**3. Sustainable development of eco-cultural tourism with green policies and economies in natural, rural and urban areas**

The concept of tourism as a factor of sustainable development has been addressed by the UNWTO [10] in Article 3 of its Global Code of Ethics. It expressed the duty for all tourism development practitioners to safeguard the environment and natural resources, taking into consideration continuous and sustainable economic growth, so that all needs and aims of the present and future generations can be fairly met.

The model of sustainable tourism curbed, to some extent, the almost unstoppable devastation created by a model of extensive growth that had deeply exhausted natural resources. Undoubtedly, the essence of eco-cultural tourism takes root in the principles of environmental planning, which is the preservation of any natural area and historic, cultural and archaeological sites. **Table 3** shows the case report of eco-cultural tourism in Asia, Europe and South America with the global and local dimension.

Asian countries including China, Malaysia and Thailand are a modern example of countries with emerging economies, which have experienced significant economic growth and rapid urbanisation. Scientific studies have addressed, from a global dimension, the impacts of tourism and its destinations on logistics and economic dynamics, especially the effect the tourism industry has had on transport,

EUROPE: Spain [16–21]


SOUTH AMERICA: Peru, Argentina and Bolivia [22–24]

**237**

*Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage*

especially by air in terms of travel and access to places of recreation. The latest research by Rehman Khan, Zhang, Kumar, Zayadskas, Streimikiene on measuring the impact of renewable energy, public health expenditure, logistics, and environmental performance on sustainable economic growth [11], is part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They study secondary data from the World Bank's website with structural equation models, concluding that the use of renewable energy will improve environmental sustainability and the creation of a better national image. The promotion of sustainable economic growth should be based on

Indeed, environmental policies and sustainable development have been the priority axes in literature reviews and existing theoretical models relating green logistics and the economy to environmental sustainability and general social factors. This has been pointed out by Rehman Khan, Zhang, Kumar, Zayadskas, Streimikiene in their research. Measuring the impact of renewable energy, public health expenditure, logistics, and environmental performance on sustainable economic growth [12]. In this case, future research trends will have to be redirected

Within the same context, the relationship between tourism and globalisation in environmental degradation is investigated in China [13], where a quantum distributed delay model is used. They show that economic growth stimulates environmental degradation and suggest a comprehensive policy framework that could achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 7 (Affordable and clean energy), No. 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and No. 13 (Climate Action). Reorientation of policies to ensure sustainable development appears to be diffuse in the existing literature, if not entirely absent. The transportation and accommodation associated with tourism has an impact on carbon emissions and is an issue that must be addressed by reducing environmental degradation, promoting renewable energy, boosting tourism, and creating employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Technologies should not replace all manual labour. From this point, a new perspective towards ecotourism, with all its variants, is opened, and serves as a

Alongside this, the quantum auto-regressive distributed delay model (QARDL)

Finally, the last Asian country listed in **Table 3**, Thailand [15], analyses all the elements mentioned in the previous research, adding the negative influence of high crime levels on tourism. It concludes the only solution to protect the tourism industry involves clean energy promotion by the government, and the application of biofuel use in the transport sectors to improve environmental sustainability. Spain represents one of the developed economies in Europe with the most remarkable natural and cultural heritage. Destinations are consolidated and there are tourist policies in most established destinations, together with promotion for recovery and not extinction. One of the most significant activities corresponds to wilderness tourism, which usually begins to thrive after all stages of general tourism development, in an effort to satisfy a desire for outdoor recreation and appreciation

[14] is being studied in Malaysia, in order to analyse the impact of economic growth, tourism, transport and globalisation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results of this study suggest that ecotourism is beneficial for economic growth in underdeveloped areas, in favour of protection and development. The long-term vision is that governments should encourage the development of low-carbon ecotourism and achieve green development of both tourism and the economy. All in all, the aim is to promote green consumption through policies and the ethical consideration between the local communities, the relevant agencies and the tourists. Such a mechanism will ensure responsibility in the behaviours towards the natural

adequate planning that formulates policies in line with sustainability.

to the micro-level, which means local and precise levels.

general platform for the proper running of these policies.

environment of the tourist destinations of the country.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

*Source: own compilation.*

#### **Table 3.**

*Case report of eco-cultural tourism in Asia, Europe and South America.*

ASIA: China, Malaysia, Thailand [11–15]

<sup>1.</sup>Global dimension, natural, urban and rural areas: countries with emerging economies with high economic growth and rapid urbanisation.

<sup>2.</sup>Developed/consolidated and developing tourist destinations: impacted by environmental pollution. Tourism policies with Ecotourism, green energy and economies.

