Encouraging Signs for Ecotourism in Florida, Bobby Genovese comments

The state of Florida is filled with a diverse variety of ecosystems that support animal and marine life and provide natural resources of all types that make possible a wide range of outdoor activities.

These resources also provide visitors with opportunities to take part in ecotourism, which the International Ecotourism Society defines as uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. The Society recommends that those who plan, participate in and promote ecotourism activities should adopt a number of specific principles, including building environmental cultural awareness and respect; providing positive experiences for both visitors and hosts; providing direct financial benefits for conservation; and delivering memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental and social climates.

Ecotourism is so prevalent in Florida that the state established the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism, which promotes responsible travel while enjoying a wonderful vacation and helping the environment and the community. In addition, numerous initiatives have been established to create awareness of eco-friendly services for tourists.

One of them, BG Parks, was established a few years ago by business leader Bobby Genovese to help conserve the environment and protect important lands through partnerships with the Department of Environmental Protection and several Florida state parks. His objective is to protect both the land and waterways in the parks along with protecting the environment.

“I’m a big supporter of ecotourism,” says Genovese. “Simply put, ecotourism creates value for natural areas that remain pristine, unaltered, and natural.  We’ve got to be able to protect the land and waterscapes around us while attracting people to enjoy their beauty and ensuring accessibility to visitors.” He notes that several million visit the state parks each year.

An active sports enthusiast himself whose interests include playing polo, boating and other aquatic endeavors, Genovese recognized the need a few years ago to ensure travelers have access to activities that are both fun and environmentally friendly.

From the east coast of the state to the Gulf Coast, and from north to south, many businesses across the state of Florida are now actively working to minimize their impact on the environment. These participants range from sustainable restaurants and green hotels to stores and other local businesses. They’re also giving back to their communities by buying goods from local, ethical sources.

Ecotourists now have myriad opportunities to patronize environmentally friendly businesses. The good thing is that many of the businesses are open year-round as Florida is known not only as a summer destination for tourists and families, but also a fall through spring residence for many snowbirds from up north.

The company Frommers, which has long provided a wealth of helpful information for travelers via its collection of books and on its website, notes that the Florida Green Lodging Program counts numerous hotels, motels and resorts among its members. Properties that join this very exclusive program are mandated to educate customers, employees, and the public about conservation. They actively take part in reducing waste, recycling, conserving water, and other initiatives, as well as providing eco-friendly transportation. All participating properties provide environmental performance data every year, and must implement at least two new environmental practices on an annual basis.

As the culture continues to be educated on eco-friendly traveling, Florida continues to happily welcome tourists who want to experience all the state has to offer, while advocating that they do so responsibly.

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