eco tourism, ethical tourism & green tourism

The main purpose of the terms 'eco-tourism', 'ethical tourism', 'green tourism', 'responsible tourism' or 'pro-environment tourism', is to preserve and utilize environment for sustainable tourism.   The relation between tourism and environment is very intimate. Environment is affected by tourism and in the long run, tourism depends on the quality of environment. Indeed, the quality of environment is frequently the primary attraction for tourists. The concern in environment and tourism can lead to the sustainability of tourism. Ecotourism provides first hand encounter with the natural environment without disturbing local culture and involving local people in the tourism business.

Pokhara, with the increase in tourist flow by 13.4 percent in 2010 (excluding Indian tourists), should maintain its glory by linking tourism and environment. For this there should be effective coordination among different parties relying directly or indirectly on tourism. They should work together to make the “City of Lakes” better. The proper management of waste, energy and water is very crucial to make the city clean and healthy. For this purpose different organization, CBOs, government bodies,  individuals,  and  hotels  should  contribute  more  to  establish further models of eco concepts by profession in the days to come. For instance, to develop the concept of responsible tourism Hotel Barahi, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, PCCI and PTC have already brought some newness to enhance community- based tourism and have helped reduce environmental impact. The initiation taken by Pokhara Tourism Council in the year 2011 to make Lake Side ‘No Vehicle Zone’ after 3 pm was certainly good starting to create more conducive environment. However, the campaign wasn’t supported by all the stakeholders due to which there was controversy in declaring ‘No Vehicle Zone’ at Lake Side in Pokhara. This clearly shows that without active participation of all the stakeholders and lack of facilitation by the government, the very situation can lead to the failure of the project. 

The future of tourism in Pokhara depends on how the entrepreneurs, NGOs, stakeholders, people and the government address the serious threat of environmental pollution in order to keep this exotic city neat and clean. In addition to this, development of tourism is only possible through maintaining tourist-friendly corporate culture. To enhance tourist-friendly culture all the entrepreneurs should stop cut-throat competition and build fixed price system to reduce dilemma of the consumers. Therefore, the concerned people need to work together to make Pokhara pollution free, eco-friendly and responsible tourism destination.