<sup>1.</sup>Local dimension, natural, rural and urban areas: Countries whose developing economies have natural and cultural attractions and activities that focus on sustainable tourism.

<sup>2.</sup>Unspoiled/developing tourism destinations: Tourism projects with proposals for sustainability, quality, continuity, balance and community intervention.

#### *Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

especially by air in terms of travel and access to places of recreation. The latest research by Rehman Khan, Zhang, Kumar, Zayadskas, Streimikiene on measuring the impact of renewable energy, public health expenditure, logistics, and environmental performance on sustainable economic growth [11], is part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They study secondary data from the World Bank's website with structural equation models, concluding that the use of renewable energy will improve environmental sustainability and the creation of a better national image. The promotion of sustainable economic growth should be based on adequate planning that formulates policies in line with sustainability.

Indeed, environmental policies and sustainable development have been the priority axes in literature reviews and existing theoretical models relating green logistics and the economy to environmental sustainability and general social factors. This has been pointed out by Rehman Khan, Zhang, Kumar, Zayadskas, Streimikiene in their research. Measuring the impact of renewable energy, public health expenditure, logistics, and environmental performance on sustainable economic growth [12]. In this case, future research trends will have to be redirected to the micro-level, which means local and precise levels.

Within the same context, the relationship between tourism and globalisation in environmental degradation is investigated in China [13], where a quantum distributed delay model is used. They show that economic growth stimulates environmental degradation and suggest a comprehensive policy framework that could achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 7 (Affordable and clean energy), No. 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and No. 13 (Climate Action). Reorientation of policies to ensure sustainable development appears to be diffuse in the existing literature, if not entirely absent. The transportation and accommodation associated with tourism has an impact on carbon emissions and is an issue that must be addressed by reducing environmental degradation, promoting renewable energy, boosting tourism, and creating employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Technologies should not replace all manual labour. From this point, a new perspective towards ecotourism, with all its variants, is opened, and serves as a general platform for the proper running of these policies.

Alongside this, the quantum auto-regressive distributed delay model (QARDL) [14] is being studied in Malaysia, in order to analyse the impact of economic growth, tourism, transport and globalisation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results of this study suggest that ecotourism is beneficial for economic growth in underdeveloped areas, in favour of protection and development. The long-term vision is that governments should encourage the development of low-carbon ecotourism and achieve green development of both tourism and the economy. All in all, the aim is to promote green consumption through policies and the ethical consideration between the local communities, the relevant agencies and the tourists. Such a mechanism will ensure responsibility in the behaviours towards the natural environment of the tourist destinations of the country.

Finally, the last Asian country listed in **Table 3**, Thailand [15], analyses all the elements mentioned in the previous research, adding the negative influence of high crime levels on tourism. It concludes the only solution to protect the tourism industry involves clean energy promotion by the government, and the application of biofuel use in the transport sectors to improve environmental sustainability.

Spain represents one of the developed economies in Europe with the most remarkable natural and cultural heritage. Destinations are consolidated and there are tourist policies in most established destinations, together with promotion for recovery and not extinction. One of the most significant activities corresponds to wilderness tourism, which usually begins to thrive after all stages of general tourism development, in an effort to satisfy a desire for outdoor recreation and appreciation

*Tourism*

can be fairly met.

dimension.

ASIA: China, Malaysia, Thailand [11–15]

EUROPE: Spain [16–21]

and not extinction.

*Source: own compilation.*

economic growth and rapid urbanisation.

outstanding natural and cultural heritage.

SOUTH AMERICA: Peru, Argentina and Bolivia [22–24]

continuity, balance and community intervention.

*Case report of eco-cultural tourism in Asia, Europe and South America.*

Tourism policies with Ecotourism, green energy and economies.

and cultural attractions and activities that focus on sustainable tourism.

Last phase: IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE TOURISM PROJECT. At this point, the principles and pillars of sustainability are applied, as well as the purposes of the tourism project, which must be done over temporary phases so that it is possible to make improvements, to turn down alternatives that have not worked out, and to formulate different strategies that help strengthen the project. In this context, the state, policies on tourism and leisure, and the sustainable development of eco-cultural tourism in the cultural and natural area are important. The Marrakech Process [9] recommends sustainable policy management. It also states that the policies should be led by local authorities, indigenous and local communities, any international organisation linked to the plan, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and consumers.

