Creating Eco-Tourism Experiences with Some Lessons from Disney
Table of Contents
Creating Eco-Tourism Experiences with some lessons from Disney.
I have noticed that tourism operators clam up a little when asked about their eco tourism credentials or their conservation efforts.
So I thought why not write a few ideas down on what small and medium sized operators can do.
When it comes to creating magical experiences that also make a meaningful difference, Disney is leading the way.
Through their parks, especially Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney has masterfully woven conservation into their guest experiences. They’ve demonstrated how businesses can educate and inspire millions to care about wildlife and the environment while delivering unforgettable memories.
For tourism operators, there’s much to learn from Disney’s approach. By adopting similar strategies, you can provide impactful eco-tourism experiences that educate guests and encourage them to become advocates for sustainability.
Read here for my blog about Protecting Wildlife and Inspiring Change: Disney’s Conservation Efforts Through Animal Kingdom
Here are my tips and tricks to help you.
1. Start with an Immersive Story
Disney uses storytelling as the foundation of every guest experience. At Animal Kingdom, each habitat and attraction is designed to transport visitors into the lives of animals and ecosystems. Whether guests are exploring the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail or embarking on a Kilimanjaro Safari, they’re immersed in a compelling narrative about wildlife and conservation.
How You Can Do It:
Craft a story for your eco-tourism experience that highlights your unique location, the species you protect, or the environmental challenges your region faces.
• Example: If you run a coastal tour, share the story of marine life’s struggle against plastic pollution. Build this narrative into your signage, guide scripts, and even your website.
• Tip: Use local history or folklore to make the experience culturally rich while keeping the focus on conservation.
2. Create Hands-On Experiences
Disney goes beyond passive learning by engaging visitors with interactive exhibits.
At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, guests can watch veterinary procedures, learn about animal diets, and even participate in activities like planting trees.
How You Can Do It:
Encourage your guests to participate in conservation efforts during their visit.
• Example: A wildlife sanctuary could offer tree-planting sessions or opportunities to assist in habitat restoration. For marine tours, you could organise beach clean-ups where guests contribute to reducing plastic waste.
• Tip: Provide tools and guidance to make participation simple and rewarding. Even small actions like feeding animals or creating birdhouses can create lasting memories.
3. Use Visual and Sensory Impact
Disney knows the power of visuals to inspire action.
Bioluminescent lighting in Pandora – The World of Avatar evokes the magic of nature, while realistic replicas in the Maharajah Jungle Trek transport guests to South Asia.
Look at how you can create displays - maybe using recycled materials to help showcase how items can be upcycled while delivering your message or story.
How You Can Do It:
Leverage visuals and sensory elements to make your eco-tourism site unforgettable.
• Example: A rainforest retreat can use ambient sounds of nature to enhance the experience, while interpretive signage can educate guests on biodiversity hotspots.
• Tip: Create “Instagrammable” moments, photo-worthy spots that guests can share online with conservation messages, amplifying your reach.
4. Educate Guests Through Engaging Content
At Disney, education and entertainment go hand-in-hand. Informative signage, live demonstrations, and engaging guides ensure that guests leave with a deeper understanding of conservation.
How You Can Do It:
Provide clear, concise, and engaging educational materials for your guests.
• Example: Offer guided tours where staff share stories about the environment and practical tips for sustainable living. Create brochures or digital guides that explain local wildlife, threats to their survival, and how guests can help.
• Tip: Use infographics to simplify complex ideas, like the importance of ecosystems or how guests’ actions impact the environment.
5. Partner with Conservation Organisations
Disney supports conservation efforts globally through initiatives like the Disney Conservation Fund, which has donated over $120 million to wildlife projects worldwide. They also work with nonprofits to protect endangered species and restore habitats.
How You Can Do It:
Form partnerships with local or global conservation groups to enhance your eco-tourism offerings.
• Example: Collaborate with wildlife organisations to fundraise or share resources. For every tour booked, donate a portion of the proceeds to a conservation project.
• Tip: Highlight these partnerships in your marketing to attract eco-conscious travellers.
6. Offer Sustainable Products and Practices
Disney has eliminated single-use plastics and offers plant-based dining options across their parks, showing that sustainability is a priority.
How You Can Do It:
Make sustainability an integral part of your operations.
• Example: Replace single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives, provide reusable water bottles, and encourage guests to bring their own. Incorporate sustainable energy sources, like solar power, for your facilities.
• Tip: Let guests know about your eco-friendly practices through signage, emails, or guide announcements.
7. Inspire Action Beyond the Visit
Disney doesn’t stop at educating guests, they inspire them to act. Initiatives like the “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time” campaign encourage visitors to get involved in conservation efforts long after they leave the park.
How You Can Do It:
Give your guests actionable steps to support the environment after their visit.
• Example: Provide follow-up emails with tips on reducing waste, donating to conservation groups, or volunteering for local projects. Offer adopt-a-species programs where guests can symbolically support endangered animals.
• Tip: Create a social media community where past guests can share their eco-friendly practices and stay connected with your cause.
8. Measure and Share Your Impact
Disney regularly reports on the successes of its conservation programs, using these results to inspire more action and refine their strategies.
How You Can Do It:
Track your eco-tourism efforts and share your progress with guests.
• Example: Publish an annual impact report highlighting the number of trees planted, wildlife rehabilitated, or waste reduced through your initiatives.
• Tip: Use photos, videos, and guest testimonials to illustrate your successes and inspire future visitors to join your efforts.
Why This Matters
Eco-tourism isn’t just a trend, it is firmly the present and future of travel and experiences.
Travellers seek experiences that align with their values, and sustainability is at the top of their priorities.
By adopting Disney’s tactics, you can create meaningful guest experiences, drive loyalty, and contribute to the global effort to protect our planet.
Let’s Get Started
As a tourism growth coach, I’m here to help you craft eco-tourism experiences that wow your guests and make a positive impact on the environment.
Whether it’s developing educational programs, streamlining sustainable practices, or creating unforgettable conservation-themed moments, together we can build a brighter, greener future for your business and our planet.
Contact me today to start creating eco-tourism experiences that inspire change. Let’s make a difference one guest at a time.
For more blogs about Disney’s Conservation Efforts, click here:
Protecting Wildlife and Inspiring Change: Disney’s Conservation Efforts Through Animal Kingdom
