Regulatory frameworks for ecotourism: An application of Total Relationship Flow Management Theorems

Based on a comparison of three approaches derived from total relationship flow management theorems, the paper describes a potential regulatory framework for eco-tourism at Wanlu Lake, Guangdong, China. It is argued that the nature of tourism's impacts is determined by the relationship flows and interactions between sub-systems of economics, natural environment and socio-cultural variables, and successful policy depends on the management of flows between these sub-systems within a coherent whole. The key features of the regulatory framework are described.