Innovation and future pathways in nature-based tourism : the outlook from an international expert panel

Abstract

This article identifies innovations that are likely to take place in the nature-based tourism sector in the future. The authors do this with the help of an international expert panel representing a broad range of perspectives relevant to the nature-based tourism market, service provision, and the natural resources upon which this tourism sector depends. The diversity of expertise reflects the need for greater variety in data acquisition processes in innovation research, and the focus on nature-based tourism adds knowledge about a sector experiencing rapid development. The authors observe several key findings at the crossroads between the five main innovation categories identified: product packaging, new technology, business relations, outdoor activity, and learning. The nature-based tourism innovation system is more complex than tourism innovation in general, and of special interest is the learning category, which can support understanding of nature, value creation, and safety.