Ecotourism outweighs irresponsible travel

Ecotourism is slowly developing across the world, as people begin to recognise the effects that irresponsible travelling can have on third-world communities and the environment.

But some countries are still at risk from the damaging effects that tourism has on local communities, such as water abuse, poverty, and environmental damage.

Kay Taylor discusses the implications of irresponsible tourism in under-developed countries, outlines the benefits of ecotourism, and offers ways in which travellers can contribute towards improved working and living conditions for indigenous communities.

Each year, two million people visit Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, spending their money on local foods and souvenirs. Yet only 3% of this money remains in the local area and contributes towards Sharm El-Sheikh’s community development, because such resources are transported into the country rather than sourced locally.

This also results that the area produces ten times more waste than elsewhere, which vastly harms the environment.

This situation is only likely to worsen as tourism expands, as the majority of tourists are arguably unaware of the harrowing effects their holiday is having on the local people of the areas they are visiting.

Source - Female First