Part I: The essence of ecotourism -- The nature of ecotourism -- The ecotourist -- Part II: Core criteria used to define ecotourism -- Nature- based -- Sustainability 1: local participation and benefits -- Sustainability 2: conservation -- Learning -- The moral imperative -- Part III: Topics and issues important to ecotourism -- Socio- cultural and ecological impacts of ecotourism -- Economic impacts and marketing of ecotourism -- Development, governance and policy -- Programme planning -- Conclusion.

"The new edition focuses on economic, social and ecological inconsistencies that continue to plague ecotourism in theory and practice, and examines the sector in reference to other related forms of tourism, impacts, conservation, sustainability, education and interpretation, policy and governance, and the ethical imperative of ecotourism. An essential reference for those interested in ecotourism, the book is accessible to students, but retains the depth required for use by researchers and practitioners in the field. It book will be of interest to students across a range of disciplines including geography, economics, business, ethics, biology, and environmental studies"--