A nature lover's dream, ecotourism allows the average traveler to enjoy untouched nature in its original form. Ecotourism, also known as jungle tourism, responsible tourism and sustainable development, is one of the fastest growing trends in the tourism industry. Defined as responsible travel that benefits environmental conservation and improves the well-being of local populations, it constitutes an alternative to conventional tourism, aiming to educate the traveler, provide funds for ecological conservation, promote the respect and increase awareness of different cultures. This is a truly unique experience, where you have the opportunity to visit a corner of the earth that has escaped the touch of human hands. Ecotourism is the product of the union of mass tourism and environmental awareness. The term first appeared in 1983, apparently coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, while he was lobbying for the preservation of wetlands in northern Yucatán. Now a major source of income for the long-term conservation and maintenance of more than 33,000 protected areas around the world, ecotourism relies on the combination of environmental preservation, local communities and sustainable travel . The industry, unlike conventional tourism, does not aim to attract tourists to destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Madagascar. Instead, ecotourism ensures traveler responsibility, wildlife protection, and contribution to the well-being of local communities. However, this only works when it generates economic benefits for the local population, while reducing the human impact of travel. Thus, ecotourism thrives through the active and educated participation of the travel industry and tourists. Thanks to the involvement of everyone from the traveler himself to the tour ...... middle of paper ......d to local communities. These industry benefits have inspired major international hotel chains, tour operators and others in the tourism industry to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, use of renewable resources and water conservation programs. Ecotourism represents “green tourism”: a pioneering idea that has inspired innovative actions and technologies, which hopefully pave the way for a more sustainable future for the entire tourism industry. In addition, ecotourism is the response to the demands of an international community increasingly concerned about the environment. Ecotourism is undoubtedly a thriving industry and an example of ecologically sustainable development. Ecotourism has what it takes to lead not only the tourism industry, but also governments and communities in its quest for sustainable development..