Tourism vs. Eco-Tourism

According to the World Tourism Organization, a United Nation's agency that serves as a global forum for tourism policy, worldwide international tourism grew by 5.5 percent in 2010. International tourism is expected to surpass 1.6 billion arrivals by 2020, which does not include domestic tourism. In the U.S., Americans took almost 2 billion trips within the country in 2010. This growing industry is driven by various segments, and Eco-tourism represents one of them. Some dealing with a minimizing impact call it "responsible tourism." Eco-tourists basically leave the environment they were in as it was when they first arrived. Kayaking down a river would have little to no impact on the environment but a hunting expedition may result in animal death, mating habits and offspring survival. Eco-tourists also make financial contributions to the Eco-tourims cause and raise awareness to large bodies of people to get them to increase sensitivity to tourism's overall impact to the natural and friendly environment.

Fulton, Jeff. "Tourism Vs. Eco-tourism." Travel Tips. USA Today, 2013. Web. 08 May 2013