Role of communities in ecotourism

Ecotourism is generally used when describing any manner of recreation or vacationing in a natural setting. Many critics and analysts of ecotourism have written about whether or not the activities involved are helping or actually harming rainforests and other popular sites of respite. Mathieson and Wall have extensively examined what many scholars and critics believe to be flaws in this method of travel. Environmental changes are seen to be caused simply by the building of hotels and accommodations, airports and roads in environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, indigenous agricultural areas, and wildlife habitat). The problems associated with a booming tourism industry have taken many small areas in different countries by storm. Towns have experienced many problems due to the poor planning in sewage system size, dumping of sewage effluent into the ocean, and the lack of water, all of which have lead to serious health problems for native peoples and tourists alike. Problems with effects from tourist activities and generally over-crowded conditions have also led to serious health and welfare concerns in these areas. Many countries that offer ecotourism opportunities are developing programs and activities that will help to limit and control the impact that tourism is having on the local landscape.