This question was attempted by many candidates but not many of them could accurately differentiate between characteristics and function. The characteristics of eco-tourism are:

• eco-tourism is a term describing tourism activity concerned with the conservation of natural environment
• eco-tourism is characterized by preservation of flora, fauna, beaches and natural environments, etc
• an example of eco-tourism involves movement of tourists to experience nature e.g. natural park
• ecotourism minimizes impacts on the environment that is why it is referred to as green tourism
• eco-tourism fosters a greater appreciation of our natural habitats
• eco-tourism provides direct financial benefits for conservation
• provides social and economic empowerment for local people through job creation
• eco –tourism has respect for local culture e.g. relics
• serves as an avenue for educational research
• supports human rights and democratic movements e.g. the nigeria conservation society

The Characteristics of religious tourism include:

• religious tourism is a form of tourism which involves travelling for religious purposes
• religious tourism is motivated by spiritual reasons
• examples of religious tourism are visits to the holy places such as Mecca (Islam), Jerusalem (Christian) and India (Hinduism) etc
• religious tourism is also referred to as pilgrimage
• religious tourism is a form of mass tourism
• religious tourism provides direct financial benefits for the destinations
• religious tourism has respect for the culture of the community
• to observe major religious rites
• to celebrate certain religious events
• generally religious tourism is characterized by long distance journeys
• it involves performance of major religious obligation and rituals
• it is seasonal in nature