Eco-Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Eco-Tourism - Essay Example Major issues The article begins with the startling case of John Gray, a tour operator in Thailand, who discovered a number of tidal sea caves. His efforts to promote the location as an eco-tourism destination, albeit without upsetting the local fragile eco-system, proved ineffective over the years as he met with stiff competition, received threats from local gangs and eventually could not do anything to control the influx of tourists. In the end, the unabated activities of operators, tourists and the local government have severely distorted the delicate ecological balance existing in the area. The article also discusses the evolution of the concept of co-tourism as a way to protect fragile eco-systems and deliver some long-term benefits to the local populations. The power of marketing and the widespread acceptance of the concept have resulted in an explosive growth in the eco-tourism industry the world over. This has not only resulted in a severe harm to the environment due to the ac tivities of tourists (like cutting trees for campfires or collecting stalactite fragments as souvenirs), but has also displaced local tribes and natives. These people complain a lack of inclusion in the decision-making framework within any related initiatives.