Ecotourism is all about traveling and visiting unexplored places that protect the environment as well as looks after the welfare of the local people residing in that area. Ecotourism involves visiting fragile, pristine and relatively untouched natural areas with the intention to support conservation efforts. One observes the flora and fauna in their natural environment and cause as little impact as possible. Popular ecotourism activities include visiting tropical rainforests, studying flora and fauna, hiking in natural parks, taking whale-watching trips, exploring volcanoes, visiting historical places, canyoning, some alternative forms of transportation that have lower carbon emissions, travel to an agricultural destination and even visiting the frozen lands of the arctic circle etc.

This is a newly emerging concept in the travel and tourism industry. It is often carried on a small scale and is a great alternative to the mainstream commercial tourism. There is no such specific training is required in starting an ecotourism business. But yes, one will need to be organized, a great communicator and a good listener who always comes with a resourceful positive reply. Any individual passionate about travel and having knowledge about ecotourism destinations can initiate this business. As an ecotourism travel planner, one will be providing advice and arrangements according to your client’s choice and budget. The ecotourism business industry makes up 6% of the GDP all over the world. This industry is considered a fast-growing industry as the yearly growth rate is 5%.

The growing understanding of environmental preservation and environmental awareness has prompted lodging providers to establish eco-lodges or camps with animal tourism, bird watching, and coral reefs that support ecological preservation. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the demand for ecotourism would increase globally due to expanding urbanisation, rising disposable income and rising pollution levels. This potential is due to two elements that are abundant in the location of holiday farms: fresh air and sunlight. Fresh air is all we seek today and these are places where we can repair our polluted lungs.

The government has taken initiatives to recognize the service sector in the new definition of MSME (13/05/2020), removing the distinction between manufacturing and service based MSMEs. With the revised definition of MSMEs, the tourism sector has been recognized as a service sector. It can now avail the same benefits being given to manufacturing businesses for quite a long time.

The states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have recognised eco-tourism as having the highest potential for the economic development of the region and have initiated different ecotourism activities for livelihood creation as well as conservation and protection of the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan region.

A Project Report is not only essential for obtaining financial assistance from Bank/ Financial Institution/Funding Agency but also the most important document either to participate in the development schemes of MSME Sector/ Department of Industries or in completing various time consuming government formalities connected with planning and commercial operation of the proposed business project.

This Detail Project Report (DPR)/ Business Plan has been developed in a well-structured PDF Format (Easy to Download, Convert into MS WORD through www.pdftoword.com, Edit for Personalised Customisation and Finally Printing the Report) to be presented as a Ready Project Proposal immediately thereby saving precious time of the promoter in the process of completing requisite formalities in anticipation of setting up the business project. Accordingly, following Project Templates has been deliberately left blank in order to facilitate customisation by the perspective entrepreneurs based on personal requirements and furnish necessary information on actual basis.

§ Project at a Glance                               :             To be Filled Up as per Personal Requirements.

[Total Capital Expenditure, Working Capital, Estimated Cost of the Project, Amount of Bank Loan, Amount of Equity Capital and Amount of applicable Margin Money Subsidy – (Urban/Rural /General Category/ Special Category)].

§ General Information and Location       :             To be Furnished in the Blank Space.

[Name of the Unit/Firm, Address of the Proposed Project Location, Size of the Space Available and Occupancy under Ownership/Lease Agreement].

§ Promoter’s Background                        :             To be Furnished in the Blank Space.

[Name of the Promoter, Age, Communication Address, Educational Qualification, Work Experience and Special Training Attended, if Any].

The Project Report/ Business Plan so presented include all the important aspects containing the following details;

CONTENTS

1. Project at a Glance
2. Highlights of the Project
3. Project Introduction
4. The Project Proposal
5. Prospect for Investment
6. Potential Target Customers/Market
7. Market Entry Plan
8. Process Details and Technical Aspect
9. Installed and Operational Capacity
10. Raw Materials and Consumables
11. Power and Utility
12. Tentative Implementation Schedule
13. Basis & Presumptions
14. Capital Investment Estimates with Detail Project Economics
15. Computation of Working Capital Requirement
16. Estimated Total Project Investment
17. Proposed Means of Project Financing
18. Estimated Annual Sales Turnover
19. Projected Profitability Statement
20. Calculation of Interest Amount
21. Depreciation Schedule
22. Term Loan Repayment Schedule
23. Debt Service Coverage Ratio
24. Break-Even Analysis
25. Projected Cash Flow Statement
26. Projected Balance Sheet
27. Internal Rate of Return
28. Pay Back Period

The presentation also supplements with important facts and useful information covering the areas as indicated below;

LIST OF ANNEXURES

1.   Basics of Eco-Tourism

2.   Statutory Permits and Business Licenses required for Eco-Resort Business

3.   Beginner’s Guide to Start Eco-Resort Business

4.   Smart Tips to follow in Eco-Resort Business and

5.   Marketing Strategy and Promotional Ideas to Boost the Sale of Eco-Resort Business.

LIST OF ENCLOSURES

ENCLOSURE-1: NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ECO-TOURISM IN INDIA - MINISTRY OF TOURISM, GOVT. OF INDIA.

ENCLOSURE-2: E-BOOK ON SCHEMES FOR MSMEs, MINISTRY OF MSME, GOVT. OF INDIA.

Thus the information provided would help in identifying in advance the infrastructure/resources required for the Project and approach the concerned government agencies accordingly. Hence, it becomes a complete document for further action towards realising the dream of becoming an entrepreneur.