An Eco-Tour will typically involve traveling to destinations where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions and will promote programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment. In addition, real ecotourism should encourage recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities.
Ecotourism is about connecting conservation, communities and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in responsible tourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:
• minimize impact of tourism's own environmental impact by the conservation of biological and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection leaving areas visited totally unspoiled without any traces or impact of human activity left behind
• build environmental and cultural awareness and respect by promoting and encouraging recycling, energy efficiency and water conservation
• provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts so that each of them take care of planet Earth and promote eco-friendly practices back at home
• provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people creating real opportunities for the community by sharing socio-economic benefits, choosing local companies and by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises
• raise sensitivity to host country's politics, environment, social customs, traditions and climate
