ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses three common, yet intrinsically different, types of tourist markets in remote regions in respect to their impacts on local communities and contributions to local capital. It includes: 'tick and flick' sightseeing tourists, activity-based special interest tourists and second home tourists. The chapter reports on three case examples conducted in desert Australia, Southeast Alaska and northern Sweden. It examines the unique characteristics of the three tourist populations and the type of tourism development that has emerged in the case example regions. It includes physical infrastructure, investment and ownership structures, local labour strauctures, knowledge and skills or social capital. Tourists visiting remote areas are typically thought of as people seeking experiences linked to nature and romantic notions such as unspoilt countryside, tranquility or wilderness. Central Australia is a remote desert region located in the southern parts of Australia's Northern Territory.
