Nature tourism is one of the most popular types of tourism, and it is on the rise. But what is nature tourism, how is it different from ecotourism and why is it so popular? This article explains, with plenty of examples.
What is nature tourism?
Nature tourism is all about visiting natural areas and is closely aligned with the concept of rural tourism. Places that nature tourists might visit include beaches, forests or national parks. Activities focus on the natural environment rather than visiting man-made features; think stargazing and hiking, for example. There are locations right across the globe which are perfect for nature tourism.
The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) in the Netherlands define nature tourism as follows:
Nature tourism, also called nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area. It consists of responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.
Video: Nature tourism explained
Why is nature tourism important?
Nature tourism is important as it allows people to see and appreciate the beauty of our natural environment. Through this kind of tourism, people are able to escape the pollution and pressures of city life – it is good for our physical and mental wellbeing to be out in nature, breathing in fresh air and seeing lush greenery or sparkly blue seas. Nature tourism also encourages visitors to take an interest in the natural environment, which may then translate to them making a more conscious effort where environmental issues are concerned. With climate change an ever-present issue, this is an important benefit.
Following on from this, nature tourism gives land owners, local communities and local governments more reason to preserve and take care of natural areas. If they know people will come to visit, it is in their best interest to look after these places and is a great incentive for developing their sustainable tourism provision. Visiting tourists can do wonders for local community pride this way.
As with all tourism, nature tourism brings in money. This economic boost trickles down through a whole community; people need places to stay, and food to eat, and they want to buy souvenirs. Hikers may need equipment, guides and transport, and visitors need somewhere to stay. Jobs are created and economies are boosted through natural tourism, in the surrounding areas of the specific locations too.
Nature tourism is a huge industry. A widely cited study published in PLOS Biology (Balmford et al., 2015) estimated that the world’s protected areas receive around 8 billion visits a year, generating around US$600 billion in direct in-country spending- far more than is spent on managing those areas.
What is the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism?
Is nature tourism different from ecotourism? Put simply, yes. They are very similar, but ecotourism is perhaps a more specialised branch of nature tourism . Nature tourism is about visiting an area – responsibly, yes – rather than actively aiming to learn about the environment and participating in its protection. A nature tourist might visit a beach and admire its beauty, while an ecotourist might join in with a beach clean-up. The lines are blurred, of course, as they so often are when we try to differentiate between types of tourism.
Types of nature tourism
There are different types of nature tourism. There are similarities here with adventure tourism. However, the similarity is that both can be split into two ‘types’: hard and soft.
Soft nature tourism might involve bird watching, visiting a beach to sunbathe, gentle walks through country parks and so on. Hard nature tourism is a bit more tough going: mountain climbing, bush walking and scuba diving, for example. Some specific examples are outlined below, showing how diverse nature tourism is.
Nature tourism examples
There are many examples of nature tourism. Some of the most common are outlined below, along with whether they fall into the hard or soft category.
Bird watching
Bird watching is an example of soft nature tourism. People of all ages and abilities can do this, with or without a guide. All that is needed is some knowledge of bird species (or a field guide or app) and perhaps some binoculars. the Gambia is a birdwatching hotspot, with more than 560 recorded bird species.
Scuba diving
This is more of an example of hard nature tourism. It is more adventurous, and requires specialist equipment and either a guide or a lot of training and experience. Divers can see coral reefs, fish and other marine life. Famous dive sites include Barracuda Point off Sipadan Island in Malaysia, where the number of divers is limited by a daily permit system, and the Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt.
Scenic driving
This is another ‘soft’ activity in that it is low-risk and doesn’t require physical exertion. The North Coast 500 in Scotland, launched as a tourist route in 2015, is a famous example- although its popularity has also brought problems such as congestion on single-track roads and pressure on local communities. Another example is the Kings Highway in Jordan, which passes through desert, canyons and incredible rock formations.
Camping
Camping is, again, an example of soft nature tourism. While it is a little more involved than scenic driving, it is still relatively low risk and most people are able to participate. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to camp, with its green landscapes and snowy mountain scenery. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involves several nights of camping on the mountain, and wild camping elsewhere requires the right equipment, such as a suitable wild camping tent.
Hunting
While controversial, hunting tourism is an example of nature tourism as it takes place in natural spaces. It is definitely one for the hard category, as you need special equipment to do so and it can be dangerous without proper training. It is also often a discussion point for ethical tourism.
