According to the Centre for Eco-Tourism, Hector Ceballos-Lascurain created the term ecotourism in 1983. The original term described "nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education."

In general, ecotourism is an insightful, mindful and participatory travel experience to natural and cultural environments, assisting the well-being of the local cultures and environments for future generations. At the same time ecotourism produces viable economic opportunities for the host areas