BACKGROUND
In the past decade we have said that most ecotourism certification
programs have failed to deliver a trustworthy system for locals
and visitors. Certification -- while valuable -- requires
at least a decade of consumer awareness and requests for it
to become marketable. Our findings are detailed in the essay
Challenge
of Ecotourism Certification.
We also review some practical
suggestions.
Since the Ecotourism
Certification Workshop (2000-2003) we have shifted our focus
from reviewing certification programs to marketing services,
such as awards that promote responsible travel and ecotourism.
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