Top Ecotourism Companies - List of the Best Eco-friendly Organizations

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is responsible travel that helps to conserve the environment. It's about uniting conservation and communities and providing economic opportunities for people to benefit.

   Ecotourism is defined by the International Ecotourism Society as an opportunity to travel without harming or spoiling. The purpose is not only to entrancing travel, but to save nature and improve the welfare of local people.

Staying close to the environment is the main principle of the ecotourism business.

What is an ecotourism company?

Ecotourism companies are independent organizations that care about natural and human resources.

Staying close to the environment is the main principle. Companies specializing in ecotourism provide ways to find things needed to use services or products.

A number of important principles:

1. Create an awareness curriculum and respect

Education is key to getting more information about ecotourism destinations and other initiatives. It gives the opportunity to focus on improving awareness of Earth.
The big-picture goal is sensitizing people to environmental problems.

2. Generate positive impact

The focus is all on minimizing the negative factors of travel. Today’s ecotourism agencies always try to create conditions of using sustainable materials and make as small an impact on the local environment as possible.

3. Build a financial basis for saving the environment

Ecotourism can give a chance to provide a revenue-generating alternative to urbanization, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and of course poaching with spoiled nature.

4. Pay attention to creating financial benefits for local people

There are situations when ecotourism destinations create problems for local people, but it's not right, due to the fact ecotourism must provide financial benefits for them.

5. Support people's rights

This one is the most contentious principle. Why? The question exists between ecotourism companies and indigenous populations: how should they cooperate together without harming others?
In any case, ecotourism should support local businesses and the rights of local people.

Ecotourism vs tourism

There are differences between traditional tourism and ecotourism. 
The first way is to travel comfortably and be funny. The second one is not only for this purpose. 

Ecotourism is much deeper than just entertainment. It is about the consciousness and responsibility of tourists and companies. 

Ecotourism can answer the question:

“How to travel with benefits for yourself and the environment?”
Traditional tourism – can’t.

Ecotourism programs will try to minimize the negative aspects of traditional tourism and build cultural and environmental awareness.  Tourism is only people's travel and stays in places outside their usual environment, which often can destroy nature.

Which country is a world leader in ecotourism?

   Costa Rica is the best recognized country and leader in the ecotourism business. The travelers choose this country not only for breathtaking views, but for the best ecotourism destinations.

 The government of Costa Rica took a decisive step and invested in the protection of a large part of the jungle and other forests.
    
  Ecotourism has a leading role in the country's economy, bringing in about $2 billion a year. 

      There is a list of countries that are also successful in this area:
- Norway
- Kenya
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Brazil
- the USA

How do select the right companies for ecotourism?

It's no secret, that ecotourism is growing every day and starting to be popular. This industry was unknown “yesterday”, but it's young and achieving success “today”. Ecotourism is becoming a big trend.

Every impact-minded traveler always tries to find splendid companies in ecotourism.  Unfortunately, not everyone knows about ways to select correctly. 

Take advice:

- Research 
Search for reviews, ask a person who was a past traveler in the company;
- Don't be naive
Make sure that the operator you use really believes in the ethos of green and nature tourism. You should always ask and get truthful information;
- Check out eco-tour organizations and boards.
Make sure there is a touring board or overarching organization.