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Synopsis The variability of approaches used to define ecotourism has quite naturally given way to many comprehensive approaches used to understand the term. It was acknowledged that the variety of descriptive terms such as nature travel, adventure travel and cultural travel which are largely activity based and also the value-laden terms such as responsible, alternative and ethical tourism which underscore the need to consider impacts and the consequences of travel. It is felt that nature tourism while not necessarily ecologically sound in principle concentrates more on the motivation and the behaviour of the individual tourist. Conversely ecotourism is much more difficult to attain owing to its overall comprehensiveness. A form of tourism inspired primarily by the natural history of an area including its indigenous cultures. The ecotourist visits relatively undeveloped areas in the spirit of appreciation, participation and sensitivity. The ecotourist practices a non consumptive use of wildlife and natural resources and contributes benefiting the conservation of the site.