CONCEPTUAL BASIS OF ECOTOURISM IN EDUCATION
Abstract
Ecotourism has increasingly been recognized not only as a sustainable tourism model but also as an effective educational framework that integrates environmental awareness, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. This article examines the conceptual foundations of ecotourism within educational contexts, focusing on its theoretical principles, pedagogical relevance, and measurable learning outcomes. Drawing on international academic literature and policy documents, the study analyzes how ecotourism contributes to environmental education, sustainability competencies, and experiential learning. The findings demonstrate that ecotourism-based education strengthens ecological literacy, ethical responsibility, and interdisciplinary learning, making it a valuable component of modern education systems.