Sharma, Gagan Deep, et al. “Reviving Tourism Industry Post-COVID-19: A Resilience-Based Framework.” Tourism Management Perspectives, Elsevier Ltd., Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7771910/.

The following article talks about how Covid-19 has affected the tourism industry and how they plan on reviving the industry within the circumstances. The article suggests a policy framework that would enable market players and governments worldwide to cope with the challenges emerging for the global tourism industry from the outbreak of the pandemic. The article mentions the past tourism industry that was able to bounce back from certain pandemics and disasters before. Therefore, they are expecting a form of creative strategies to generate tourism business opportunities. In addition, there is an expected government aid of stimulus checks and government policies to revive the industry. There is also information regarding perhaps new technology to aid in the industry and also a way of more sustainable tourism.

I think it is very important for certain industries to find new and creative ways to handle the pandemic in order to further their business. We cannot simply depend on certain medications and vaccines to suddenly solve the way the economy has been affected. Many people have already lost their jobs and way of life and it’s up to smart entrepreneurial solutions to stimulate the economy in the sense of tourism. I think this article is a very hopeful and on the right track to actually do something about the tourism industry with the help of various research sources and statistics. 

“30 Top Pros & Cons Of Ecotourism.” E&C, 14 Dec. 2020, environmental-conscience.com/ecotourism-pros-cons/.

The following article I chose because I wanted to diversify all the information relating to ecotourism I had been using. There are both pros and cons as illustrated by the article above. Certain of those pros are how ecotourism can help maintain the natural environments in their natural state and be sustainable for the use of the resources used. In addition, it can preserve ancient knowledge and help explore new cultures. On the other hand, certain cons of ecotourism include the disturbance of wildlife or the environment if the people going do not handle the situation properly. In addition, traveling to those destinations could result in even more pollution for example riding on a plane to get to the desired location.

I think it is very important to consider both the negative and positive aspects of ecotourism and how it can not be a perfect solution for pollution and nature conservation. Although there are no doubt positive aspects we must consider the negative aspects and see if there are modifications we can include in order to remove some of these negative aspects. The ignorance in the caring for the environment by some of the guests could perhaps be solved by an education program and harsher rules and fines for disrupting the environment. Certain issues like littering could easily be solved by systems in place like that. Although it would not be able to solve every negative, it could still allow ecotourism to create an even better environmental impact.

Wulff, Alexia. “The Best Destinations for Ecotourism in the US.” Culture Trip, The Culture Trip theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/the-best-destinations-for-ecotourism-in-the-us/.

The following article depicts certain states that are known for ecotourism and the certain activities that those states offer. One of the examples of the states depicted is Oregon. The article states how the pacific northwest was a pioneer for the green movement. The state is described as surrounded by natural beauty and many ways to travel such as cycling and by foot. There are also descriptions of certain vineyards that provide sustainable “eco-wines” which are organic and sulfite-free. This state’s way of providing certain eco-friendly alternatives makes it a good state to visit.

The reason I found this article so compelling was because of its inclusion of specific examples and experiences from each of the states mentioned. Although the descriptions of each state were not too long, the descriptions were very descriptive of certain activities in those outlined states. The concise descriptions also included some personal locations and examples. I think that this type of recommendation is very helpful for those researching ecotourism because it provides both general and specific information regarding overall locations and activities. Overall, I think the concept of the article was interesting and helpful to those interested. 

Research, Allied Market. “Global Ecotourism Market to Generate $103.8 Billion by 2027: AMR.” GlobeNewswire News Room, “GlobeNewswire”, 18 Jan. 2021, www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/18/2160003/0/en/Global-Ecotourism-Market-to-Generate-103-8-Billion-by-2027-AMR.html.

The following article mentions the projected growth of ecotourism and the amount of profit generated. Ecotourism’s market was said to garner a staggering number of 92.2 billion dollars in the year 2019. From the year 2021 to the year 2027, there is a predicted increase of the compound annual growth rate of 2.5 percent. This would result in a large increase in profit resulting in a predicted increase to 103.8 billion dollars by the year 2027. Due to the pandemic, however, many tourism and transportation have been postponed or canceled as the deadly virus affects the safety of the locations. It is said that the United States would have the highest increase over that 6-year increase of 16.2% compounded annual growth rate.

The article mentions the whole ecotourism industry in a sort of business-style report which is an emotionless but logical approach. Although the audience is more structured for those interested in business, there was simply a focus on the profits gained, not the actual benefits of ecotourism. Although the act of ecotourism can generate profit, the main goal of the system is to minimize the impact on the environment whilst also contributing to the business that would aid in efforts for the betterment of the environment. The approach the article gives can also be considered a positive one that talks about the growth and therefore betterment of those involved to not only give jobs but also further projects in reaction. Therefore, I have mixed feelings about this article but do think it gives a good perspective for those wanting to see other’s viewpoint on ecotourism.

“America’s Top Ecotourism Destination For 2021.” Rave Reviews, 30 Dec. 2020, www.ravereviews.org/travel/americas-best-ecotourism-destinations/.

The article first starts off with an accurate description of ecotourism and its benefits. It also states the importance of minimizing the impact on nature-related travels and the overall betterment of the environment. In addition, the article mentions packing tips for the trips as well as ways to be responsible for the eco-tourism visits. The majority of the article states various ecotourism locations such as Yosemite National Park in California and Portland and the Cascades in Oregon.

