ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the practical components needed for the development of ecotourism programmes. This is an area that has received scant attention in ecotourism and tourism more broadly, both in theory and practice, largely because of what appears to be a conceptual difference in how and why products are developed for tourists. Literature from the recreation fi eld is used for the purpose of identifying fundamental differences between programmes and products. If ecotourism service providers are to develop meaningful programmes for participants, then the utilisation of a widely accepted recreational programme planning model will be helpful in generating satisfying experiences as well as profi table enterprises. This includes programme philosophy, planning, design, implementation and evaluation. The chapter also discusses aspects of professionalism that service providers will need to employ in the development of excellent ecotourism programmes.
