Eco-tourism and the green hotel have not always fit hand in glove. As the world moves towards concern for sustainability it is no surprise that there is growing popularity in the world's largest industry, tourism, to go green. Eco-tourism is a subset of the larger world of sustainable tourism. As an industry it is learning to fine tune itself. Eco-tourism is no longer a hike through the rain-forest but may also include a luxury spa-like resort.

As defined by the International Eco-Tourism Society eco-tourism is a tool for preservation of wild ecosystems, the surrounding culture and local economy. It makes for an ongoing balancing act to bring tourists into these wild ecosystems while creating as few footprints as possible. Green lodging makes for a softer step.

Costa Rica's tourism council has divided its local certification into two divisions, one which certifies eco-lodges and one that certifies green hotels. They have developed a graduated sustainability rating system. This is to let consumers know just how green is the eco-lodge or hotel.

The United Nations Environment Program is a good resource for information on green certification programs and their progress on a world wide scale. The International Eco-Tourism Society, the Rainforest Alliance and the World Tourism Organization have teamed up to set certification standards that will help inform tourists on green issues in general.

Green Hotels Association is an organization that seeks to help it members to implement greener practices. Though a membership is this organization does not guarantee green practices it does mean that the property is thinking in those terms.

Molokai Ranch in Hawaii is an example of one of the places that straddles the fence between pure eco-tourism and a generous helping of green sustainability. The village at Molokai Ranch is made up of tent-bungalows that include solar powered fans and self-composting toilets. The place is so beautiful that guests are asked to sign a pledge not to forget that they are only visiting and cannot move in.

Many of the world's ski lodges are making enormous efforts to incorporate sustainable practices and programs into their current game plan. The operators of these large resorts have begun to understand that without the natural beauty there will be no tourists.

The National Parks system in Zambia is leading the way to not only protect its wild places, but to protect the integrity of its people and their culture as well while establishing a lasting eco-tourism component to their overall economy.

George Washington University now offers a sustainable tourism management degree. They also offer post graduate courses for those already in the hospitality and tourism business.

The world can only benefit by thinking green and it is nice to know that the world's largest industry is leaning that direction. This is due in part because of the pioneers in eco-tourism. So trek on green folks, trek on. Help when you stay in an eco-lodge by following the rules and letting them know your opinion of their efforts towards green and sustainable practices.

Learn more about this author, Betsy Young.
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