 The
overarching mission of BnBscape is to promote
sustainable tourism by simply bringing together
earth-conscientious travelers with “eco-friendly”
lodging. For the inn-going community,
this emerging trend has quickly established itself
as a value-added favorite. The next boom is
predicted to have a color -
and it's Green!
From the local
recycling and conservation programs to the important
goal of replacing fossil fuels, a paradigm shift
is occurring toward a more environmentally responsible
and healthy way of life.
Tourism worldwide
is relied upon as an important source of revenue
greatly benefiting local economies with the creation
of infrastructure, jobs and services. It is indeed
the worlds largest industry growing to an estimate
of 700 million international tourist visits since
2001. By 2020 that number is expected to swell
beyond 1.6 billion.
Unfortunately much
of this success has come at a cost. The natural
ecosystems have been degrading for the past three
decades due to tourist development. Many of the
areas in decline are the preferred destinations
for mass tourism development. Pristine coastal
and marine areas, the remote rainforest and isolated
mountains are among the most popular. Damage to
waterways, beaches and wildlife, combined with
the exploitation of indigenous peoples has created
profound negative ecological assessments.
It
doesn't have to be this way.
In 1992 the United
Nations presented the global
environment conference on the effects of tourism
in the fragile ecosystems. In addition, the Earth
Summit Rio de Janeiro introduced the need
for transformation of habits and patterns of
production with regard to "Sustainable Development".
2002 was designated as the International
Year of Eco tourism (IYE) by the UN General Assembly.
Since then, organizations such as the UN
Environment Program (UNEP), the World
Tourism Organization (WTO) or The
International Centre for Responsible Tourism
(ICRT), are leading initiatives and programs.
Efforts have been applied to clarify just what
is Sustainable Tourism.
Sustainable Tourism:
Sustainable Tourism
follows the principles of sustainability, or
the ability to maintain biodiversity for future
generations. It endorses the integrity of the
environment and cultural heritage, while assisting
host communities in income generation and employment
alternatives.
Sustainable Tourism
Principles: | 
