DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY

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