A group of eco-tourists walks on the beach in the Everglades National Park

If you have a deep appreciation for nature, culture and history, and you would love to show interested locals and travelers the hidden treasures of your area, a career in ecotourism could be right up your alley. This type of travel, with an awareness of and respect for the environment and indigenous communities, is a rapidly growing industry worldwide.

1. What is a sustainable property management company?
Tour companies offer outings to travelers, tourists, and residents to introduce them to area highlights they might not otherwise see. Ecotourism companies focus on non-consumptive tours of natural areas and practice the Leave No Trace principles. These can be birdwatching tours, backpacking tours, kayaking tours, yoga retreats in natural settings ... the business is limited only by your imagination and the natural resources that are available locally.

So compelling is the case for ecotourism as a win-win that Costa Rica, the country that perhaps pioneered sustainable tourism, has enjoyed a prosperous economy unrivaled by any other Central American country and the model is now being copied by other Central American nations. Its tourism industry, a large percentage of which is ecotourism, produces more revenues for the country than coffee (double) and bananas (1.3 times as much), its other two major economic players.

A group of tourists crosses the Capilano Suspension Bridge outside of Vancouver, BC

But one need not venture to Costa Rica to do eco-tourism. A quick web search yields hundreds of ecotour companies operating in the U.S. offering thousands of adventures and tour types. The International Ecotourism Society even hosts an annual ecotourism conference, to be held this year in Portland, OR, in September 2010.

2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
Very beneficial attributes to have for an entrepreneur include having a detailed knowledge of the subject of your tours. In other words, if you are leading birdwatching tours, you better know your area's birds better than anyone.

3. How much money is required to start?
$-$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

4. What is the income potential?
$$-$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

5. What is the best location for a sustainable property management company?
The location you start this business is not very important, but access to the outdoors and good recreation areas is crucial. You should have several great places to take customers, such as National Parks, beaches, hiking areas, nature preserves, estuaries, etc.

The North Delhi Urban Eco Tours Bus in Delhi, India

6. Three best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to all three, this business might be a good fit for you):

Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who are your target customers? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What's the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?

There's a lot to think about, but rest easy! Our mission is to help you succeed, so set up a free half hour consultation with Scott Cooney, GBO's Principal, and author of Build a Green Small Business (McGraw-Hill). You may also order a free (S&H only) copy of Scott's book by clicking on the picture of the book cover below.