As part of the European Green Belt project “Eco-tourism solutions for the small rural entrepreneurs along EGB in Lithuania,” we have developed two methodologies in collaboration with external experts – one for small-scale entrepreneurs and the other for travelers.
The first methodology serves as a guide for small entrepreneurs, helping them assess their activities and offering practical advice on how to develop eco-tourism services using sustainable natural resources and ecosystem-based approaches.
The second methodology is intended for travelers who want to start traveling more sustainably. It provides knowledge on how to make environmentally friendly choices while traveling, what to look out for when choosing service providers, and how to plan their routes responsibly.
Eco-tourism is currently one of the fastest-growing forms of sustainable tourism. More and more travelers recognize the importance of responsible travel, seek ways to reduce their environmental impact, and show interest in preserving nature and supporting local communities. Eco-tourism helps to safeguard natural and cultural heritage, strengthen local economies, and promote community involvement.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in tourists’ desire to “live like a local” – to experience authentic regional life by participating in local activities, eating locally produced food, and visiting places favored by residents. Such tourism has minimal impact on the local environment and lifestyle, while also having a positive influence on community development and preserving the vitality of regions.
Therefore, we are introducing two methodologies in Lithuanian that aim to:
– help small-scale service providers create more sustainable tourism services,
– encourage travelers to choose eco-tourism service providers and adopt more responsible travel habits.
ECO-TOURISM SERVICE EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY FOR TOURISM SERVICE PROVIDERS
HOW TO TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY? TIPS FOR THE BEGINNING ECOTURIST
This project is implemented with the financial support from the BESTbelt project of the European Union. The contents of this project are the sole responsibility of Lithuanian countryside tourism association and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
