University of Aarhus ECOTOURISM AS A WAY TO PROTECT ...
University of Aarhus ECOTOURISM AS A WAY TO PROTECT ...
University of Aarhus ECOTOURISM AS A WAY TO PROTECT ...
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Ecotourism as a sustainable way to protect nature<br />
The Park manager has set some rules and regulation which the tourists<br />
have to obey.<br />
• No animals, plants or rocks may be disturbed, touched or removed.<br />
• No foreign material is to be transported to the islands or from one island<br />
to another island.<br />
• No food to uninhabited islands. Smoking is prohibited.<br />
• Don’t touch, feed, pet or approach the animals too closely.<br />
• It is forbidden chasing or frightening living creature from its nest or<br />
resting place.<br />
• While diving or snorkelling don’t hurt any marine creature.<br />
• Waste products must be taking away from the islands.<br />
• Don’t buy souvenirs made from plants or animals <strong>of</strong> the islands.<br />
• Don’t paint names or graffiti on rocks.<br />
• All groups visiting the national park must be accompanied by a licensed<br />
guide.<br />
• Follow the marked trails at all times.<br />
(Ecuador & Galapagos, 1999).<br />
a. Ecotourism industry<br />
Ecotourism is dominated by two mainland-based tour operators <strong>of</strong>fering<br />
high-quality ecotourism (Metropolitan Touring and another company). They<br />
own several floating hotels and part <strong>of</strong> the Ecuadorian airlines that fly to the<br />
islands. Since 1980 their dominance has been challenged by the growth <strong>of</strong><br />
ecotourism operators. They have responded to the growing international market<br />
by <strong>of</strong>fering comfort and safety. The high-quality and well-managed floating<br />
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