This text describes the state of the art of tourism planning and management in national parks and protected areas. It also provides guidelines for best practice in tourism operations. Other objectives are to: describe case studies and guidelines that contribute to conservation of biological diversity; consider the role of local communities within or near these areas; outline the development of tourism infrastructure and services; discuss visitor management; provide guidelines to enhance the quality of the tourism experience. The focus is global and the book should appeal to both academics and practitioners.

Published on behalf of The Task Force on Tourism and Protected Areas of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), this book serves as a comprehensive record of the tourism issues discussed at the World Parks Congress held in Durban, South Africa in 2003. The issues discussed reflect the past 10 years of global challenges and lessons learnt in protected area management, the place of tourism in this and the projected issues for the next decade.