Summary Preface：
As a key pillar of sustainable tourism, ecotourism has experienced rapid growth worldwide. However, issues such as homogenized offerings, insufficient community involvement, and limited climate resilience have hindered its long-term development. Recent studies suggest that digital technologies, community-led governance models, and policy innovation are critical drivers of ecotourism's sustainable transformation. This article reviews key findings and offers theoretical and practical guidance for ecotourism practitioners and policymakers.
Ecotourism is widely regarded as a viable path to sustainable development. Yet with its fast-paced growth, product homogenization has become a significant concern. The China Ecotourism Development Report (2022–2023) highlights that many projects tend to replicate successful models without adapting to local ecological contexts, resulting in uniform tourism formats that lack distinctiveness and appeal.
Another pressing issue is the limited engagement of local communities. A case study in Hebei Province, China, reveals that the development potential of community-based ecotourism depends on various factors including resource availability, ecological integrity, governance capacity, and infrastructure. Scientific evaluation and inclusive participation mechanisms are essential to driving high-quality, community-led ecotourism.
From a governance perspective, institutional innovation is emerging as a key enabler of sustainable ecotourism. New approaches in co-management, policy decentralization, and environmental regulation have shown potential in aligning tourism development with ecological protection and social equity goals.
Looking forward, the integration of digital tools such as GIS mapping, virtual eco-experiences, and real-time visitor management systems may help enhance ecological awareness and improve tourism efficiency. These tools not only modernize service delivery but also support evidence-based decision-making for conservation-sensitive areas.
In conclusion, sustainable ecotourism requires more than green branding—it demands a structural shift toward localized, participatory, and innovation-driven models. Bridging research with practice, and governance with grassroots participation, will be key to achieving a resilient and inclusive ecotourism future.
