Both public and private sector stakeholders understand that adventure tourism is inextricably linked with human and nature capital. Protection and promotion of these resources is important,14 and the continued development of this sector must seek to protect these valuable assets.
Because of its documented benefits to the environment, local people, and local economies, governments are increasingly identifying adventure tourism as a tool for sustainable and responsible economic growth that delivers benefits to every level of society. This topic is discussed in detail in chapter 4.
In many destinations, adventure tourism has been developed without extensive new infrastructure. It can also deliver benefits, from creating local jobs rapidly to relying on traditional knowledge of local people for guiding and interpretation.