For a century, the tourism use of protected areas developed and increased. After 1945, the increase accelerated due to expanding populations, more affluence and higher availability of parks and protected areas. Worldwide, park managers adapted their policies and management structures as the use evolved. Many countries, for example Australia, Costa Rica, Kenya and New Zealand, attribute a significant portion of their tourism industry to protected area tourism. The size of the industry is so large that a vital public debate has emerged.
Many studies document the relationship between tourism and parks.
However, most occur at the park or subpark level. Fewer studies highlight successful planning and management approaches at a broader scale. A few countries are developing national policies. There is strong interest in many other countries to learn from the experience of the policy leaders in this regard. There is an emerging need to develop a broader understanding of the complex relationships between tourism and protected areas.