Ecotourism in Southeast Asia
The Thai National Forests is a perfect example of one of Southeast Asia’s natural beauty and rich culture. With such perfect sanctuaries, travelers from all around the world are beginning to show interest in these areas as part of their vacation. Participants will get the chance to visit such places as Budo Sungai-Padi, Erawan and Khao national parks, where tourists may have the opportunity to watch animals in their natural habitat such as elephants, tropical birds and even the Asiatic tigers. They will also get a crash course in conservative efforts as well as the status of the regional ecology which will also include lessons on creating communal farms, using biogas, reducing hunting and discouraging logging.
With its popularity on the rise, travelers will throng to the Southeast Asian region to participate in such activities – an estimated 60.4 million tourists came to this region in 2007 for holidaying and it is expected that the number will continue to rise. Visitors are beginning to relinquish traditional tour package and take up ecotourism as an alternative instead. When we talk about ecotourism, ethicality and responsibility are the words that come to mind, this is because travelers who are participating in these activities are making sure that they are trying their best to reduce the impact their presence will have on the environment and that their spending will benefit the locals. Countries in this region have begun to notice the growing potential of this form of tourism and they are investing in it by taking advantage of the natural and cultural heritage within their respective countries. Such examples would include the conservation focused tour of the Sukau rainforest in Malaysia as well as the solar powered lodges that are found in Sumatra, Indonesia.
The term ecotourism itself can be pretty vague but some factors can be spotted when researching to participate in such activities. One of the main questions one should ask is whether the tour operators or hotels incorporate sustainable energy practices such as water conservation or use solar power instead of the normal electricity and is it certified. Do not be fooled by the word eco – they can be used just as marketing tools, make sure the companies do contribute back to the local community in some form or the other such as in monetary form or even volunteer time. However, you just want to make sure that you do not turn your planned vacation into free labor, though you must have determination if you want to participate in such activities.