What is ecotourism primarily focused on?

Ecotourism is primarily focused on supporting conservation and promoting sustainable development. This form of tourism is designed to provide travelers with meaningful experiences in natural areas while ensuring that local communities benefit economically and socially from tourist activities. The core principles of ecotourism emphasize minimizing environmental impacts, conserving biodiversity, and educating visitors about the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

By prioritizing the welfare of local ecosystems and communities, ecotourism works to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues among travelers. It often involves activities such as wildlife observation, cultural exchanges with indigenous peoples, and nature-based adventures, all aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging responsible travel behavior.

In contrast, the other options highlight aspects that run counter to the ethos of ecotourism. Maximizing profits often leads to environmental degradation and neglect of local cultures, promoting luxury travel experiences often caters to exclusive markets that can exploit resources without regard for sustainability, and encouraging mass travel to urban areas typically contributes to over-tourism and environmental strain, which is contrary to the values that guide ecotourism.