FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

"A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given to him by his fathers but borrowed from his children." - John James Audobon
         

General Questions:

  • What is ecotourism?
    - Here is what a few dictionaries have to say :

    Synonyms: tourism, Environmental tourism, Sustainable tourism

    Ecotourism represents a very powerful means to develop the biodiversity. It is environmentally responsible travel to relatively undisturbed areas, to enjoy and appreciate nature and accompanying cultural features and help to make become aware of the need for preserving natural and cultural capital. Ecotourism should have low visitor impact and should contribute to the well-being of local populations.

    Basically, the definition of ecotourism includes the appreciation, conservation, admiration, enjoyment, benefits to the cultures of the locals, preservation, protection as well as education, and it should be a non-exploitative kind of nature tourism.

    It must satisfy several criteria, such as
    • Conservation (and justification for conservation) of biological diversity and cultural diversity, through ecosystems protection.
    • Promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations.
    • Sharing of socio-economical benefits with local communities by having their informed consent and participation in management of ecotourism business.
  • How do you differentiate yourself from other agencies?

- First of all, we are not a travel agency. Apart from the fact that our principal objective is not to make money, we distinguish ourselves by being multicultural and by transposing our values and principals throughout our company’s activities. Thus, we are ensuring personalized and unique trips for our clients.

We founded ecotours because traveling and discovery is our passion; we truly believe that our efforts will one day considerably contribute to the promotion of sustainable development.

  • Are your trips pure ecotourism?

- No. Our trips focus on ecotourism. That means we will not deprive ourselves of visiting a certain city or of practicing a certain sport. We are looking to guide travelers in order for them to discover the natural treasures of the places we visit, as well as the native people that live there, their cultures, history, cities and important landmarks. We believe in progress, but more importantly we believe in sustainable development.

  • What is sustainable development?

- Here is what a few dictionaries have to say:
Sustainable development meets the needs and aspiration of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It must satisfy the following criteria:

    • Social progress which recognizes the needs of everyone.
    • Effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources.
    • Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
  • Comparable trips go for twice your price…so why are you so cheap?
- That’s pretty simple, we are determined to make this company a success, and to have a good time and enjoy the trip. Thus we decided not to focus on making huge profits but rather on making you guys (the clients) happy and build a reputation for ourselves.
 
 
© ecotours 2004