Educational travel - hands on experience for travellers rather than just looking on the TV at places and communities around the world. By being there and actually experiencing the place and people gives us a better understanding of countries and their cultures and encourages us to talk to friends and family on our return about these experiences. I do it all the time and am sure some of my friends and family are starting to get fed up with my talks and seemingly endless number of photos!
most people believe that education can help raise awareness about political and social issues in developing countries.
If correctly planned and run the benefits of ecotourism far outweigh any disadvantages. Host communities can and more importantly should be included within the planning and development of any ecotourism endeavour, be it accommodation or eco tours and activities. In doing so the local people are more inclined to help protect the environment and wildlife in order to ensure sustainability and continued attraction for themselves, tourists and travellers. Thus ensuring profit from such activities can remain within these communities, providing jobs and economic growth.