Can eco-tourism ever really be eco?
Eco-tourism says it protects nature and supports local economies.
Costa Rica is known as a world leader in eco-tourism. It has lush rainforests, tranquil beaches and protected wildlife and is famous for sustainable travel.
It’s part of a growing market that promises to protect nature, support local economies and let people explore the world without harming it.
But can tourism ever really be eco-friendly? Or is the very act of getting on a plane, staying at a resort or hotel, and taking selfies in pristine places fundamentally at odds with sustainability?
Graihagh Jackson, a ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ journalist who also presents the Climate Question Podcast, takes us through what eco-tourism is and what issues tourism can cause for local communities.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Emily Horler
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde
Last on
Broadcasts
- Thu 14 Aug 2025 17:50GMTÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service News Internet
- Fri 15 Aug 2025 02:50GMTÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
Podcast
-
What in the World
Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world.