Ecotourism lacks a universally-accepted definition, but is generally regarded as responsible and sustainable travel to natural areas that both conserves the environment and improves the well-being of those living there. At the heart of it is the assumption that in a predominantly capitalist world where nature plays second fiddle to creating wealth, any conservation needs to pay for itself. Money generated from ecotourism is invested back into the conservation of the environment it impacts upon. Supporters argue that, by involving residents in accommodating tourists and acting as guides, for example, ecotourism aids development, both regionally and nationally. In many cases, communities work as equal partners with ecotourism organisations rather than just as employees. However, some detractors point out that the environment is effectively prioritised above the needs of residents. Ecotourism’s apparent obsession with this, far from giving a boost to the development of wealth in a community, can actually damage the ability of the majority of inhabitants to lift themselves out of poverty. The travel industry contributes over seven trillion dollars to the world economy each year. Holiday travel has become a significant contributor to the global economy. Despite what its critics may say, giving a hand to nature in this way has the potential to offer communities some serious economic opportunities as it now accounts for about a fifth of this total, and is continuing to expand. It generates money from natural environments by encouraging tourists to pay for items like accommodation, souvenirs and entrance fees during their stay.