From its beginnings, the National Park System has had an important and dynamic relationship with travel and tourism. Well before the establishment of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916, railroad companies and lodging operators brought visitors and commerce to parks and gateway communities. Today, as tourism and destination management grow in scale and complexity, the National Park Service works with destination organizations, tourism associations, the private sector, and park tourists to manage responsible tourism that supports conservation and preservation, provides high-quality visitor experiences, and contributes to community vitality.
NPS Educational Presentations for the Travel Trade - Are you a travel agency, tour packager, automobile club, or travel sector association whose members or staff could benefit from having a better understanding of the national park system? The NPS Tourism Program is available to deliver educational presentations where we'll cover the width and breadth of the park system, essential elements for planning a park visit, tips for having a great park experience, and the latest information on visitor management. Reach out for more information via the "Contact Us" link on the bottom of the page.
What We Do
The Tourism Program collaborates with the travel sector to support responsible tourism that benefits parks, communities and visitors.
Tourism Resources
Digital tools, permit information, tour ideas and more
Case Studies
Examples of NPS collaborations for successful tourism management
Plan Your Visit
Start planning your next trip to a national park today!
Last updated: April 23, 2024