ECOTOURISM AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Ecotourism essentially refers to a specific type of tourism that influences tourists to acknowledge and admire the chosen destination's biodiversity along with educating them about local rural cultures and traditions.

Goa, India's magnet of tourism has spent years together making itself the most quintessential location for an ideal getaway from the mundane obstacles of ordinary life. It is noted that on an average annually, the number of domestic tourists visiting the state is over seven million people, with foreigners adding another 403 thousand to the list in recent years. This colossal volume of visitors, although beneficial to the economy of the state, does in turn have adverse impacts on Goa's rich natural ecosystems. Severe consequences of over tourism would eventually lead to environmental degradation causing the State's charm to fade over the coming years, which would then cause a downfall in Goa's economic stability. There are several techniques through which Goa can promote ecotourism and encourage a sustainable travel trade, that shall be further discussed.

Regenerative Tourism

Ecotourism and Regenerative tourism are two concepts that go together like two peas in a pod. Goa is known to be one of India's very first states to be launching Regenerative tourism. The practice ensures that local communities are not overseen in the process of tourism, so as to assure that the locals are benefitted from this as well. This technique goes beyond the process of sustainable travels, rather it aims at leaving a mark by making the cultural environments as well as the natural ecosystems far better than ever before.

It is an exercise that does not view the local communities through an outsiders lens, rather communities are approached in a much positive and worthwhile manner. Promoting cultural exchanges on both ends, while also strengthening local businesses. This action has multiple long term benefits, such as preservation of cultures, which develops a positive image of tourism in the minds of locals, economic steadiness, as the earnings received through tourism would also be aiding the regional population, and many more.