With progress in transportation and technology, even the most isolated places in the world are within reach of the avid traveller. Recent studies have shown that tourism is now the world’s largest industry, with nature tourism the fastest growing segment.

People want to have the exciting and exhilarating experiences offered by nature and the natural world, but we all have a responsibility to do so in a way that doesn’t impact the natural environment.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) defines the phrase eco tourism as: “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.”

Eco tourism cannot just help preserve the natural areas but can provide a practical and financial development alternative for local communities that often have very few other income-generating options.