**3. Sustainable development of eco-cultural tourism with green policies and economies in natural, rural and urban areas**

The concept of tourism as a factor of sustainable development has been addressed by the UNWTO [10] in Article 3 of its Global Code of Ethics. It expressed the duty for all tourism development practitioners to safeguard the environment and natural resources, taking into consideration continuous and sustainable economic growth, so that all needs and aims of the present and future generations

The model of sustainable tourism curbed, to some extent, the almost unstoppable devastation created by a model of extensive growth that had deeply exhausted natural resources. Undoubtedly, the essence of eco-cultural tourism takes root in the principles of environmental planning, which is the preservation of any natural area and historic, cultural and archaeological sites. **Table 3** shows the case report of eco-cultural tourism in Asia, Europe and South America with the global and local

Asian countries including China, Malaysia and Thailand are a modern example of countries with emerging economies, which have experienced significant economic growth and rapid urbanisation. Scientific studies have addressed, from a global dimension, the impacts of tourism and its destinations on logistics and economic dynamics, especially the effect the tourism industry has had on transport,

1.Global dimension, natural, urban and rural areas: countries with emerging economies with high

2.Developed/consolidated and developing tourist destinations: impacted by environmental pollution.

1.Local dimension, natural rural and urban areas: A country with a developed European economy and

2.Developed/consolidated tourism destinations: Tourism policies developed and promoted for recovery

1.Local dimension, natural, rural and urban areas: Countries whose developing economies have natural

2.Unspoiled/developing tourism destinations: Tourism projects with proposals for sustainability, quality,

**236**

**Table 3.**

of nature in large areas. It is related to development and sustainable tourism, so it refers to natural habitats and its biodiversity. In this context, natural parks, conservation areas, ecotourism, agricultural tourism, the rural environment and the involvement of the communities in the area of implementation are incredibly important [25]. This is why three consolidated projects have been chosen, projects of three national parks in Spain out of fifteen that are today included in the list [26].

**Figure 1** presents a panoramic view of Ordesa National Park (Huesca, Spain) [16]. In the visitor's guide, there is a map showing the location of the park in the north of the peninsula, located in the heart of the Pyrenees in the autonomous community of Aragon. A media guide (with pictures of the landscapes) can also be found. In the fact sheet of the informative brochure, there are useful addresses and recommendations for visiting and appreciating this park. The sheet also highlights that the place has been designated as a World Heritage Site, Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and that it has also been awarded the European Diploma by the Council of Europe. There is accurate information about cultural aspects (customs and traditions), flora, fauna, and information about relevant visitor centres and information points. At Ordesa National Park, there is a plan for the recovery of bearded vultures and for the tracking of the chamois. It's working towards improving the quality of visits, reducing the impact created of vehicles and permitting access to the park at any time during the fixed opening times. This has been known as the Visitor Access Plan in the Ordesa Valley since 1998.

**Figure 2** presents the Tablas de Daimiel National Park [17], a wetland that is considered virtually unique in Europe, and that is the only example of floodplains in an ecosystem, which was once characteristic of the inland plains of the peninsula. This ecosystem originates from the flooding that occurs in a plain when the Guadiana and Cigüela rivers jointly overflow at a point where they both discharge groundwater coming from a large aquifer. The preservation of this ecosystem has ensured the survival of the bird fauna, and has created a specific area for aquatic birds. The park is internationally acknowledged for being a Biosphere Reserve since 1981 and a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention since

#### **Figure 1.**

*Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (Huesca, Spain). Source: https//www.miteco.gob.es/es/es/ red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parques/ordesa/.*

**239**

**Figure 3.**

*nuestros-parques/timanfaya/.*

*Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage*

1982. It has a wide range of aquatic birds and, among the flora, the aquatic plants that comprise the substrate of the Tablas de Daimiel are of special importance. For the promotion of the park, a visitor's guide, park guide and media guide (with

*Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Ciudad Real, Spain). Source: https//www.miteco.gob.es/es/es/*

**Figure 3** shows the Timanfaya National Park, located in the western central area of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands (Spain) [18]. It was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It has undergone continuous volcanic processes, specifically in 1730, 1736 and 1824; with eruptions that completely changed the previous island's morphology. Some natural values are volcanology (especially the preservation and beauty of the Montañas del Fuego or the Macizo de Timanfaya), the

*Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote, Spain). Source: https//www.miteco.gob.es/es/es/red-parques-nacionales/*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

pictures of the landscapes) are available.

