Comparison of Ecotourism and Active Tourism

Common Aims:

Both Ecotourism and Active Tourism share a high respect for Nature and Biodiversity. They both follow the belief that even global concerns need local solutions. Nature is beautiful and the best way to protect it is to enjoy it by discovering and knowing it. They both include an interpretation and learning effect as a important aspect of the visit. Both Ecotourists and Active Tourists pursue "life enhancement" and share a common desire for authenticity and a complete immersion in the environment. A desire to experience novelty and uniqueness as part of the travel experience.

Both Ecotourism and Active Tourism aim to have as little impact as possible on the ecosystem and the visited country. They both seek longterm and sustainable benefices. Within the context of touristic development, sustainability is then defined as the ability to use present resources without consuming them faster as regeneration makes possible. Their services are delivered primarily to small groups by small-scale businesses requiring the lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources.
Opposed to the consequences of traditional Mass Tourism, both phylosophies are committed to conserve the environment as well as local culture, traditions and values. To offer work to local people and help to the development of the region. 

Differences:

The differences between Ecotourism and Active Tourism are subtle but nevertheless important: 1) location of travelling, 2) objects and subjects of visiting and 3) in the attitude during visiting.

Firstly, Active Tourism is possible in almost any location, in intact nature, in rural as well as in urban environments. In industrial as well as in developing countries. In tropical as well as in template climates. For Active Tourism, human activity is not a foreign or undesired component of the environment, but it is an integral part of it. Humans are part of nature, even if they destroy some features of landscape and reshape the environment to meet their needs.

Secondly, the products of human activity and creativity, like culture, language, cuisine, music, dance, handcrafts, arquitecture and also social reality and history are all focus of Active Tourism. For example, dancing or cooking lessons are perfect examples of Active Tourism that hardly fit into the scope of Ecotourism. These activities fit into the concept of Cultural Tourism which is indeed an important aspect of Active Tourism.

Thirdly, Active Tourism requires active physical and mental involvement of the tourist, including more adventure and action than traditional Ecotourism or Cultural Tourism. You not only go to a natural and beautiful site, but you practise exercise, activate your body energy and enrich your mind. Your body and mind in harmony with nature but tied to human civilization. At the same time as you will wander through the rainforest, you should listen to your guide who will tell you most interesting facts about animal and plant species, about the ecosystem, conservation issues and explain you history and legends. 

Source: http://www.active-tourism.com/Questions1ActTour.html#Top