The mission of the Texas Nature Tourism Council is to promote the value of nature tourism in Texas as a major enhancement of the state's economy and quality of life, to educate its citizens and its visitors about the state's nature tourism resources, and to assist, counsel, and inform businesses, individuals and other entities who provide nature-based tourism services and facilities to the public.

Nature Tourism Activities Include:
Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching, Birding and Nature Festivals, Camping and RV'ing, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking and Walking, Backpacking, Canoeing and Kayaking, Rafting and Float Trips, Rock Climbing and Mountaineering, Bicycling, Outdoor Photography, Dude Ranches and Ranch Experiences, Horticulture Tours, Geological Tours, Living History Experiences, Wildlife Tours, Caving, Sailing and Boating, Swimming and Scuba Diving, Shelling and Beachcombing, Scenic Driving Tours, Star Gazing, Native Plant Tours.

Surveys show that many people are seeking a "natural experience" as a vacation option. Texas can offer this in many forms: forest, seashore, tropics, desert, mountains, canyons, plains, hills and valleys. As this market grows, more people are becoming interested in providing nature tourism activities since the investment can be minimal, such as providing trails, to larger investments involving lodging and remote adventure facilities.

In response to the growing interest, in late 1994, the Governor's statewide Task Force on Nature Tourism recommended that a non-profit organization be formed to educate individuals and communities on 1.) How to expand their income throughout nature tourism; and 2.) How to utilize and preserve their natural resources for benefit and enjoyment. TNTC, with the help of private & public partners, was created to provide the assistance and to proceed in accomplishing these goals.

This council is organized for education, research and information exchange to encourage the environmentally sound use of the natural landscape of Texas including the land, water, plant and animal resources. Through research and demonstration, TNTC will develop examples and methods of utilizing the Texas environment in such a manner as to make it economically feasible to preserve it for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

Texas Nature Tourism Council members represent the entire Nature tourism spectrum: natural attractions, bed and breakfasts, tour operators, conservation chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, lodging and food service providers, students & teachers, local, state and federal employees and nature enthusiasts of all kinds.

The vision of TNTC is to become the primary private sector organization educating both visitors and providers of nature tourism about the economic, social and recreational benefits of conservation, preservation and hospitality.

For more information about TNTC, please contact Stan Meador, chair, at info@xbarranch.com.