Protectors and Interpreters of the Australian Outback

This book examines the emergence of the occupation of the ecotour guide as part of an expanding service economy. Qualitative methods, using participant observation and open ended, in-depth interviewing techniques, were used for the generation of insights and theory from the data. From a sociological perspective, it is apparent that these tour guides provide an informed, interpretive guided ecotourism experience in the Australian outback. Their interpretive ‘facts’ are acquired from life experience in the bush. They are workers in an industry that, in some instances, offers little reward or return for extreme working conditions. This study explores salient issues related to the perceived professionalisation of a collective group of tourism business individuals called Savannah Guides. The guides’ philosophy is based on a collective sense of identity and recognition as an exclusive ecotourism organisation. This has been used as a means of positioning themselves in the competitive ecotourism market. This work details the guides’ way of life as individuals within the Savannah Guides organisation and the ecotourist industry.