A well-known ecotourism expert has released a new report concluding that Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt region has everything needed to become a premier ecotourism destination.
Ecotourism, which is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that protects nature and sustains the well-being of local people”, is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry.
The report, which was conducted by Costas Christ and Associates with help from Beyond Green Travel and The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, gives the recommendation that tourism efforts in the Black Belt should focus on three key pillars: Nature, Culture and Community.
Christ is a former editor and senior director for sustainability at National Geographic as well as being known as one of the world’s top travel experts.
“By emphasizing the conservation of nature and protection of cultural and historic sites, along with local community engagement, the Black Belt can become a leading…