The official definition reads thusly;
“Ecotourism is defined by The International Ecotourism Society as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people. It’s often tourism that focuses on the outdoors and gets you out of your hotel room”.
As you can see, it leaves a great deal up to the traveler’s imagination, or lack thereof…
But with all of that being said, let’s travel.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas, Australia
This beautiful art-deco resort has been awarded one of the highest eco-tourism accreditations, Eco certified – Advanced Tourism. Located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, the resort is actively involved in assisting the environmental rehabilitation process. Situated on 145 acres of property, Thala invites elders of the Kuku Talanji community to take guests through a journey of their culture; from healing plants to foraging for bush food.
The rooms are modestly priced, lovely, and boast some amazing views of the Great barrier reef.
For more information, go to Thalabeach.com.au
