Texas is one of very few states that can boast about the level of diversity of wildlife and habitats. Nature tourists can enjoy mountains, canyons, forests, grasslands, deserts, and bayous all within the Texas state lines. The growing demand for nature tourism experience represents an opportunity for private land owners and small businesses. An estimated 97 percent of Texas lands are privately owned, and many private areas include impressive natural settings for nature tourism experiences. Nature tourism is not without costs.
Travelers coming into a fragile area can negatively impact the area.
Therefore, it is important that a solid infrastructure is in place to support tourism. Limitations should be set to protect the environment, the habitat of native wildlife and private property rights. To prevent the negative effects of nature tourism, some states and organizations are developing codes of conduct that limit the impact of tourism. Nature tourism can be a profitable and sustainable industry if the resource base continues to be protected. TNTA will help Texas compete in the nature tourism industry and conserve the natural resources by combining the efforts of government, landowners, cities, rural areas, the travel industry, and the conservation community.