From its beginnings, the National Park System has had an important and dynamic relationship with 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.