The role and importance of ecotourism on the tourism market

Snežana Milićević; Dejan Sekulić; Marija Mandarić

doi:10.71159/icemit2541M

Authors

Snežana Milićević University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
Dejan Sekulić University of Kragujevac Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
Marija Mandarić University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71159/icemit2541M

Keywords:

ecotourism, eco-tourists, protected natural areas

Abstract

Ecotourism is a specific form of tourism that represents the complete opposite of mass, conventional tourism. It is a type of tourism that develops in line with the principles of sustainable development. It takes into account the natural, social, and cultural environment, as well as the economic impact on local communities. Ecotourism is particularly important for protected natural areas. All these characteristics make ecotourism highly attractive to tourists for whom experiences in nature, education, and interaction with the local community and its culture are important aspects of travel. For them, it is especially significant that ecotourism does not have a negative impact on the natural and cultural environment, while at the same time contributing to the well-being of the local population. In many countries, particularly in developing ones, ecotourism plays a crucial role in economic development, as it represents the main source of foreign exchange income. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role and significance of ecotourism in the contemporary tourism market. Examples of good practice are presented with the purpose of showing how ecotourism contributes to the development of different natural areas.

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