*red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parques/daimiel/.*

**Figure 2.**

*Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

#### **Figure 2.**

*Tourism*

Ordesa Valley since 1998.

of nature in large areas. It is related to development and sustainable tourism, so it refers to natural habitats and its biodiversity. In this context, natural parks, conservation areas, ecotourism, agricultural tourism, the rural environment and the involvement of the communities in the area of implementation are incredibly important [25]. This is why three consolidated projects have been chosen, projects of three national parks in Spain out of fifteen that are today included in the list [26]. **Figure 1** presents a panoramic view of Ordesa National Park (Huesca, Spain) [16]. In the visitor's guide, there is a map showing the location of the park in the north of the peninsula, located in the heart of the Pyrenees in the autonomous community of Aragon. A media guide (with pictures of the landscapes) can also be found. In the fact sheet of the informative brochure, there are useful addresses and recommendations for visiting and appreciating this park. The sheet also highlights that the place has been designated as a World Heritage Site, Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and that it has also been awarded the European Diploma by the Council of Europe. There is accurate information about cultural aspects (customs and traditions), flora, fauna, and information about relevant visitor centres and information points. At Ordesa National Park, there is a plan for the recovery of bearded vultures and for the tracking of the chamois. It's working towards improving the quality of visits, reducing the impact created of vehicles and permitting access to the park at any time during the fixed opening times. This has been known as the Visitor Access Plan in the

**Figure 2** presents the Tablas de Daimiel National Park [17], a wetland that is considered virtually unique in Europe, and that is the only example of floodplains in an ecosystem, which was once characteristic of the inland plains of the peninsula. This ecosystem originates from the flooding that occurs in a plain when the Guadiana and Cigüela rivers jointly overflow at a point where they both discharge groundwater coming from a large aquifer. The preservation of this ecosystem has ensured the survival of the bird fauna, and has created a specific area for aquatic birds. The park is internationally acknowledged for being a Biosphere Reserve since 1981 and a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention since

*Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (Huesca, Spain). Source: https//www.miteco.gob.es/es/es/*

**238**

**Figure 1.**

*red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parques/ordesa/.*

*Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Ciudad Real, Spain). Source: https//www.miteco.gob.es/es/es/ red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parques/daimiel/.*

1982. It has a wide range of aquatic birds and, among the flora, the aquatic plants that comprise the substrate of the Tablas de Daimiel are of special importance. For the promotion of the park, a visitor's guide, park guide and media guide (with pictures of the landscapes) are available.

**Figure 3** shows the Timanfaya National Park, located in the western central area of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands (Spain) [18]. It was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It has undergone continuous volcanic processes, specifically in 1730, 1736 and 1824; with eruptions that completely changed the previous island's morphology. Some natural values are volcanology (especially the preservation and beauty of the Montañas del Fuego or the Macizo de Timanfaya), the

#### **Figure 3.**

*Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote, Spain). Source: https//www.miteco.gob.es/es/es/red-parques-nacionales/ nuestros-parques/timanfaya/.*

geomorphological forms, the scarce vegetation and the unique weather conditions. Visitors can get acquainted with these natural values while doing tours in small groups led by qualified guides.

The park management team also organises activities for students, with the purpose of teaching them about nature and culture and to introduce them to the park's flora and fauna, cultural and historical values, agricultural activities, restoration of native crops, fishery, scientific activities and environmental volunteering. In the media guide, wonderful pictures of natural landscapes are shown, with unique volcanoes that make this a valuable and a high-quality tourist visit.

Projects with proposals are another kind of case report, classified as intermediate level, so that in the future the eco-tourism destinations can become consolidated projects. **The continental salt pans in Andalusia**, Spain [19] have tourist and educational potential as they are a specific type of wetland, inland salt pans. They are an industrial heritage site in danger of extinction, and could be reused as a tourist, cultural and educational destination. They could also help revive the economy of this area located in the heart of Andalusia, which has a promising range of architectural heritage, landscapes and nature, although it's now practically abandoned. The proposal formulated in this research will contribute to the preservation of this land heritage and help spread knowledge through the protection of the cultural, educational and tourist product. There is still a need for institutional support, for professionals that can implement the plan and for the opinion of people living in the area. Some matters need to be discussed, such as, what the tourist-educational tours will consist of, a survey on the economic, environmental and social impact during the development of the plan, if there is territorial and inter-administrative cooperation, and what limitations need to put in place so as to avoid causing irreversible damage to the area.

Finally, the **Research to propose projects for a tourism product** is the last case in Europe (Spain), and deals with **cultural landscapes (target images) as a tourism product. Spain** [20, 21]. The opportunities that the landscapes offer, especially the cultural landscapes, are likely to become a tourism product by means of sustainable planning and management. It applies to visitors and tourists that are mainly interested in historical towns and want to extend their stay in these destinations. The landscape is an integrated whole which presents the geographical facts on the earth's surface and includes physical features and elements created by humans, where the natural and cultural dimension can jointly be observed [27].

