Ecotourism in Andalucia

Andalucia is renowned for its rich colourful landscapes. © Michelle Chaplow
Andalucia is renowned for its rich colourful landscapes.

Ecotourism in Andalucia

Ecotourism is an important movement in Andalucia with both companies and non-governmental organisations working to promote the concept both within this region and abroad. ANDECO, the International Network Organisation for Ecotourism Promoters in Andalucia, has been in operation since 1999 and brings together a committed and qualified staff working together to encourage more eco-friendly, sustainable and respectful tourism. Organisations such as ANDECO also seek to use tourism as a means of achieving greater peace, understanding and equality in the world.

In fact, while the word “ecotourism” makes us think of the environment the promotion of important social values is also an integral part of the movement and the industry that is springing up around it. Educating tourists and travellers to respect our local culture, to support fair trading practices and simply consider the impact they might have on the people they interface with is an important part of the work that specialists in ecotourism do.

 

 

The official definition of ecotourism comes from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) which says that “ecotourism is environmentally responsible visiting of relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present, that promote conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations".

In Andalucia you will find an interesting mix of conventional and alternative tourism. As ecotourism becomes more popular, opportunities are growing with an increasing number of rural hotels, campgrounds, adventure tourism companies and others standing up for green values and promoting more environmentally friendly options.

The Andalucia.com Eco-Tourism Guide seeks to link together related pages throughout the site where you can find amazing opportunities to commune with nature in a respectful manner, enjoy the culture and mingle with locals or simply relax peacefully in hotels or other accommodation that seek to reduce your impact on our local environment and give you the chance to integrate with locals and experience the best of this region’s gastronomy and traditions.

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