Why go green?

Why is being eco-friendly so good? You hear about being "green" often, but why is it so important?

Countrywide
Increased environmental and global concern has spurred the growth of adventure tourism. The essential ingredients of adventure travel include: remote and under-populated regions, traditional culture, small groups and a wilderness setting.

The adventure traveler often:

• puts less emphasis on the accommodation and more emphasis on adventure activities
• is physically active
• is a university graduate
• has traveled extensively with a genuine interest in learning about nature

In a study of North American travelers, 77% had already taken a holiday involving nature, outdoor adventure or learning about another culture in the wilderness. Of the 23% remaining, all but one respondent stated that they were interested in doing so.

In 1996 alone, travel to the US National Parks Service areas generated approximately $14.2 billion for local communities, while supporting almost 300,000 tourist-related jobs. There is no reason that Kenya could not increase its tourists, employment levels and tourism revenue in a similar way, on a smaller scale.

Personally
Grow your business and increase your revenue by appealing to these adventure tourists.

You can save money by using low energy light bulbs, low flush toilets, garden compost and recycled "gray" water in the shamba. Then use the extra income to start up community and conservation projects that will protect your part of the environment for the future.

With all that Kenya has to offer, it shouldn't be hard to offer what these tourists want, which will improve our local economy. So you see, there are definite financial benefits of being eco-friendly for both you and the country!

Copyright Anne Loehr of Eco-resorts

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