While the focus of ecotourism has largely been on rural or sensitive areas, the vast majority of tourists visit an urban environment. This article examines how the ecotourists developed the concept of urban green tourism a concept that promotes environmental responsibility, local economic vitality, cultural diversity and experiential richness. Basic aspects of sustainable housing design such as increasing density, mixed use and proximity to public transport are being adopted increasingly in Developed cities. Assessment of the uptake of sustainable planning initiatives reveals the prevalence of a decidedly neoliberal agenda which shies away from the more substantial challenges ecocity design and community-based enterprise may represent. Such community-based initiatives must, however, be supported at a broader scale, to avoid possible outsourcing of governmental responsibility or the relegation of sustainable design to the sole realm of the wealthy. This article elaborates on the promises and challenges permeating the management for development of ecocities community and highlights eco and green spaces and natural sustainable transportation options among other features. The development and launch of the map is discussed and some of the problems encountered are examined. Key strategies for launching ecotourism products are presented in the recommendations.
