Eco-Tourism | 3BL Strategic Sector

When we receive initial inquiries about consulting first-time entrepreneurs, the questions always gravitate towards what industries we see growth. Invariably we are pointing to the tourism sectors as it can impact communities through a broad range of products and services.  Tourism has long been a critical industry in developed nations and is a burgeoning industry in many developing nations.

Many countries across Asia are home to some of the most unique and untouched sites globally, attracting tourists worldwide. According to the ASEAN Post, “…the first quarter of 2018 saw a 9.4 percent increase in tourist arrivals – the largest number recorded amongst all regions – exceeding the already robust six percent average growth for global tourism during the same period.” (1) These tourists’ primary motivation being biodiversity, heritage, and culture. However, with this growth, there is an increasing concern among ASEAN officials that if this sector is to survive, a set of parameters must be in place to mitigate the negative impacts. We believe that sustainable community-based eco-tourism can help lead the way to ensure a healthy tourism industry for operators and communities alike.

Mexican architect Hector Ceballos-Lascurian first coined the term eco-tourism in 1983 (2), but the definition has been a moving target ever since. We describe it as a sustainable form of tourism that focuses on creating a small environmental footprint while enjoying the natural world’s untouched beauty within local communities. It often exists outside traditional forms of tourism infrastructure. This requires entrepreneurs with an adventurous spirit, outside the box mentality, and a heart for helping local communities to be successful in this niche.

Solbon International’s focus is to help eco-tourism operators and all ventures, with a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. These goals shift our attention from international visitors’ mass throngs to community-based eco-tourism to ensure that biodiversity and cultures remain unharmed. Having this mindset is a challenge within this competitive market. However, as the world, especially Southeast Asia, encounter more sustainability-conscious tourists, it will be a niche that grows. We want to be there to help operators grow with it.

SOURCES

(1) The ASEAN Post Team. Tourism in Southeast Asia facing new threats. The ASEAN Post, 19 Dec. 2019, https://theaseanpost.com/article/tourism-southeast-asia-facing-new-threats. Accessed 21 September 2020.

(2) Court, Whelan PHD. Spotlight on Sustainability: Origins of Ecotourism. Good Nature Travel, 6 Sept. 2013, https://www.nathab.com/blog/spotlight-on-sustainability-origins-of-ecotourism/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2020.