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Eco-Tourism is Economic Development

08/03/2009 - Albert G. Joerger

Ecotourism is a renewable resource. It not only benefits our economy but also helps preserve clean water, breathtaking vistas and jobs. When people experience the natural environment, they appreciate what is at stake and the value of protection. Educating and involving tourists in the roles that ecosystems play in the functioning of our slice of paradise will help Florida to remain healthy and attractive to tourists forever.

As early as the 1860’s, wealthy tourists headed from New York City to Jacksonville by steamboat and then up the St. Johns River to the Ocklawaha to see semi-tropical birds with glorious plumage, turtles and giant alligators. Writers, painters, inventors and US Presidents have been drawn to our Gulf Coast for inspiration. In fact, I’ve never run into anyone who planned a vacation or moved to Florida for our incredible roads. They move here for the environment.

Eco-tourism is pro-business conservation. To benefit locally, we need to recognize and strengthen the connection between business and the environment. Leveraging Sarasota County’s $500 million investment in natural assets to attract more tourists and invite local residents to vacation right here at home will ring registers at restaurants, lodging establishments and retail stores. For example, more people travel to Florida to see wildlife than any other state. Observing, feeding, photographing and painting our wildlife and nature scenes generated $3.1 billion in retail sales in 2006.

The appeal of ecotourism is an authentic outdoor experience. Adventure tourism, nature tourism and ecological tourism are variations on the theme. Local adventure tourists can be found racing overnight through Oscar Scherer Park or camping on horseback at Windy Sawgrass. Nature tourists tend to be botanical garden visitors, wildlife photographers and birders. Florida is a haven for birdwatchers who come from all over the world to see any of the 179 species that breed in Florida or the 300 species that migrate here in the winter. Ecological tourists practice culturally responsible, low-impact travel to pristine and fragile areas. Whatever you call it, the ecology-minded tourist represents the fastest growing segment of the worldwide travel industry and the freshest economic development opportunity for our community.

Become an ecotourist and visit www.srqecoseeker.com to discover natural Sarasota. Enter the new contest and describe the best 48 hours in Sarasota County and win staycation prizes. Kayak, bike, hike, swim, ride horseback, canoe, geo-cache, adventure race, sail, fish, scuba dive, run on the beach, see birds, dolphins, manatees and much more. There is something for every age, interest and ability. Discover natural Sarasota County and tell your friends and family. It’s good for business.

By the Numbers

366,080
Acres in Sarasota County

8 million
Acres of Florida forest and wetland habitat developed since 1950

2.4 million
Acres of land protected through Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever programs since 1990

70 million
Approximate number of Florida tourists annually
(Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2008)

$5.248 billion
Annual economic effect of wildlife viewing on the Florida economy. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2001 and 2006 National Surveys of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation)

26%
Land area in Sarasota County that is protected.