As the largest business sector in the world economy, tourism employs 200 million people, generates $3.6 trillion in economic activity and accounts for one in every 12 jobs worldwide. Thus tourism is a major contributor to economic growth and has bought prosperity and higher living standards to many people throughout the world, many of whom had few options prior to tourism. However, it is widely acknowledged that tourism can cause significant negative environmental, social and economic outcomes, in particular for those who live in poverty. Indeed consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the effects of poorly managed tourism with significant implications for tour operators and travel companies. This report is the second that Mintel has published on the subject of ethical tourism and looks at how the industry is addressing these issues as well as consumer attitudes towards ethical tourism. Providing a unique understanding of the market's trends and consumers, Mintel's 'Eco & Ethical Tourism' offers an extensive insight into:

- Growth in the ethical consumer movement and the impact on the eco travel market

- Long-term growth in overseas holiday market

- An increasing choice of ethical holidays

- An increase in the number of positive Industry initiatives towards more ethical tourism

-The factors that consumers believe contribute to an enjoyable holiday

- Key target groups for operators practising ethical tourism

- Responsible tourism in the future and the need to efficiently manage the expansion of the travel industry

In this report, ethical tourism relates to appropriate codes of conduct within the tourism industry and refers to the disparate benefits of the industry that often puts many at a disadvantage. Other terms used under the ethical banner are sustainable and responsible tourism, which refer to the practice of putting long-term environmental and social benefits before short-term gain. Most of the issues examined in this report address problems with overseas destinations and resorts, although domestic tourism is also discussed.

Eco-tourism - although a broad term often used loosely by the industry, generally refers to an environmentally based tourism experience, which has a low impact on the natural environment, preserving the long-term nature of the product.

Sustainable development - development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Bruntland Commission). Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future, basically protecting the very resources (environment and cultural resources) that the industry relies upon. Sustainable tourism products are operated in harmony with and to benefit the local environment, community and cultures rather than having a negative impact.

The aim of the concept of fair trade in tourism is to improve the position of suppliers in the developing world against the disadvantages of trading with the developed world. The aim is to buy fairly and directly from suppliers establishing long-term trading relationships.