With technological development, fast means of travel have expanded the tourism horizon in the world because historical and cultural features as well as wilderness, and nature form the principal tourist attractions in a country.
The prospects of ecotourism in developed countries are more profound, where as in developing countries it has yet to be fully credited and realised. Today, nature-based tourism is highly desirable owing to prevailing nerve cracking socio-economic activities and engagements. Moreover, eco-tourism not only boosts up local economy but it is also a substantial source of foreign exchange. Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and some important countries of Europe, North and Central America, and Asia occupy top slot of many travel itineraries. According to an estimate, in 2004, ecotourism/nature tourism was growing globally three times faster than the tourism industry as a whole with national parks and nature reserves being hot spots for promotion of ecotourism in the world.
Growth of ecotourism in Pakistan is relatively slow and unmanaged. A holistic approach is needed to inculcate and promote environment friendly spirit, codes, and essentials among general public as tourists through informal education and awareness. Pakistan's diverse geography provides tremendous natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes particularly in upper northern hilly areas with deserts, meadows, lush green valleys, rivers, and lofty mountains being the main ecotourism attractions of the country. At present, domestic as well as international tourism is centered on the mountainous tract of Northern Areas, Chitral, Kaghan and the hill stations of Muree and the Galiat.
Everyone cares to keep his or her home clean, but when it comes to travelling and picnicking, solid waste management issues arise.
This demands tourists' acquaintance with essentials of ecotourism so as to mould and exercise a positive and environment friendly behaviour. It may be kept in mind that such areas are national assets which belong to every one; therefore it's everyone's equal responsibility to take care of solid waste disposal. Vendors, shops, restaurants, hotels, and other service providers also add to local pollution, which needs to be addressed and managed.
Read up about the place you plan to visit. Once you arrive there, waste should be disposed in a proper place or designated site. Avoid harming plants, insects, birds, animals or polluting streams or lakes.
Avoid noise pollution which disturbs other visitors and only allotted camping areas or trekking sites should be used. Written messages on informative boards must not be altered. Dry-pit toilets must be constructed away from water points and tracks and toilet waste should be buried before leaving.
Cultural, social, and natural values should be respected. On the other hand, institutions and organisations must develop and implement tourist management strategies, long term planning, and monitoring programs.
A change in attitude is a long process, but it should come through self-reformation. However, proactive tourist management and education techniques, coordination, political stability and observance of ecotourism essentials and ethics in letter and spirit would not only help betterment of the environment but a positive approache and sensitivity towards eco-tourism would also flourish.
