ecotourism

[ek-oh-toor-iz-uhm, ee-koh‑]

noun

1. tourism to places having unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being a primary concern.

ecotourism

/ ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm /

noun

1. tourism that is designed to contribute to the protection of the environment or at least minimize damage to it, often involving travel to areas of natural interest in developing countries or participation in environmental projects

Other Word Forms

• ecotourist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecotourism¹

1985–90; eco- + tourism

Example Sentences

The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has defied the threat of habitat loss and civil war to become the country's leading ecotourism destination and a model for environmental conservation across west Africa.

Read more on Barron's

The Costa Rica economy relies heavily on ecotourism.

Read more on Science Daily

Nestled along the Beagle Channel with snow-capped mountains behind it, Ushuaia grew into a significant port city of 80,000 and a hub for ecotourism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While some worry tourism would “commercialize” the forests, others like Nanji believe that ecotourism could be beneficial if done right.

Read more on Seattle Times

Saving the eastern lowland gorilla is a difficult balancing act and, to succeed, it needs the support of the park's human neighbours who will also benefit from ecotourism.

Read more on BBC