada [3], the United States [4], and the Philippines [5]. Agritourism overlaps with
geotourism, ecotourism, and culinary tourism. Other terms associated with agritourism are
"agritainment", "value added products," "farm direct marketing", and "sustainable agriculture".

ATDC to open institute in Baramati to train farmers for Agri-

Tourism

Plans to tap MICE segment for Rural and Agricultural Tourism

By Maansi Sharm |Mumbai

In an effort to boost Agri and Rural Tourism in the state and train farmers for the same, Pune-based Agri Tourism
Development Corporation (ATDC) is setting up an institute in Baramati. The Agricultural and Rural Tourism Training
Institute which will be inaugurated on August 15, 2011 will focus on training farmers in various aspects of the segment and
tourism business. ATDC is in the process of tying up with the Maharashtra Tour Operators Association (Pune Chapter) to
promote Agri and Rural Tourism in the domestic market, especially to the MICE segment.

Spread over 20 acres, the state-of-the-art institute being developed at an investment of Rs 1.5 crore by ATDC, will also
comprise 20 rooms to accommodate tourists and facilities for hosting events and conferences for groups up to 100 people.
Pandurang Taware, Managing Director, Marketing, ATDC said,
“Agricultural Tourism though a niche segment is an established concept. However, the farmers who want to participate are
unable to understand intricacies like banking and loans, tourism, marketing and legal formalities that go into the same.
These topics will be the major focus of our programme. Modern technology will also be provided to those who cannot
afford it.”

According to Taware, the institute is being constructed completely by locals without the involvement of professional
architects or contractors. “This move is an attempt by ATDC to involve the local communities and provide more
employment for them,” informed Taware. He further added, “Some of these farmers after their training will be employed at
the centre as well. We have already employed 79 locals in the last two months with an aim to pump money back into the
villages in the form of salaries.” The rooms at the institute will be offered to tourists at Rs 1,000 per head inclusive of all
meals and will also include farm tours and activities. The idea, according to Taware, is also to tap the corporate sector for
incentives and conferences at the institute.

FARM TOURISM:

Back to roots, back to nature

When was the last time you chased a chicken,
woke up to a rooster call, enjoyed a rocking bullock cart ride,
offered a squirrel a peak of grain,
took an afternoon nap in the shade of a fruit laden tree ...
So, when was the last time ...
Haryana Tourism has taken the initiative to introduce the concept of Farm Tourism in India. The
farms are located in the lap of Mother Nature near Delhi and offer their mystical beauty and
charm to sooth away you modern day bruises and burnouts.

The farms offer you an experience of a lifestyle that's true of a real India - rich in age old
traditions, ethnic arts and crafts.