A global overview of nature tourism

Abstract

As a representative of the Ecotourism Society, I have been asked to present a global overview of the nature or ecotourism movement, and touch on its history, status, challenges, current developments and potential benefits. In order to present this global overview, I will draw on personal stories and give many examples of what others around the world are doing. The ecotourism movement is almost too new to really have a history. While adventure and wilderness trips have been around for decades, it became apparent in the late 1980's that nature and adventure trips were being mixed with an educational flavour, and there was no buzz-word to describe this new kind of programme.