Stargazing
For the most part, this is a very safe activity and therefore falls into the soft category again. Guided tours are available in all of the very best stargazing locations, such as El Teide National Park in Tenerife, and it has even spawned its own branch of tourism. This is known as dark sky tourism, and there are many examples of activities that fall within this. They include stargazing, of course, alongside seeing the Northern Lights, watching an eclipse, astronomy tours and staying in accommodations that offer a clear view of the night sky such as glass domes. Organisations such as DarkSky International certify dark sky places around the world, and rare events attract huge numbers of visitors- the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, visible from Iceland and northern Spain, was a major draw for ‘eclipse chasers’.
Bush walking
This can be dangerous in that it is all about going off the beaten track, and walking through bushes/on rough ground. Therefore we can categorise this as hard nature tourism; it is often part of hiking or trekking trips and can provide a sense of adventure.
Visiting parks
One of the easiest and most common forms of nature tourism is simply visiting a park. Whether this is a UK national park or a local green space, visiting a park is a definite example of this type of tourism. Visitors can enjoy wildlife, walking, cycling or simply a picnic surrounded by nature.
Fishing
Fishing falls in the middle of the soft and hard categories. You do need specialist equipment, but with most types of fishing there is little to no risk to life involved. But you need to be in nature – by or even on a lake or river – to do it, so it definitely counts as a form of nature tourism. People have obviously been fishing for years as a source of food gathering, but it is also a recreational hobby enjoyed by many.
Kayaking
This is another middle of the road activity. Kayaking can be dangerous, although it usually isn’t – there is often a guide, and of course specialist equipment (the kayak) is required. It is a popular activity on rivers, lakes and coastlines around the world.
Beaches
Tourists can visit a beach and simply relax. This is still an example of nature tourism, as beaches are natural environments. Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and tourists flock there to relax and soak up the sunshine. Beaches are also usually near to bars and restaurants, and many visitors do beach yoga or watching the sunrise/sunset. Thailand is famous for the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.
Cycling
Again, another activity that could be considered hard or soft. It depends where you go, really. A gentle bike ride along a specific cycle lane through a park is nothing like mountain biking in harsh terrains. It depends on the cyclist’s ability and the level of risk they are willing to take. But cycling is definitely a great way to get out and about in nature. It is also a low-cost and eco-friendly activity, which makes it a winner from many angles.
Nature tours
These tend to be a longer duration than many activities mentioned above, which often last only a few hours. Nature tours are days or even weeks-long trips, out into the wilderness with nature and wildlife experts. Travel may be by air, train or ship, with a guide on hand to point out every aspect of nature there is to see. These nature tours will take visitors to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth, such as trekking in Chiang Mai, Croatia, seeing the glaciers in Iceland and Alaska, and gazing at the best waterfalls in Finger Lakes. They can be expensive, but offer the chance to see wildlife, waterfalls and spectacular landscapes.
Nature tourism: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about nature tourism.
What is nature tourism?
Nature tourism, or nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area, such as beaches, forests, mountains, national parks and wildlife. It includes activities such as hiking, birdwatching, camping, diving and stargazing.
What is the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism?
Nature tourism is any travel to enjoy natural areas. Ecotourism is a more specialised form of nature tourism that actively aims to conserve the environment, educate visitors and benefit local communities.
What are examples of nature tourism?
Examples include birdwatching in The Gambia, scuba diving in Malaysia or Egypt, driving Scotland’s North Coast 500, camping in New Zealand’s national parks, stargazing in Tenerife and visiting national parks in the UK or USA.
What is soft and hard nature tourism?
Soft nature tourism involves low-risk activities that most people can do, such as birdwatching, scenic drives and gentle walks. Hard nature tourism involves more physically demanding or risky activities, such as mountain climbing, scuba diving or trekking in remote areas.
Why is nature tourism important?
Nature tourism benefits people’s physical and mental wellbeing, brings income and jobs to rural areas, and gives communities and governments a financial reason to protect natural areas. Protected areas worldwide receive an estimated 8 billion visits a year.
Nature tourism- further reading
If you found this article on nature tourism useful, you may also find these articles helpful-
- Homestay tourism: What is a homestay?
- Cultural tourism explained: What, why and where
- Volunteer tourism: The reasons why people volunteer
- What is adventure tourism and why is it so big?
- What is ecotourism?
- Wildlife tourism explained
- Rural tourism explained: What, where and why
