DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY

Ecotourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global tourism industry, offering significant opportunities for sustainable economic development while promoting environmental conservation. By encouraging responsible travel to natural areas, ecotourism contributes to biodiversity protection, cultural preservation, and the improvement of local livelihoods. This article examines the development of ecotourism and its impact on economic growth, employment generation, and regional development. The study analyzes the role of ecotourism in creating new business opportunities, attracting investments, and enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations. Furthermore, it explores the challenges and prospects of ecotourism development in the context of sustainable tourism policies. The findings suggest that effective ecotourism management can serve as a powerful tool for achieving economic benefits while maintaining environmental sustainability.