The panoramic and urban settings together make up the cultural landscapes. This specifically refers to historical towns, where the cultural tourists come and combine the feeling of the trip during their stay with the contemplative experience of the historic heritage. The protection of landscapes and heritage values led to the introduction of landscape conservation in urbanism and spatial planning during the 80s and 90s, and encouraged the valuing of landscapes as an enriching element by means of tourism [28]. Cultural landscapes are, in short, the result of people's interaction with the natural environment over time, the result of which is a territory perceived and valued for its cultural qualities, which express a process and the support of a community's identity. It represents a dynamic, complex reality which is difficult to manage [29].

Research on the perception and assessment of the **cultural landscape as a tourism product** [20] examines the perception of cultural landscapes and target images in a representative sample (500) of tourists from all of the autonomous communities in Spain. Its goal is to learn, among other aspects, the cultural tourist's interests, and their activities during their visits to historical towns. The context in which this research takes place is marked by a rediscovery of historical towns as tourist destinations, based on the experience of the visit and the short duration of the stay. The

**241**

**Table 4.**

*Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage*

ten most visited monumental cities or historical places by tourists surveyed were the following: Toledo, Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla, Córdoba, Santiago de

With regards to the interests of the cultural tourist during the visit (**Table 4**), visiting panoramic viewpoints of the town is highlighted in first place (4.29), second, visiting monuments and seeing museums (4.20) and, in third place, taking guided tours around the different viewpoints of the town, from outside and inside (4.01). In the end, the activities that generate most satisfaction for the cultural tourist during the visit can be classified into the five activities set out below: the views of the whole town and its interiors (4.45), visiting monuments (4.38), interacting with people from the town (4.21), viewing natural landscapes (4.04), and the atmosphere of the

Our last block in **Table 3** relates to South American countries with developing economies, natural and cultural attractions, and activities determined by sustainable tourism. In most cases, their destinations are unspoiled/developing, with tourism projects based on sustainability, three of which have been selected: **The Amazon eco-cultural circuit, Peru** [22]**, the eco-cultural tourism project with proposals is based in Catamarca, Argentina** [23] and finally**, the Chalalán** 

**The Amazon eco-cultural circuit, Peru** [22] is a programme intended to improve competitiveness of the tourism sector on the eco-cultural route comprising Chachapoyas, Levanto, San Isidro del Maino and Magdalena (Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza en Amazonas). This circuit offers 9 attractions and 7 activities, including trekking, horse riding, rural community-based tourism, ecotourism, archaeology, camping and cycling. All of this complies with sustainable fair and conservational tourism, which offers nature, culture, adventure and experiences. Tourists want to get involved, enjoy new experiences, feel connected and be a part of the conservation process of the places they visit. This experience forms part of their personal growth. This region, where the Incas once lived, has a vast biological and cultural diversity, magnificent waterfalls and valleys, private conservation areas, native species that are unique in the world and mysterious pre-Inca archaeological ruins. Among the tourist resources this area has, there are picturesque places such as natural viewpoints, Lopsol Forest, Purur river, Pumaurco



*X* **Mode**

4.01 5

**Mode**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

streets and public squares (4.01).

**Project, Bolivia** [24]**.**

**historical towns**

**cultural towns**

from outside and inside.

*Source: own elaboration [20.]*

Compostela, Salamanca, Segovia and Valencia.

**Interests of the cultural tourist during the visit to the** 


**Activities of the cultural tourist during their stay in the** 

*Interests of the cultural tourist and activities during the visit to historical towns.*

#### *Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

ten most visited monumental cities or historical places by tourists surveyed were the following: Toledo, Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla, Córdoba, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca, Segovia and Valencia.

With regards to the interests of the cultural tourist during the visit (**Table 4**), visiting panoramic viewpoints of the town is highlighted in first place (4.29), second, visiting monuments and seeing museums (4.20) and, in third place, taking guided tours around the different viewpoints of the town, from outside and inside (4.01). In the end, the activities that generate most satisfaction for the cultural tourist during the visit can be classified into the five activities set out below: the views of the whole town and its interiors (4.45), visiting monuments (4.38), interacting with people from the town (4.21), viewing natural landscapes (4.04), and the atmosphere of the streets and public squares (4.01).

