ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the issues involved in using nature-oriented tourism as a tool for rural economic development in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, and to suggest a series of policies and recommendations to develop such a program. The number of tourists traveling to rural areas in developing countries to participate in outdoor activities has generated interest in tourism's potential role as an aid to rural economic development. Much of the nature-oriented tourism industry utilizes attractions that are within the boundaries of national parks and protected areas. An essential element in nature-oriented tourism and community development is the use of local services. Guerrero has several obstacles to overcome in development of a nature-oriented travel market. Guerrero's main limitation is with its natural areas and parks and their attractiveness, accessibility and security compared with other natural areas outside the state. International nongovernmental organizations, the conduits for most of the money for conservation projects, are concentrating their efforts around parks and protected areas.
