Nature-based experiential learning as a framework for preparing responsible tourism practitioners

Abstract Responsible tourism is an essential issue of considerable concern to multiple stakeholders. Few studies focus on how specific academic courses increase future practitioners’ responsibility in tourism. This study employs nature-based experiential learning to inspire and enhance tourism students’ awareness of and capacity for responsible tourism. We apply mixed methods (i.e. pretest–posttest, observations and reflection memos) to justify the overall learning process. Findings demonstrate that the undergraduates’ responsible tourism-associated perception and capacity are improved. A nature-based experiential learning framework is proposed to provide insights into high-quality education for responsible tourism.