Today, tourism is the largest economic sector globally in terms of earnings, and also in terms of number of people employed. These two factors themselves make the topic of travel, tourism and ecotourism that significant. Present age is one of sustainable tourism and ecotourism. They are such industries which attempt to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment and the conservation of local eco-systems. They together refer to a broad range of recreational and leisure activities in context of a natural environment. This encyclopaedia discusses travel, tourism and ecotourism within the context of extrinsic and intrinsic values, environmental attitudes, social motives, demographic, economics, cultural and environmental impacts, travel profile development, business cycle, management issues, planning strategies, and market opportunities. The aim of this publication is to cultivate in long run a kind of responsible tourism which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive. A multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach has been followed to compile this encyclopaedia giving priority to the interests of its readers and professional users.

Dr. P.C. Sinha obtained his M.A.,M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He expertise's in the field of Ocean and Antarctic Studies, Environment and Development Studies. He has contributed extensively in Indian and foreign professional journals. He also successfully participated in the international diploma programme on the "Conflict Resolution" at Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden and worked as the Research Fellow on environment and policy issues at EPAI, East-West Center, Hawaii (USA)leading to his post-doctoral degree. He was Senior Research Fellow at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. A prolific writer, Dr. Sinha has several outstanding publications to his credit.