I think what this article is really able to capture is the true essence of what ecotourism is really about and how to identify it. Some advertisement tactics convince people that some harmful environmental resorts are actually environmentally friendly which can be very misleading to those who care about the planet. The concept of how one should conduct themselves at one of the ecotourism locations is also a side I had not really thought about. Preparing beforehand to make sure you can fully minimize your impact or even better the place you are staying at can result in overall making the whole experience beneficial for the participants and future generations. The article also mentions some verified places one could visit for ecotourism which could potentially aid some people in their research.

Study Looks at Benefits and Key Species for Nature-Based Marine Tourism in Mexico’s Gulf of California and Baja California Peninsula. (2020). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://nereusprogram.org/works/study-looks-at-benefits-and-key-species-for-nature-based-marine-tourism-in-mexicos-gulf-of-california-and-baja-california-peninsula/

As summarized by the article, “Study Looks at Benefits and Key Species for Nature-Based Marine Tourism in Mexico’s Gulf of California and Baja California Peninsula”. The article is based around the tourism industry within that area which is centered around marine life and the jobs and profit it creates. There have been issues with the management of tourism with worsening ecosystems and they need to work towards a plan that focuses on more sustainable options.

I think just tourism, in general, is labeled as ecotourism as long as anything related to nature is involved which is inaccurate. The programs need to be less based on profit and a bit more on the sustainability of species otherwise there will not be a chance to have that tourism year in the future. If more programs implemented a more sustainable and beneficial approach to the ecosystems we would be in a much better situation in the whole industry towards having an active money-making solution that would both benefit the planet and those who might want to make a profit. As long as we focus on a compromise, we can get a lot more done. 

The University of Georgia. “Ecotourism fans may be in it for the social posts.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 November 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201112145437.htm>.

The article talks about how social media posts for ecotourism may be a more important factor for people choosing ecotourism than the actual sustainability of nature. According to the article, people get a sense of elevated status in the buying of certain luxury items and doing certain events which can be a motivating factor in purchases and decisions and it might be that same type of decision to want to do ecotourism. In sum, social media is changing the way we view travel as a society.

I think that if there is an increase in exposure to social media to certain parts of nature that there will be more people that go to certain places which can be positive and negative. In regards to covid and overcrowding, it can be a negative thing because too many people can actually be harmful and some places may not be able to handle that much of an increase of people. I do not think that the motives for people wanting to do ecotourism really matter as long as there is an effort for ecotourism because then there will be a benefit from it. Ecotourism can be really beneficial for the environment if done right.

Travel and Tourism: The Impact of the California Wildfires. (2020, October 19). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://leisuregrouptravel.com/travel-and-tourism-the-impact-of-the-california-wildfires/

This article pertains to more tourism as a whole in California not just the ecotourism aspect although it does have information pertaining to the national parks. Tourisms in California lead to millions of jobs and income which helps supports families within California. Due to covid 19 and the raging wildfires within California, there are fewer people going to those national parks but rather to other places within California like wineries. Since the whole weather climate and pandemic, there is less encouragement to want to come to more eco-friendly tourism locations because they are less accessible with fires.

The less participation in more ecotourism locations speaks more to where the fires spread and how that is still damaging the business and environment at the same time. The national parks are home to numerous ecosystems and allow for a more sustainable vacation than just focusing on tourism in general. 

As of June 25: All of California’s national parks are open. Kind of. We can explain. (2020, June 16). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2020-06-16/all-california-national-parks-are-open-in-different-ways

Regarding covid and how open the national parks are there are now limitations on how the parks work and hours, they are open to prevent the spread of covid 19. Although a few of the California national parks are closed, a majority are open with certain public areas like the visitor centers closed. For an example of one of the national parks, Pinnacles National State Park, is partially open with limited parking and the east side still open.

I can speak from personal experience as to what these trails and campsites look like as for the fact that I was at Pinnacles National Park during one of the weekends of November this week. The public areas like the restrooms are mask mandatory places but in places like your campsite, you can have a mask off. In regards to hikes, most people distance and bring along their masks and try to distance themselves from the other hiking groups. I think that it is important for the national parks to maintain some profit to keep the preservation and systems open. There are also very high fire risks around various parks which are something to look out for regarding ecotourism in California specifically.

(PDF) Ecotourism for Conservation? (2020). Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334314447_Ecotourism_for_Conservation

The trends in relation to the research of ecotourism tend to focus on a conflation of recreation and other conventional forms of tourism and a focus on ecological or social impact. In the analysis given of ecotourism and its effect, they look further into a large time period and various other indicators to have a more intense study on the effects that ecotourism has. The study focuses on why some forms of ecotourism fail because we categorize sets of normal tourism into said ecotourism or the design is flawed in the first place so it cannot truly benefit wildlife and ecosystems as it was mainly intended to. In that sense, it is a bit better than normal tourism but there can be certain adjustments to make it more sustainable and actually beneficial.

I think a lot of places coin the term ecotourism as an effort to generate a larger crowd of tourists who want to be better with the environment when they come and visit. I think if we really do more further research into what is actually happening and what we can do to truly create good ecotourism then we can have a specific label for ecotourism which would allow for a certainty that all those who use the term are actually following it. It is very easy to get convinced that something might be good or bad if there is not a lot of research out there to convince you otherwise.