A According to the Ecotourism Society, ecotourism can be defined as traveling through nature in a manner that promotes environmental conservation and enhances the livelihoods of the citizens. Ecotourism is regarded as a favorable way of improving and enriching tourism standards, as this style of tourism honours the locals and their natural heritage. Ecotourism also conforms to the population thresholds each heritage and natural site can handle.
B It is palpable that Cuba is an ecotourism destination. It has breathtaking ecological water bodies, reserves, beaches, and landscapes in rural areas. In addition to this, the enhanced road infrastructure and communication networks promote ecotourism. Among the Caribbean Nations, Cuba comes second as a popular destination for tourists.
Ecotourism enhances the ability of the local and foreign tourists to learn in awareness concerning the environment. Even better ecotourism inspires the willingness of people to act on environmental conservation. Furthermore, ecotourism is closely associated with the advancement of peace, which is achieved by increasing cultural exchange and educational opportunities. The health and safety of tourists are assured.
Former Cuban President and Fidel Castro's brother, Raul Castro, introduced an initiative aimed at salvaging an important Cuban practice. He reinvigorated the use of herbal medicines in the healthcare system. An ecotourism community school in Las Terrazas imparts herbal healthcare knowledge to the students by teaching them the application and the cultivation of herbal medicine which is used in creams, tinctures, teas, and ointments.
Ecotourism has become a useful tool in the elimination of poverty in Cuba. It injects economic wealth and creates jobs for the locals. The efforts by Raul Castro have increased job opportunities for the residents in the ecotourism communities as well as Cuban ecotourism in general.
C South America is most probably the region that demonstrates the negative aspects of ecotourism. Histoplasma Capsulatum happens to be a type of dimorphic fungus associated with the most prevalent endemic fungal infection in the United States. The dimorphic fungus is linked with exposure to bird or bat dung. In recent times, epidemics have become a common health occurrence for travellers returning from South and Central America. Travellers who engage in adventure tourism, spelunking, ecotourism, and other recreational activities are most vulnerable. It is a common phenomenon for them to ignore proper sanitation during travel. After participating in risky activities, it is advisable to hose off boots and place clothes in airtight bags pending laundry after wearing them. Travellers with cardiovascular diseases should keep off risky environments and behaviours like cave voyaging.
With the biodiversity, adventures into the far-flung areas that have wildlife wealth provide for ecotourism opportunities as opposed to nature exploration. Sustainable tours promote ecotourism and they allow communities and nature to grow together simultaneously in a privileged environment. Travellers usually find pleasure in all the stages that advance their experience in the journey towards sustainability. Some of the most potent threats to tropical forests in South America are deforestation emanating from the desire to expand cultivation land, unlawful coca farming, mining, oil spills and extraction, logging, colonisation activities, cattle ranching, etc. Due to deforestation, indigenous people lost their territory and saw their population diminish significantly. More people are embracing ecotourism and also trying to perpetuate efficient use of all resources for sustainable tourism development.
D To enhance ecotourism and boost economic benefits, East Africa should be more focused on alleviating unlawful hunting. This will rejuvenate the wildlife population, hence allowing an opportunity for trophy hunting. Peter Lindsey, who authors the ‘New Study’, said that illegal wildlife hunting has robbed wildlife resources more so because the activity diminishes wildlife value. This value can be realised through alternatives like ecotourism and trophy hunting. Many East Africa residents believe that ecotourism has the potential to offer solutions. They favor community empowerment. Peter Lindsey praised the conservation efforts happening locally, saying that it promotes ecotourism and cultivates environmental awareness.
E In the year 1995, ecotourism was starting to become a fundamental concept in Indonesia. To enhance domestic tourism, the government has to target the appropriate markets, which will facilitate ecotourism. Market segments for ecotourism in Indonesia include the following: a) 55—64 age bracket or ‘Silent generation’. These are people with enough wealth, a good education and no children depending on them. They can travel for a month. b) 35—54 age bracket or ‘Baby Boom generation’. These are the well-off junior managers who will most probably travel in the company of their children and family. They can travel for two to three weeks. To them, traveling helps alleviate stress. c) 18—29 age bracket or ‘X generation’. This generation loves to tour the world backpacking. Often their travel can be anywhere between three to twelve months. They can spend anywhere between USD$300 to USD$500 per month. Different ecotourism packages in Indonesia should be designed to target different cohorts. The country attracts diverse tourist categories.
F There are as many services offered by ecotourism as there are in traditional tourism. Belize is a country cushioned between the Caribbean Sea, Mexico, and Guatemala. It is a favourite destination for Hamanasi honeymoons. Tourists receive champagne after arriving, private services on their first night, three daily meals, and an adventure of their choice. Hamanasi also has 6 & 7 nights' honeymoon options on offer. Lovers will receive several custom tours that include trips to Brimstone Hill Fortress and a neighbouring island. Some of the guided tours may also include plantation, volcano, and rainforest tours.
Gregory Pereira is an outgoing and very knowledgeable tour guide and hiker. He says that ecotourism adventures incorporate transport from specially designed Land Rovers, wholesome tropical juices, island pastry picnics, knowledgeable island guides, and comprehensive insurance coverage for the participants.
G Kodai is an ultimate splendor spot for those who love being close to mother nature. The tourists who want a tonic for their mind and body will find Kodai magnificent. It is said that every bird has to sing its throat. The same is true for the tourists because they should map out their path through the motley and raw nature of steep mountains and deep valleys. The Kodai cheese factory which is situated inside the forest is known to export droves of cheese globally. The cheese is a delicacy for tourists and the distinct eating experience is a famous form of ecotourism.