Ecotourism continues to be embraced as the antithesis of mass tourism because of its promise of achieving sustainability through conservation mindedness, community development, education and learning, and the promotion of nature based activities that were sensitive to both ecological and social systems. The extent to which this promise has been realised is open to debate.

Focusing on an array of economic, social and ecological inconsistencies that continue to plague ecotourism in theory and practice, the volume examines ecotourism in reference to other related forms of tourism, impacts, conservation, sustainability, education and interpretation, policy and governance, and the ethical imperative of ecotourism as these apply to the world’s greenest form of tourism. Ecotourism is a growing field attracting increasing attention from students and academics. Fennell provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of the most important issues that continue to both plague ecotourism and make it one of the most dynamic sectors in the tourism industry. It covers a comprehensive range of themes and geographical regions.

Building on the success of prior editions, Ecotourism has been revised throughout to incorporate recent research and benefits from the introduction of real-life case studies and summaries of recent literature. 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. New chapters on the theory and application of animal ethics; community development in sustainable tourism; and education and learning in the field have added further value to an already very comprehensive volume. This book will be of interest to students across a range of disciplines including geography, economics, business, ethics, biology, and environmental studies.