Ecotourism
Contents
- Introduction
- Economic Value of Nature Tourism
- Examples of Sites that Combine Nature and Marketing
- Information Resources on Nature Tourism
- Related MRSC Pages
Introduction
Environmental tourism, ecotourism, or nature tourism provides an opportunity to visit undisturbed natural areas, scenic vistas, and to observe plants and wildlife. Washington state offers many opportunities for local governments to promote their natural environments to visitors. While maximizing the economic, environmental, and social benefits from ecotourism, the local environment must be protected. This page provides links to information on how to create and promote a nature tourism destination.
- A Community Guide to Nature Tourism, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) - Information on how to start a sustainable nature tourism program
- What is Ecotourism?, The Nature Conservancy
Economic Value of Nature Tourism
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife-sponsored study, Adding-It-Up reported that direct expenditures on wildlife viewing in Washington for 2001 were over $979 million. The total economic contribution from wildlife watching in Washington was $1.78 billion.
- Assessing the Economic Development of Nature Tourism, by Nancy Hodur, F. Larry Leistritz, and Kara Wolfe, Great Plains Research, 2005 - Emphasis on Nature Tourism in the Great Plains
- Nature Tourism Benefits Washington Communities, WDFW - Economic benefits of nature tourism to Washington communities
Examples of Sites that Combine Nature and Marketing
The following are selected sites that promote ecotourism in Washington communities:
Scenic
- Green Tourism, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
- Snohomish River Estuary, Snohomish County Parks and Recreation
Trails
Wilderness
- The Central Cascades Geotourism Project of Oregon and Washington, Travel Oregon and Experience Washington in association with National Geographic
Wildlife
- About San Juan County Wildlife, San Juan Chamber of Commerce
- Introducing Washington's Wildlife Areas, WDFW - Search for wildlife areas in different parts of the state
Other
- Experience Washington, Washington State Tourism Division - Includes information on wildlife, scenic areas, and outdoor activities
Information Resources on Nature Tourism
This section includes general information creating and promoting nature tourism.
- Tool Kits and Agritourism/Nature Tourism Planning Guides, Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Links to many useful nature tourism planning guides
- Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California, 2nd edition, University of California Davis, 2011 (publication summary and ordering information) - A workbook to help farmers and ranchers determine their tourism potential and walk through the steps of creating a tourism enterprise
- The Business of Nature Tourism: Resources, WDFW - Resources for starting a nature tourism business
- Discover Your Northwest - Dedicated to increasing public appreciation of the rich cultural history and spectacular natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest; includes educational materials for the visiting public
- Ecotourism: Travel, Connect with the Natural World, The Nature Conservancy - Includes basic information on ecotourism
- Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, by Martha Honey, Island Press, 1999 (Available through MRSC Library Loan) - Older but still useful overview of ecotourism development
- Making Nature Your Business, A Guide for Starting a Nature Tourism Business in the Lone Star State (
), Texas Parks and Wildlife - Useful guidance about the business of nature tourism
- About Geotourism, National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations - Defines geotourism and addresses sustainability
- Sustainable Tourism Gateway, Global Development Research Center - Provides access to information and networking on sustainable tourism
- Sustainable Tourism Resources, Sustaining Tourism - Addresses the demand for sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and urban sustainability