Ecotourism is defined as leisure travel that provides tourists with an educational and adventurous experience visiting complex and fascinating ecosystems and their associated cultures and traditions. The concept of ecotourism began in the late 1980's and increased in popularity in 2002 during the United Nations "International Year of Ecotourism."

Ecotourism can help to foster a sense of environmental stewardship by encouraging travellers to be mindful of wasting resources and polluting the environment. Ecotourism also help local economies by generating revenue and jobs, which further encourages the local population to preserve its environment.