Eco Lodges and their Effects on Local Communities and the Environment in Developing Countries

Abstract

The world is in a critical period where knowledge of our environmental impact must be used to create sustainable innovations such as eco lodges. Eco lodges are a form of accommodation that are designed to have little to no effect on the environment it is located in while also having a positive socioeconomic impact. This chapter investigates the current success and future potential of these places in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, and India. When properly managed, there has been massive success for eco lodges for owners and visitors. Some highlights of these findings include many lodges recovering from startup costs in the first year, 94% of visitors to lodges in the Maguri Wetlands wanting to visit again, and eco tourists staying in lodges longer than the average tourists' vacation. It was found that these places provide a variety of activities for guests that are all ecofriendly. Through research this chapter draws the conclusion that this will be a profitable and sustainable innovation in the tourism industry.