The Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism

In 2002, the International Year of Ecotourism, a World Ecotourism Summit was held in Quebec City.  Over one thousand participants took part in this summit from around the world including organizations such as the Canadian Tourism Commission, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Tourism Organization.  The Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism sees ecotourism as "embrac[ing] the principles of sustainable tourism", but including specific principles which specifically separate it from concepts surrounding both sustainable and responsible tourism.  Download the full document Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism

According to the declaration, ecotourism includes an additional focus on :

• contributions to both environmental and cultural conservation
• inclusive of local communities in all aspects of development, planning, etc.
• involves an experiential and interpretive component
• is developed specifically for small group sizes and individuals

International Definitions and Principles

On an international level, ecotourism has been defined with a variety of core principles and goals.  As an organizational member of the International Ecotourism Society (TIES), tOES acknowledges their definition of ecotourism as stated:

"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people"  (TIES, 1990)

According to TIES, the core principles of ecotourism include:

• minimize impact
• building environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
• provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental and social climate

You can download a full description of TIES mission, ecotourism definition and principles and their global ecotourism fact sheet. 

Other Definitions and Principles

Sustainable Tourism

Parks Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada have defined
sustainable tourism as:

" tourism which actively fosters appreciation and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local residents, the tourism industry, governments and visitors.  It is tourism which can be sustained over the long term because it results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the area
in which it takes place"

 

Responsible Tourism

The International Centre for Responsible Tourism Canada defines Responsible Tourism as:

"creating more meaningful experiences for travellers by connecting them to the local culture and the natural beauty of host communities around the world.  It is also about ensuring the communities hosting travellers benefit from tourism-through building skills, creating jobs and opportunities-all while protecting local natural and  cultural integrity"

 

Experiential Tourism

According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, Experiential Tourism

"engages the senses, stimulates the mind, includes unique activities, and connects in personal ways with travelers on an emotional, physical, spiritual or intellectual level". 

What is Interpretation?

According to Interpretation Canada, interpretation can be defined as:

"any communication process designed to reveal meanings and relationships of cultural and natural heritage to the public, through first-hand involvement with an
object, artefact, landscape or site"

Although no standard definition of interpretation exists, the majority of agencies define interpretation with similar key elements including:  communication, meaning and relationships, first hand experience, illustrative and educational.