Chapter Eight

Abstract

of the Thesis This thesis began with the statement, ‘take only photographs, leave only footprints’ as a metaphor for the necessity of low impact tourism in the context of the worldwide expansion of the industry. Having considered the vast array of ways this can be achieved through the advent of ecotourism and, the positioning within that tourism market sector of tourist guides, I am now able to draw together some salient threads regarding the occupation of the tour guide within ecotourism, and further, as personified in the tour leader of guided tour reputation.