ABSTRACT
In this chapter, ecotourism certification is explored as a potential tool for improving regional wealth. Tourism, one of the world’s largest industries, has caused negative environmental impacts in destination areas. Ecotourism, which aims to support conservation of natural environments, can, if conducted properly, contribute to maintaining natural capital as the productive base of inclusive wealth in destination areas. However, ecotourism must be conducted in an appropriate manner and must overcome challenges such as greenwashing. Ecotourism certification should be refined and used as an effective strategy for resolving these problems. The following four recommendations are explored: (1) integrating ecotourism certification programs, (2) introducing performancebased certification, (3) building green destination brands, and (4) combining certification with other methods.
