In 1991 The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) provided one definition: "Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people."
The World Conservation Union stated in 1996 that Ecotourism "is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompaning cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations."
The above definitions and also newer ones all make clear that Ecotourism is primarily defined by the location, the destination of travelling: "undisturbed natural areas". It follows the aims of "responsible travel", "conservation of nature" and "benefits for locals" but all within a defined landscape or natural environment.
Active Tourism shares similar aims as Ecotourism but is not defined by the destination or location, but rather is defined by the "way of visiting", the attitude of the tourist and the activities that are carried out during visitation. Active Tourism requires active physical and intellectual participation regardless of the destination. Thus, while Ecotourism is only possible in undisturbed "natural jungle", Active Tourism is both possible in natural areas as well as in the middle of an "urban jungle" like a city. While Ecotourism requires as many green plants, as little constructions and as few humans as possible, Active Tourism is not limited by trees, houses, streets and many people around. And especially not if these persons belong to another, very interesting culture and speak another language. This is an essential part of what the tourist wants to get to know. The local arquitecture, arqueological ruins, urban features and civilization products can all be object of visiting for Active Tourism. Also, to discover the diverse results of human creativity, like local traditions, language, music, dancing or cooking can be the most interesting ingredients of the Active Tourism experience.
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