Taiwan Ecotourism: An Industry Swinging between Ecology and Tourism

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Green and ecology are the two most iconic cultural labels of the 21st century; from green consumer, green marketing, green GDP, ecological preservation, to ecological technology, these two words appear everywhere and take the world by storm. With its great potential, tourism has become the eternal sunrise industry. The essence of tourism of 21st century is to re-embrace simplicity and the Mother Nature, and it has indeed become the new tourism focus. The word ecotourism can be traced back to as early as 1965. Until now, ecotourism has become a fundamental concept for ecological conservation and sustainable development internationally. In July 1996, Taipei Farmers’ Association, jointed with other 18 farmers' associations and 5 fishermen's associations in Taiwan, established the Green Travel Agency according to the Auditing Rules for Purchase and Investment by Farmers Associations. After obtaining the business permit and starting the operation, the travel agency systemically brought a brand new package for countryside, fishing ports, and industry-focused tourist activities-travel themes and selling points. This innovation also opened a new chapter in green tourism of Taiwan. But the government did not act immediately on promoting ecotourism; only till 2001 did the government include the concept of ecotourism in its policy. the government announced that year 2002 was the First Ecotourism Year of Taiwan. This paper looks back at the history of the last half century, There is a quite bizarre phenomenon that can be observed from the ecotourism development in Taiwan: Some departments do not welcome the tourism industry to come into play; they are afraid that by joining ecotourism with the industry will not only ruin the ecotourism by transforming it into a mass tourism. Ecotourism is part of the sightseeing and travel industry. It shall either fit into the commercial system or get ride of the word tourism. In practice as well on perception, ecotourism frequently swings between ecology and tourism. How to maintain a balance between the two is the challenge for the future of ecotourism in Taiwan.