Our last block in **Table 3** relates to South American countries with developing economies, natural and cultural attractions, and activities determined by sustainable tourism. In most cases, their destinations are unspoiled/developing, with tourism projects based on sustainability, three of which have been selected: **The Amazon eco-cultural circuit, Peru** [22]**, the eco-cultural tourism project with proposals is based in Catamarca, Argentina** [23] and finally**, the Chalalán Project, Bolivia** [24]**.**

**The Amazon eco-cultural circuit, Peru** [22] is a programme intended to improve competitiveness of the tourism sector on the eco-cultural route comprising Chachapoyas, Levanto, San Isidro del Maino and Magdalena (Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza en Amazonas). This circuit offers 9 attractions and 7 activities, including trekking, horse riding, rural community-based tourism, ecotourism, archaeology, camping and cycling. All of this complies with sustainable fair and conservational tourism, which offers nature, culture, adventure and experiences. Tourists want to get involved, enjoy new experiences, feel connected and be a part of the conservation process of the places they visit. This experience forms part of their personal growth. This region, where the Incas once lived, has a vast biological and cultural diversity, magnificent waterfalls and valleys, private conservation areas, native species that are unique in the world and mysterious pre-Inca archaeological ruins. Among the tourist resources this area has, there are picturesque places such as natural viewpoints, Lopsol Forest, Purur river, Pumaurco


#### **Table 4.**

*Interests of the cultural tourist and activities during the visit to historical towns.*

*Tourism*

groups led by qualified guides.

damage to the area.

difficult to manage [29].

geomorphological forms, the scarce vegetation and the unique weather conditions. Visitors can get acquainted with these natural values while doing tours in small

The park management team also organises activities for students, with the purpose of teaching them about nature and culture and to introduce them to the park's flora and fauna, cultural and historical values, agricultural activities, restoration of native crops, fishery, scientific activities and environmental volunteering. In the media guide, wonderful pictures of natural landscapes are shown, with unique

Projects with proposals are another kind of case report, classified as intermediate level, so that in the future the eco-tourism destinations can become consolidated projects. **The continental salt pans in Andalusia**, Spain [19] have tourist and educational potential as they are a specific type of wetland, inland salt pans. They are an industrial heritage site in danger of extinction, and could be reused as a tourist, cultural and educational destination. They could also help revive the economy of this area located in the heart of Andalusia, which has a promising range of architectural heritage, landscapes and nature, although it's now practically abandoned. The proposal formulated in this research will contribute to the preservation of this land heritage and help spread knowledge through the protection of the cultural, educational and tourist product. There is still a need for institutional support, for professionals that can implement the plan and for the opinion of people living in the area. Some matters need to be discussed, such as, what the tourist-educational tours will consist of, a survey on the economic, environmental and social impact during the development of the plan, if there is territorial and inter-administrative cooperation, and what limitations need to put in place so as to avoid causing irreversible

Finally, the **Research to propose projects for a tourism product** is the last case in Europe (Spain), and deals with **cultural landscapes (target images) as a tourism product. Spain** [20, 21]. The opportunities that the landscapes offer, especially the cultural landscapes, are likely to become a tourism product by means of sustainable planning and management. It applies to visitors and tourists that are mainly interested in historical towns and want to extend their stay in these destinations. The landscape is an integrated whole which presents the geographical facts on the earth's surface and includes physical features and elements created by humans,

The panoramic and urban settings together make up the cultural landscapes. This specifically refers to historical towns, where the cultural tourists come and combine the feeling of the trip during their stay with the contemplative experience of the historic heritage. The protection of landscapes and heritage values led to the introduction of landscape conservation in urbanism and spatial planning during the 80s and 90s, and encouraged the valuing of landscapes as an enriching element by means of tourism [28]. Cultural landscapes are, in short, the result of people's interaction with the natural environment over time, the result of which is a territory perceived and valued for its cultural qualities, which express a process and the support of a community's identity. It represents a dynamic, complex reality which is

Research on the perception and assessment of the **cultural landscape as a tourism product** [20] examines the perception of cultural landscapes and target images in a representative sample (500) of tourists from all of the autonomous communities in Spain. Its goal is to learn, among other aspects, the cultural tourist's interests, and their activities during their visits to historical towns. The context in which this research takes place is marked by a rediscovery of historical towns as tourist destinations, based on the experience of the visit and the short duration of the stay. The

where the natural and cultural dimension can jointly be observed [27].

volcanoes that make this a valuable and a high-quality tourist visit.

**240**

viewpoint, Convento cave, Tusa bridge, Camino Prehispánico [pre-Columbian road] and endless abandoned archaeological sites that are under no conservation programme. The circuit would require planning that fosters social, economic and cultural integration, and that enhances integrating, progressive, unifying and sustainable tourism. For this plan to be implemented joint work is necessary. It is recommended that local and regional governments opt for innovative tourism projects, placing value on the archaeological resources they have.

