VO:
Not long ago, taking a vacation in a remote area of the world, was the epitome of "roughing it." Although it was exotic, not many people looked forward spending their precious free time that way.

In places like Indonesia, for example, there were no resorts, few hotels with even basic creature comforts like electric power or running water. And since traveling the countryside was difficult, these areas were rated poorly as leisure travel destinations.

Not anymore. Indonesia has undergone a transition: airlines, tour operators and hotels have joined together to expand and improve services. More important, they have kept a keen eye on the delicate balance between nature and luxury. Bringing access and services to former outposts like Lombok, without upsetting the ecological beauty.

The result has allowed Indonesia to cash in on the boom in eco-tourism and adventure travel, a 20 billion dollar a year industry. Catering to the adventurers who want to see the world in its more natural state, without foregoing the pleasure of VIP services and first rate facilities.

SOUND BITE:
Jean-Michel Cousteau, Undersea Explorer
Put in action what we have been preaching for many years: and basically, what it means is that we want to prove that we can be environmentally friendly, and financially successful.

VO:
The emphasis on eco-tourism taps into a growing trend: the demand for vacation travel to previously un-toured areas offering unique and exciting experiences.

Despite its success, eco-tourism still offers some challenges for the resort operators and hotel owners: like, how to provide amenities like fine dining.

SOUND BITE:
Valerie Perez, Oberoi Resorts
All of the hotels that we have are in areas of the world where you really need to take account of where your getting the food from, so the chefs are very experienced, they've worked in theses areas before and their creating masterpieces.