NaturismRE Official Public Statement on

Naturism and Tourism Development

Category: Naturism and Society
Date: 21 November 2025

1. Introduction

Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, shaping local economies, international mobility, environmental policies, and community identity. As travellers increasingly seek health oriented, sustainable, nature based, and authentic experiences, naturism has emerged as a powerful and fast growing tourism category.

NaturismRE affirms that naturist tourism is not only compatible with modern tourism strategies. It strengthens them. Naturism supports environmental responsibility, health restoration, social equality, community development, and low impact economic growth. It attracts visitors seeking freedom, wellness, culture, and connection with nature, benefiting both local communities and regional economies.

2. Background

The global tourism industry is shifting. Travellers are moving away from high consumption, high impact tourism toward:

  • wellness based travel

  • nature immersion and outdoor experiences

  • minimal environmental footprint holidays

  • health recovery retreats

  • sustainable accommodation

  • authentic cultural interaction

  • stress relief and mental well-being

Naturist tourism aligns with all these emerging priorities.

Common naturist tourism formats include:

  • clothing optional beaches

  • naturist resorts

  • eco retreats

  • nature immersion programs

  • naturist sailing trips

  • naturist hiking, running, and adventure events

  • wellness centres offering naturist sauna, spa, and bathing

  • SHZ style recovery areas integrated into resort environments

These offerings attract responsible, respectful, health focused travellers who contribute positively to local economies.

3. The Official Position of NaturismRE

NaturismRE affirms that naturist tourism is a legitimate, beneficial, and sustainable component of modern tourism development.

NaturismRE recognises that naturist tourism:

  1. generates economic growth for local communities through high value, low impact tourism

  2. supports environmental sustainability by reducing clothing consumption, lowering CO2 emissions, reducing water usage, and limiting textile waste

  3. promotes mental and physical health for travellers through nature immersion, sunlight exposure, stress reduction, and grounding

  4. strengthens social equality by removing clothing based class and fashion markers

  5. attracts responsible visitors who respect rules, nature, and local communities

  6. encourages local businesses to offer authentic, nature aligned experiences

  7. supports long term community development through sustained, repeat visitation

  8. reinforces naturism’s values of respect, non-harm, environmental responsibility, and body acceptance

NaturismRE rejects the false belief that naturist tourism is niche, unsafe, or incompatible with community values. Evidence from around the world shows the opposite.

4. Evidence, Rationale and Supporting Arguments

A. Economic Value

Naturist tourists are known for:

  • longer average stays

  • higher per-day spending

  • loyalty to destinations

  • repeat visitation

  • low levels of disruptive behaviour

Naturist regions such as Cap d’Agde (France), Vera Playa (Spain), Zipolite (Mexico), and Croatian naturist islands rely heavily on naturist tourism for economic stability.

B. Environmental Responsibility

Naturist tourism reduces environmental impact through:

  • minimal clothing use

  • lower laundry and water demand

  • reduced textile waste

  • reduced microplastic pollution

  • lower CO2 emissions from fashion production

  • increased engagement in low-impact outdoor activities

Naturist travellers typically seek nature, not high consumption.

C. Health and Wellness

Naturist tourism aligns with global wellness trends by supporting:

  • stress relief

  • balanced thermoregulation

  • circadian alignment

  • sunlight and vitamin D benefits

  • improved immune response

  • grounding and sensory restoration

  • reduced performance pressure

D. Social Equality

Naturism removes class based clothing signals, creating tourism environments where:

  • travellers interact as equals

  • age, size, and ability diversity are respected

  • social comparison is reduced

  • authenticity replaces materialism

E. Community Image and Identity

Regions embracing naturist tourism gain recognition as:

  • open minded

  • health forward

  • environmentally conscious

  • culturally inclusive

  • progressive

  • respectful

This attracts a broader range of tourists seeking non-commercialised, nature based experiences.

F. Safety and Behavioural Predictability

Naturist destinations traditionally record:

  • extremely low crime

  • low conflict

  • high respect for rules

  • strong community participation

Naturist tourists are widely regarded as responsible visitors.

5. Social and Policy Implications

Local Government

Councils benefit from naturist tourism through:

  • increased revenue

  • year round visitation

  • revitalisation of underused areas

  • clean, respectful tourism demographics

Economic Planning

Naturist tourism supports:

  • job creation

  • sustainable business growth

  • long term economic resilience

  • diversified tourism portfolios

Environmental Planning

Naturist areas promote:

  • conservation

  • minimal infrastructure stress

  • nature protection

  • low-impact activity focus

Community Acceptance

By educating the public about naturism’s non-sexual, respectful nature, councils can implement naturist zones with minimal resistance.

Integration with SHZ Concepts

Resorts can integrate SHZ style recovery spaces, providing wellness benefits to visitors and staff.

6. Recommended Actions and Guidance

NaturismRE recommends:

  1. creation or expansion of designated naturist beaches, trails, and resort areas

  2. inclusion of naturist tourism in regional tourism marketing

  3. support for low impact naturist accommodation and eco-lodges

  4. community consultations to introduce naturist zones respectfully

  5. public education explaining naturism’s values and benefits

  6. integration of wellness, SHZ principles, and minimal clothing facilities

  7. development of multilingual visitor information to support inclusivity

  8. sustainability guidelines for all naturist tourism operators

7. Conclusion

Naturist tourism is a powerful contributor to economic growth, environmental sustainability, mental health, and social equality. It attracts visitors who respect nature, embrace wellness, and enrich local communities.

NaturismRE affirms that naturist tourism is not only compatible with modern tourism development. It enhances it. By supporting naturist destinations, regions can build a healthier, more sustainable, more inclusive, and more prosperous future.

Naturist tourism is more than travel. It is a pathway to human well-being and harmony with nature.