The **eco-cultural tourism project** with proposals is based in **Catamarca, Argentina** [23], It is also included in the strategy for sustainable development, in which many environmental, sociocultural and economic criteria converge with quality, continuity and balance. Here, eco-cultural tourism is trying to establish itself, together with the opportunities offered by local economies, for example, adventure travel, agricultural tourism, observation of flora and fauna, birdwatching, scientific tourism, potholing and cultural tourism. It should be noted that the negative and destructive effects resulting from the massive and uncontrolled use of cultural goods and the surrounding landscapes cannot be ignored or minimised. Long-term political decisions making is key. Ultimately, the tourism project evaluates the archaeological historic heritage and its rehabilitation, local craftsmen, market studies, technicaleconomic evaluation, financial studies and the environmental impact evaluation.

**The Chalalán Project, Bolivia** [24] falls under responsible tourism in a natural area, and belongs to a poor area within the tourist market, where the indigenous community interferes to avoid, among other things, the disappearance of their community. It is located in the valley of the Tuichi river along the banks of the Chalalán lagoon, and consists of the creation of a series of rustic huts around it. The indigenous community of San José de Uchupiamonas is in a complicated situation, specifically because of its involvement in safeguarding its identity and its culture. In order to avoid its disappearance, they use an alternative economy to enable economic viability and attract visitor flows so as to reactivate the tourist destination at different levels and improve living conditions. They make use of solar energy through panels, and the use of batteries for flashlights and fossil fuels is kept to a minimum. They offer programmes to learn to experience the tropical forest, bird watching, canoe rides, swimming, bathing in the lagoon, observation of the flora and fauna, vegetarian cooking, conference rooms, etc. It's experience tourism that is based on authenticity, community development and economic activity, all performed in harmony with a tourist activity directed towards the local community, whose main purpose is survival.

## **4. Conclusions**

Eco-cultural tourism is aimed at meeting the needs and problems that traditional and/or conventional tourism has set aside during its development phase and economic success. It is a central core piece around which alternative forms of tourism will develop, and acts as a counterweight in the resolution of the imbalances and inequalities created. It's returning to the original form of tourism, a beginning *ex novo* but with the acquired experience and knowledge and the tracks left in the natural and urban cultural areas. In reality, it is the antithesis of mass tourism in the globalisation era and the digitalised world, which aims to preserve, protect and restore damaged or even irreversible areas, as well as to maintain the few spaces still untouched by humans and experience the impulses that have always motivated people on their journeys throughout history.

The first steps of eco-cultural tourism are found in the ecotourism which was born out of the United Nations in 2012 to eradicate poverty—with the participation

**243**

**Other declarations**

marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage*

of the locals—, protect the environment and incorporate sustainable development. The 80s showed remarkable economic benefits in areas such as natural tourism, and comes together at different points with sustainable tourism and community tourism. Dangi and Jamal [30] carefully examined the chronology of sustainable community tourism, which resulted in the existence of integration approaches at a local-global level with community development. They also determined that good governance, guided by clearly defined ethical principles and justice, closed the local-global gap and guided the development and management of tourism.

These new improvements, along with the demands of the modern tourist, have led to ecotourism consolidating itself as eco-cultural tourism, which promotes sociocultural and traditional values, environmental awareness, and benefits to rural and urban communities. Additionally, it opens up possibilities to develop economies at various levels for public and private enterprises, and offers the enjoyment of a unique high-quality experience. The responses given to climate change issues and the imbalances from economic globalisation are made possible through the planning of local sustainable development, comprising all tourism sectors involved in the creation of a Tourism Project, an Application Phase and the Evaluation of the structured project. The methodology used in the study of eco-cultural tourism, uses the global and local levels of tourist destinations located in countries with emerging economies (Asia: China, Malaysia, Thailand), developed countries (Europe: Spain) and developing nations (South America: Peru, Argentina, Bolivia). This highlights the need for a local level planning, which is endorsed by all tourism agents and has an accessible economic and environmental load capacity and balance. Promoting planned tourist areas will be possible with the support of government policies, aimed at progressively implementing clean energies, promoting the growth of undeveloped areas and including citizens in the evolution of tourism economies. Our initial hypothesis is confirmed and the path towards the logistic change of sustainable development is

aimed at the protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

I give thanks to the InetchOpen editorial for inviting me to participate write a book, directed and supervised by Sayd Abdul Rehman Khan, on tourism that reflects the current situation of the sector in today's world and during this period

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

#### *Eco-Cultural Tourism: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93897*

of the locals—, protect the environment and incorporate sustainable development. The 80s showed remarkable economic benefits in areas such as natural tourism, and comes together at different points with sustainable tourism and community tourism. Dangi and Jamal [30] carefully examined the chronology of sustainable community tourism, which resulted in the existence of integration approaches at a local-global level with community development. They also determined that good governance, guided by clearly defined ethical principles and justice, closed the local-global gap and guided the development and management of tourism.

