For the ethical backpacker, ecotourism looks on the brink of making its presence felt in the mainstream, an industry expert has claimed.
But the industry is still struggling to meet some
backpacking demands, which suggests that planning a holiday and booking
hostels and flights separately is a better way to meet ecotourism requirements.
According to Fiona Jeffery, chairman of the World Travel Market, "ecotourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry".
Ms Jeffery explained: "Much more must be done by the international travel and tourism industry if it is to catch up with other sectors and fulfil the growing demands of holidaymakers.
"Much of the current examples of best practice are operated by smaller organisations…often steered by passionate individuals who have given their life to ensuring a better world."
Reassuringly, the World Travel Market Tourism and Water Report 2007 indicates that 92 per cent of hotel and
hostel respondents feel water is an issue that needs to be addressed.
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