Community Development Through Ecotourism

Abstract

According to UNWTO, annual ecotourism revenues worldwide are estimated to grow from approximately $800 billion to one trillion in 2025. About 11 million people are employed in the tourism sector and related activities. The current growth of ecotourism is 10% to 12% per year and is the fastest-growing sector. The average age of travellers has become lower, and more and more young people are now interested in environmentally friendly forms of tourism. Ecotourism travellers cost less in infrastructure per income unit than any other type of tourist. In the last 30 years, no other type of tourism has generated such growth and popularity and become fundamentally important in the tourism sector and the world economy. Last year, nearly 9.5 billion tourists visited ecotourism destinations and raised awareness of the ecotourism concept and invested heavily to gain a sustainable travel experience. Currently, ecotourism is preferred by 71% of people under 30.