Ecotourism is a sustainable form of economic development that emphasizes the enjoyment and use of our natural lands and resources in an environmentally-responsible manner that helps improve  a community's social and economic well-being.

Principles of Ecotourism

• Operates within the ecological capacity of an  
   area region to minimize disturbance and
   allow for regeneration of natural resources.
• Tourism development is guided by the intention
   of the local people and communities.
• Tourists are drawn to the location because of its
   unique natural history.
• Tourists recognize and explore the contributions
   of local people, community.
• Tourism is marketed responsibly by educating
   the tourist on how to respect the natural, social
   and cultural environment.
• Tourism funds help to protect natural lands,
   improve quality of living for the community and
   maintain the local environment.

According to a survey by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida earned $2.861 billion from ecotourists engaged in watchable wildlife recreation in 2001. 72% of that amount was paid by resident tourists from Florida, while only 28% of this ecotourism revenue came from national or international travelers.

The Ecotourism Society reported in 1998 that ecotourism was growing at an annual rate of between 10 and 30 percent, while general tourism was only growing at a rate of four percent. The United States Travel Data Center reported that 77% of all travel consumers had engaged in an outdoor adventure, nature tourism or environmental education activity, while 22% who had not expressed interest in doing so.

Ecotourism in Sarasota County

Sarasota County is world-renowned for its Siesta Key Beaches, which came in 2nd on the Travel Channel's listing of the most most beautiful beaches in the world. Sarasota County has 150 parks and recreational areas, over 14,000 acres of environmentally-sensitive land preserves and internationally-acclaimed botanicall gardens and aquarium. With all of these majestic resources in our community, the time is ripe to develop Sarasota County as a premiere ecotourism destination.

Please contact Sustainable Sarasota for more information on our ecotourism initiative.