Defining Ecotourism

To understand how ecotourism can benefit St. Croix, it is important to define it and distinguish it from traditional tourism.

The UN World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism development as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”1

A more general definition for ecotourism: “tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.”2

Reimagining Ecotourism merges these ideas and applies them specifically to St. Croix. To do that, we have defined ecotourism in a St. Croix-specific context to address the ways that we envision ecotourism benefiting the island’s people.

Ecotourism

It should

• Acknowledge island history and Crucian resilience

• Preserve natural assets

• Link tourists and Crucians to the environment

• Contribute to the local economy

• Redistribute wealth to native islanders

• Return agency to islanders, protecting the people and the natural environment

Case Study: Belize

To help illustrate the possibilities of ecotourism and frame this project, we have analyzed two case studies.

Belize has successfully implemented a sustainable tourism industry while minimizing its impact on nature. With more than 70% of the country being forested, there are 103 protected areas, many of which serve as animal sanctuaries.3 Additionally, the country’s barrier reef is no longer endangered, and offshore oil exploration and drilling is banned.4 One of the main draw-in points for ecotourism in Belize is volunteering and conservation groups in the rainforests, a unique opportunity to appreciate the country’s landscapes.5 With such forward-thinking approaches to environmentalism and great opportunities for tourism, Belize’s impressive tourism industry draws in many visitors to Central America.

Case Study: Palau

The Republic of Palau is renowned for its innovative approach to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. When tourists arrive on the islands, they must sign the Palau Pledge, requiring them to act in an ecologically and culturally responsible manner.6 With over 740,000 pledges taken, tourism, the country’s most significant economic driver, benefits both the visitors and native islanders.7 Additionally, Ol’au Palau, a travel rewards program via a smartphone application, provides visitors exclusive access to island activities by interacting with sustainable initiatives, accredited local businesses, and customs.8

With such creative and effective approaches to supporting the tourism industries, both Belize and Palau inspired new ways to envision how Reimagining Ecotourism can flourish in St. Croix.