Protected areas are an essential component of any global conservation strategy. Tourism offers a crucial and unique way to foster visitors' connection with the values of protected areas, making it a potentially positive force for conservation. The economic benefits of tourism in protected areas – which depend on beautiful natural areas, healthy wildlife and nature, and authentic cultures – can also be a powerful argument for conservation.

Tourism in protected areas is an important part of the global tourism industry – an industry whose scale and impacts are enormous. Such a high volume of visitors implies certain fundamental infrastructure needs and requirements for employment and human services, all with ramifications for the economy, society, culture, and environment. These guidelines provide guidance on key issues to help managers achieve sustainable tourism in protected areas.