In recent years, with the increasing trend towards sustainable tourism and also the desire to have cheaper trips, the term eco-residence is frequently heard in the tourism industry. We usually know ecotourism accommodations as houses that are in relatively pristine and natural areas, we can spend our stay there like the native people of the area and finally pay less money than staying in a hotel. This is what most tourists expect or imagine about ecotourism accommodations.
The word bom means "natural dwelling". In general, a landscape is a natural and less disturbed space in which all its inhabitants, including humans, animals and plants, live in the most natural way possible. Accordingly, ecotourism is a kind of responsible travel that a person in It tries to enter a native area with minimal damage, spend some time there, and then leave. In this responsible trip, the traveler, who is called an ecotourist, is obliged to take care of the nature and not harm the nature of the region.
However, the issue of ecotourism is not only about the environment, but the issue of local culture also plays a role in it. In an ecotourism trip, the ecotourist must not only behave responsibly in front of the nature of the region, but also culturally, his trip must be accompanied by causing the least damage to the culture of the people of the region. In fact, ecotourism is a trip in which the tourist is more receptive and experienced than leaving an impression on the region (destination).
What are the features of ecotourism accommodation?
Design and architecture based on local features
The first feature that should be considered in the discussion of setting up an ecotourism residence is the design and architecture of the building. An ecotourism residence should be built based on the materials and also the structure of native houses of the same region. In the forest, desert and coastal areas, it should be noted that the native houses are built using what materials and what style. to be brought there, to be supplied from the same area. Also, regarding the use of human resources, it is also important to use native and local people of the same region in carrying out construction work and providing materials. Let's not forget that one of the important goals of ecotourism is to create employment and economic development in villages and less developed areas in order to prevent the migration of villagers to cities. b
The entire journey of an ecotourist can be an opportunity to learn about the native culture of the region; Therefore, one of the most important things that takes place in ecotourism residences is the use of traditional elements in the design of the space. You can use everything related to the culture and tradition of the native people of the region in different parts of the residence.
Needlework fabrics, dishes, carpets, curtains, musical instruments, decorative objects, and even flowers and plants that are used in an ecotourism residence. are used, they can all be inspired by indigenous culture. Of course, the use of old and leftover tools from the past are more valuable and will have a greater impact on the viewer; But if these devices are not available, they can be newly designed and used in different parts of the residence. This is one of the best and most effective ways to convey cultural elements to guests and tourists.
Hosting based on local tradition and culture
Hosts of an ecotourism accommodation must also observe certain things to be close to ecotourism standards. Using the traditional clothes of the region, preserving the local dialect or accent, catering based on tradition and culture and beliefs, all can be a valuable source for the transfer of cultural elements. It should also be based on local traditions. In these accommodations, guests usually sleep on the floor, eat on the floor, and generally follow a simple native lifestyle.
Another important issue that should be considered in ecotourism residences is resource and energy management. In general, in an eco-tourism residence, efforts should be made to avoid energy wastage as much as possible, and on the other hand, efforts should be made to use clean energy as much as possible. Currently, many eco-tourism residences in areas that They have enough access to sunlight, they use solar panels. Also, the water used in these residences can be used to irrigate the gardens in the residence in the best possible condition.
Using local guides
Every ecotourism lodge can have local guides who will take their guests on a tour of the area and introduce them to the important cultural and natural elements there. Local guides are people who are usually born and raised in the same area and thus have sufficient and valuable information and experiences of the natural and cultural features there.
In this way, local guides also play a role by sharing their experiences with the guests. They play an important role in transmitting the cultural and environmental features of their region.
Expenses in ecotourism accommodation
In general, ecotourism should be a cheap travel style. Ecotourism uses less and relatively cheaper energy and resources by staying in an ecotourism accommodation; Therefore, the overall costs of his trip will also decrease. For this reason, staying in ecotours is less than hotels and even some inns.
In most lodgings, the fee paid for one night includes the use of lodging facilities and also a meal (breakfast the next day). But in this case, each residence can have its own rules.