Thinking about going off the beaten path for your next vacation If so, you might be one of the many people who are enjoying a relatively new mode of travel known as ecotourism. As the name implies, ecotourism focuses on conserving the ecology and natural heritage of tourist destinations. In addition, ecotourism features indigenous cultures and promotes ways for local communities to control and maintain their resources. In the past, vacationers usually spent their time staying at luxury hotels and visiting famous landmarks and museums in cities such as New York, Paris and Tokyo. Others preferred to relax on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii or the deck of a cruise ship in the sunny Caribbean. There was little interaction with the local people and overcrowding often spoiled the natural beauty of popular vacation spots. In addition, excessive commercialization turned many places into tourist traps. Since the early 1980s, however, adventure-oriented and nature-based vacation activities have become increasingly popular. Developing alongside a global rise in environmental consciousness and respect for cultural diversity, ecotourism is the one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Mountain climbing in the Himalayas, roughing it on a wilderness expedition, trekking in the Amazon rainforest and whale watching on the high seas are attractive alternatives to the urban comforts of five-star hotels and classy restaurants. But ecotourism means more than just traveling to remote destinations. The concept also emphasizes educating visitors about local people, customs and cultural heritage. Perhaps most importantly , it involves a methodical approach to tourism that minimizes the negative impact on natural habitats and gives host communities a leading role in decision-making processes, along with the lion" s share of economic benefits. As tourism might be the largest industry in the world, sustainable growth strategies should be adopted to ensure that our natural and cultural heritage is preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.