An offshoot of the environmental movement of the 1970s, ecotourism has come into its own over the past two decades. Thanks to an increasing awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, combined with a high demand among European and North American travelers for unspoiled locations, authentic cultural experiences, and recreational challenges, ecotourism is growing at a rate of 20 percent annually, making it the fastest-growing sector in the tourist industry. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and the welfare of local people." The International Union for Conservation of Nature characterizes ecotourism as economically sustainable, ecologically sensitive, and culturally acceptable. Closely related is the concept of sustainable tourism identified in Our Common Future, the Brundtland Commission's report to the 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development: development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Ecotourism's principles clearly distinguish it from conventional mass tourism. Instead of classic tourist meccas, ecotourism seeks out remote locations with strict environmental protections, and operates on a small scale. Tourists, businesses, and local residents are encouraged to minimize their impact on environment by recycling materials, conserving energy and water, safely treating human waste and properly disposing of garbage, using alternative energy, and building in a manner that fits in with natural surroundings. The financial benefits from ecotourism are passed on to the community through conservation projects, employment, partnerships, and local participation in the development and management of local resources. Synonymous with "green" tourism, ecotourism promotes cultural sensitivity and respect for traditions and customs in order to avoid the kind of exploitation that has turned tribal ceremonies into side shows and relics into souvenirs. Last but not the least, ecotourism plays a political role in its support of human rights and democracy.

"Green" tourism promotes _________.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

cultural sensitivity to avoid tribal exploitation

The correct answer is Option 2: cultural sensitivity to avoid tribal exploitation.

The passage states that ecotourism, also known as "green" tourism, promotes cultural sensitivity and respect for traditions and customs. This is in contrast to conventional mass tourism, which can sometimes lead to the exploitation of local cultures and traditions.

The other options are incorrect because they are not specifically mentioned in the passage as being promoted by "green" tourism. Afforestation is the planting of trees to increase forest cover, but it is not specifically mentioned as a goal of "green" tourism. Visiting forest areas is one activity that is often associated with ecotourism, but it is not the only goal of "green" tourism. Large-scale tourism is the opposite of ecotourism, which is typically small-scale and focused on minimizing the impact on the environment.