The Global Structure of the Nature Tourism Industry: Ecotourists, Tour Operators, and Local Businesses

Abstract

Nature tourism and ecotourism are rapidly growing components of the international tourism industry. Although a substantial research literature has developed on this topic, few works have systematically examined the increasing number of nature tour operators or the global business structure of the nature tourism industry. In response, this article reviews the literature regarding the global dimensions of the nature tourism industry, outlines a more comprehensive framework for understanding the global business organization of this sector, and sketches a geography of nature tour operators based within the United States.