EcoTourism & Eco-Rated Facilities in Kenya

So what truly is Ecotourism?

When defining EcoTourism, the fundamental words are ‘dependable the travel industry’ and ‘neighborhood societies’. It unites protection, networks, and the travel industry.

Ecotourism isn’t a kind of the travel industry like different sorts of the travel industry for example Experience, seashore, culture-based, natural life, sports, picturesque, particular, and so forth

• Not a correlation or choice to mass the travel industry
• Not a selective method of doing the travel industry

In any case, … a travel industry business approach or system for accomplishing the objectives of a supportable turn of events. Thus, ecotourism standards are pertinent to a wide range of the travel industry and the travel industry items

Models of Ecotourism

• Conservancies (nature, wildlife, shrines)
• Tourism enterprises (lodges, camps, treks, etc)
• Tourism sector-based Corporate Social
• Responsibility (CSR)
• Travelers’ philanthropy
• Tourism supply chain management
• Tourism Investment – Private-Public Partnerships
• Direct capacity-building community development Programs

Principles Governing Ecotourism

1. Encourage travel to natural areas
2. Minimize the impact of tourism activities on natural attractions
3. Recognize and build awareness about local conservation values and their importance to society
4. Provide direct benefits and empowerment for local people at destinations without retrogression on environmental, cultural, or local living standards.
5. Respect local people, their customs, and culture
6. Support sustainable development of local economies through direct involvement and participatory decision-making

EcoTourism in Kenya

Ecotourism Kenya is a body in Kenya that promotes responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry. This entails encouraging the adoption of best practices in the use of tourism resources, working with local communities, and managing waste and emissions.

Founded in 1996 as the Ecotourism Society of Kenya (ESOK) and later adopting the name Ecotourism Kenya (EK) in 2006, EK was the first ecotourism society in Africa and a leader in the fields of voluntary tourism certification, and community asset building through tourism projects.

It is also involved in sustainable tourism planning, and campaigns, community mobilization and sensitization, product identification and development, and environmental/social audits.

EK works in partnership with many professionals from its membership. It enjoys support from the Ministry of Tourism, the Kenya Tourism Board, and tourism practitioners. It has over the years enjoyed support from development partners including UNDP, NEMA, Tourism Fund, CBI Netherlands, AWF, and FORD Foundation.

With nineteen years of experience in ecotourism, EK has an intimate understanding of both the complexities and unique opportunities that ecotourism can provide to local populations, the environment, investors, and the business of tourism.

Through a strong social, business, and environmental awareness, EK has been able to cater to its membership and industry. It has provided relevant and practical guidance for attaining sustainable solutions to challenging issues in tourism development to both communities and tourism practitioners.

Equally important has been the creation of lasting partnerships with tourism practitioners and interested parties.  EK acts as the confluence of the tourism industry, communities, and conservation while promoting responsible management of resources.

Eco Rated Facilities