International Year of Ecotourism. (UN Reported).

With tourism gaining popularity around the world, the United Nations launched the International Year of Ecotourism to raise public awareness about the effects of ecotourism on nature and cultural heritages, and to promote the idea of responsible travel. Ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the tourism industry and has great potential for economic development, yet it might well have devastating consequences if not managed properly. The objective must be to enjoy the planet's natural resources while preventing any negative impact.