Natural areas attract considerable tourism growth. However, as numbers of tourists coming to visit our natural areas increase there is increasing public concern about how to manage the effects of tourism on our natural environment.
Key end-user groups are participating in the research through a research Reference Group which includes public and private sector participants.
An integrated approach requires co-ordinated application of a range of management tools, rather than the common focus on single tools. To aid the development of an integrated approach the research team has developed this kete of practical management tools. These tools include methodologies, frameworks, and responses to issues that arise in the context of integrated planning. They are drawn from a range of disciplines, including economics, risk assessment, landscape architecture, ecology, tourism planning, regional and resource planning, community development, public participation, leisure and recreation management, law, and impact assessment.
Capacity building with up-skilling of all of those involved in the industry is required to improve understanding of the available tools and where they might be applied - by management agencies, industry and its organisations and operators, and host communities.