These new improvements, along with the demands of the modern tourist, have led to ecotourism consolidating itself as eco-cultural tourism, which promotes sociocultural and traditional values, environmental awareness, and benefits to rural and urban communities. Additionally, it opens up possibilities to develop economies at various levels for public and private enterprises, and offers the enjoyment of a unique high-quality experience. The responses given to climate change issues and the imbalances from economic globalisation are made possible through the planning of local sustainable development, comprising all tourism sectors involved in the creation of a Tourism Project, an Application Phase and the Evaluation of the structured project.

The methodology used in the study of eco-cultural tourism, uses the global and local levels of tourist destinations located in countries with emerging economies (Asia: China, Malaysia, Thailand), developed countries (Europe: Spain) and developing nations (South America: Peru, Argentina, Bolivia). This highlights the need for a local level planning, which is endorsed by all tourism agents and has an accessible economic and environmental load capacity and balance. Promoting planned tourist areas will be possible with the support of government policies, aimed at progressively implementing clean energies, promoting the growth of undeveloped areas and including citizens in the evolution of tourism economies. Our initial hypothesis is confirmed and the path towards the logistic change of sustainable development is aimed at the protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

### **Other declarations**

*Tourism*

viewpoint, Convento cave, Tusa bridge, Camino Prehispánico [pre-Columbian road] and endless abandoned archaeological sites that are under no conservation programme. The circuit would require planning that fosters social, economic and cultural integration, and that enhances integrating, progressive, unifying and sustainable tourism. For this plan to be implemented joint work is necessary. It is recommended that local and regional governments opt for innovative tourism

The **eco-cultural tourism project** with proposals is based in **Catamarca, Argentina** [23], It is also included in the strategy for sustainable development, in which many environmental, sociocultural and economic criteria converge with quality, continuity and balance. Here, eco-cultural tourism is trying to establish itself, together with the opportunities offered by local economies, for example, adventure travel, agricultural tourism, observation of flora and fauna, birdwatching, scientific tourism, potholing and cultural tourism. It should be noted that the negative and destructive effects resulting from the massive and uncontrolled use of cultural goods and the surrounding landscapes cannot be ignored or minimised. Long-term political decisions making is key. Ultimately, the tourism project evaluates the archaeological historic heritage and its rehabilitation, local craftsmen, market studies, technicaleconomic evaluation, financial studies and the environmental impact evaluation. **The Chalalán Project, Bolivia** [24] falls under responsible tourism in a natural area, and belongs to a poor area within the tourist market, where the indigenous community interferes to avoid, among other things, the disappearance of their community. It is located in the valley of the Tuichi river along the banks of the Chalalán lagoon, and consists of the creation of a series of rustic huts around it. The indigenous community of San José de Uchupiamonas is in a complicated situation, specifically because of its involvement in safeguarding its identity and its culture. In order to avoid its disappearance, they use an alternative economy to enable economic viability and attract visitor flows so as to reactivate the tourist destination at different levels and improve living conditions. They make use of solar energy through panels, and the use of batteries for flashlights and fossil fuels is kept to a minimum. They offer programmes to learn to experience the tropical forest, bird watching, canoe rides, swimming, bathing in the lagoon, observation of the flora and fauna, vegetarian cooking, conference rooms, etc. It's experience tourism that is based on authenticity, community development and economic activity, all performed in harmony with a tourist activity directed towards the local community,

Eco-cultural tourism is aimed at meeting the needs and problems that traditional and/or conventional tourism has set aside during its development phase and economic success. It is a central core piece around which alternative forms of tourism will develop, and acts as a counterweight in the resolution of the imbalances and inequalities created. It's returning to the original form of tourism, a beginning *ex novo* but with the acquired experience and knowledge and the tracks left in the natural and urban cultural areas. In reality, it is the antithesis of mass tourism in the globalisation era and the digitalised world, which aims to preserve, protect and restore damaged or even irreversible areas, as well as to maintain the few spaces still untouched by humans and experience the impulses that have always motivated

The first steps of eco-cultural tourism are found in the ecotourism which was born out of the United Nations in 2012 to eradicate poverty—with the participation

projects, placing value on the archaeological resources they have.

**242**

whose main purpose is survival.

people on their journeys throughout history.

**4. Conclusions**

I give thanks to the InetchOpen editorial for inviting me to participate write a book, directed and supervised by Sayd Abdul Rehman Khan, on tourism that reflects the current situation of the sector in today's world and during this period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Tourism*
