Вариант 5

Ecotourism

The term “ ecotourism” appeared in the late 1980s. Ecological tourism came of age in 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the "International Year of Ecotourism". Ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel to relatively undisturbed areas, to appreciate nature and culture and to become aware of the need for preserving nature and culture.

Of course, the goal of a holiday is to have a good time. All tourist activities should be practiced taking into consideration ecological problems. Tourists must feel themselves as part of a balanced ecosystem and be ready to protect the environment.

A tour operator should give a tourist some instructions on how to behave and what to do to preserve the cultures and places they are visiting.

Perfect ecotourism, however, probably doesn't exist. But many tourist companies are making an effort to ensure that the benefits of their holidays - both to local people and the area visited - outweigh their negative impact. The number of travel companies, for instance, that use local transport and local hotels, is growing now.

The Association of Independent Tour Operators plays a special role in the tourist industry. AITO operators organize beach cleanings. They support charities at their destinations, in order to teach local children the importance of keeping their part of the world free from rubbish.

Since 1991, AITO has been publishing Responsible Tourism Guidelines, a free directory of companies, which provide eco - friendly trips. AITO encourages the tour operators to have an environmental policy and to consider the impact on the environment of everything they do.

1. How do understand the term ‘ecotourism’?

2. What must tourist remember making a trip to the countryside?

3. Why should tour operators give some instructions to tourists?

4. Why is the role of the Association of Independent Tour Operators important?

5. What do you think about ecotourism?

Вариант 6

Camping

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity involving spending nights in a tent, or a vehicle at a campsite. The purpose of camping is to get away from civilization and to enjoy nature. Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century.

Camping is connected very often with other activities, such as fishing, swimming or hiking. Camping is often restricted by law in order to prevent campers from damaging the environment. Most campers prefer to use sites with special facilities such as fire rings, bathrooms and utilities.

Tent camping commonly employs an automobile to transport equipment to a campground, although sometimes a pack animal, a boat or a plane may be used. Some people camp with tents because they feel that camping with a trailer or motor home detracts from the experience of being out-of-doors. Tent camping is popular with young families. Children enjoy camping.

Recreational vehicles are more like wheeled houses. Some of them cost more than houses. RV campers often choose devices because they consider tent camping uncomfortable and too much work.

Backpacking is a variety of tent camping. Backpackers use special lightweight and portable equipment that can be carried long distances on foot. They hike across the land, camping at remote spots. Backpacking equipment costs more than that for car camping, but much less than a trailer or motor home.

Survivalist campers learn the skills to survive out-of-doors in any situation. This activity may require skills in obtaining food from the wild, emergency medical treatments, orienteering, and pioneering.

Much of the needed camping equipment is usually available at home, like dishes, pots and pans. But many people try to use the equipment better tailored to camping. Lists of what to take are available in camping books.

1. How do you understand the word ‘camping’?

2. Where do campers live?

3. Why do recreational vehicles choose wheeled houses?

4. Why do backpackers choose portable equipment?

5. What do you think about camping?