Tourism is one of the growth sectors of the world economy.
Even in the current period of widespread economic recession and depression, tourism has remained surprisingly strong. Under the broad umbrella of tourism, one of the hottest segments is travel with nature as a principal objective. Known under a variety of names, nature-based tourism is promoted by the travel industry as a unique opportunity to see and experience natural environments and local customs in ways not available to participants in mass tourism. Nature tourism is developing a popular following. It is touted by some of its champions as a solution to chronic underfunding of national parks and other protected areas.