Revenues From Ecotourism Activities in the World

Abstract

As a result of the urbanization brought on by the ongoing industrialization in the world the interest in  ecotourism is increasing, parallel with environmental pollution, destruction of natural areas, land use and land cover change. Ecotourism involves travelling to natural areas, protected areas or national parks and benefiting local communities by conserving the environment. This tourism activity, which is the result of people's longing for living in nature and natural environment, is realized both inside and outside the country. Since the areas where ecotourism activities are carried out are areas where rural population live, it is seen as a new employment area and revenue source for locals. Therefore ecotourism is an important instrument for rural development; if managed well, it also makes serious contributions to the country's economy. Turkey has a great potential and fabulous natural and protected areas, but tourism revenues are mostly generated from coastal areas. Turkey's ecotourism areas needs more publicity, and an integrated ecotourism plan in national tourism plans. Turkey has the 6th place in the number of visitors while 12th place in tourism income, in the world. In this study, ecotourism activities were evaluated in different countries and their effects on the revenue of countries were examined. In this way, ecotourism activities will be evaluated with different perspectives.