Ecotourism s Utopia
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Due to its recent emergence, ecotourism does not have yet a clear definition. However; on an attempt to give it a clearer meaning the International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the well being of local people" (http://ecotourism.org/index2.php?home). The World Tourist Organization projected that international tourism arrivals grew from 593 millions in 1996 to 702 millions in the year 2000, and will grow to over a billion by 2010. Although it may sound like a good idea, the great acceptance of this new branch of tourism has produced enormous amounts of human traffic in the natural areas confined to this new industry. This new found popularity brings serious impacts to the environment, to the locals and their cultural and to the economy of the host countries. These negative impacts reinforce the utopia that presents this new modality for travelers, known as ecotourism, because of the negative consequences it causes on the environment, the culture and the locals and the economy of the host places and countries. It is important to keep in mind the importance of protecting the natural areas, respect the locals and help the national economy...