Segregating Myths from Facts
Myth: Ecotourism is very expensive
Fact: Ah! This is the number one misconception about ecotourism. Majority of the travelers around the world prefer to meet locals, experience the local traditions and cultures of their tourist destination. Most tourist companies try to cash in on this expectation and promise the best opportunities to sink into the local culture and view the natural ecosystem of the place. An ignorant traveler might end up paying an exorbitant price for enjoying something that is naturally available at a tourist destination. Believe me, you can enjoy an eco-tour at an expense as low as $5 a day too.
Myth: Ecotourism hotels are not luxurious!
Fact: Quite often it is assumed that ecotourism involves jungle safaris and staying in tents in some remote corner of the globe. This is because ecotourism is advertised with pictures of tribal people, forests, animal-life and accommodation in tents or tree-houses. Fact is quite the opposite. While an eco-traveler may actually opt to travel in the cheapest possible way, backpacking or on foot, you might not be aware that ecotourism can be luxurious too. There are plenty of luxury hotels that emphasize on ecotourism by giving due respect to carbon footprint, organic food, protection of natural habitat of fauna, avoiding cultural shock to local people and so on.
Myth: Third world countries are the only ecotourism destinations.
Fact: Again a major myth of ecotourism holidays. As a prospective tourist, we believe what we see or presume. However, ecotourism holidays can take place in any part of the world from some remote place in Africa to some highly popular tourist city in Europe or United States.
Myth: Ecotourism means volunteering social work rather than fun-filled holidays
Fact: Of course, you may volunteer to take care of the ecology and culture of the places that you are visiting. Most people opting for ecotourism are nature-lovers who want to help protect the environment and help with water conservation and adaptation of energy-efficient means of traveling. But it is definitely not a mandatory criterion. You may opt for eco-friendly holidays and yet indulge in adventure sports like biking, river rafting, snow skiing, etc. You need to plan the adventures based on the availability of sports facility in the country.
Myth: Ecotourism is meant exclusively for adults
Fact: It is not mentioned anywhere that ecotourism is meant for older people only. In fact, there are plenty of families that take an eco-tour together. Single parents with young or teenage children use ecotourism as an opportunity to teach their children the importance of environment conservation.
