 Green developments have caught the attention of the real estate and tourism industry. These developments conserve energy, reduce utility bills and send a message to the public that the developers and owners are socially responsible. Most of the projects that are advertised to the public are custom-made homes, architecturally stimulating office buildings and retail outlets that emphasize their sustainable designs. Many people are not accustomed to seeing eco-friendly structures as part of their vacation, but that has changed lately as the green movement has moved into even the most remote locations. What has emerged is ecotourism-a new way to experience and appreciate the places where we vacation.
The best way to evaluate a resort's commitment to the environment and community is by asking questions and doing some research. If you're interested in investing in a new project, there are a few key design elements that should be discussed. Ask whether the project is utilizing local labor pools and reusable or recyclable materials. Understand what measures are being taken to preserve and protect the land, its flora and its fauna. Finally, discuss how energy, water and waste will be handled during and after the construction phase. Energy consumption can be reduced, water can be reused and waste can be diverted.
You will also want to research how accessible the local community will be to the resort. For example, many eco developers forego gating the property because they find that it creates a separation between the resort and the community. Others put local residents into customer service roles that keep the community interacting with its visitors. This gives visitors instant access to an expert on local culture and can bring a sense of pride to the employees.
The resort should also be located near a natural eco system, which allows travelers to experience the land firsthand without disturbing it too much. One great way to achieve this goal is by installing zip lines. They require no energy and guide travelers through the land with minimal disruption to its eco system.
As the world continues to evolve and become more self-aware, it seems that the green movement may be here to stay. Investing in an eco-resort could be the perfect way to get in on the ground floor of the hottest new trend in travel, EnviroCitizen.org cautions you to just make sure that both you and the other principals involved understand what ecotourism truly entails. |
