Final answer:
Environmental concerns have indeed slowed hotel development in ecologically sensitive areas, as evidenced by stricter environmental regulations in developed countries and the promotion of ecotourism to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that environmental concerns have slowed hotel development in ecologically sensitive areas is true. The increasing awareness of environmental issues and the impact of tourism has led to contentious debates and more strict environmental standards, especially in developed countries. These standards affect various sectors, including hospitality, to preserve ecologically sensitive areas like old-growth forests, unique landscapes, and regions with high biodiversity.
Developed countries, such as those in Europe, and to an extent the United States, often have stricter environmental regulations that influence hotel development. These regulations are in place to minimize environmental damage and promote ecosystem conservation. For example, initiatives like ecotourism aim to ensure that tourism is managed in a way that is minimally damaging to the environment and may even support conservation efforts, as observed with places like Yosemite National Park.