Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor is an Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research at the University of Highlands and Islands (North West and Hebrides). His work focuses on nature-based tourism, sustainable development, and adventure sports participation. He leads 18 trans-national tourism projects and co-founded Slow Adventure Ltd. Taylor holds a PhD from the University of Otago (New Zealand), where his research explored mountain biking motivations.

Education: PhD in Tourism (University of Otago, 2010). Research interests include forest bathing benefits, cultural heritage tourism, and electric mountain biking impacts. Currently supervising three PhD students on topics including electric mountain biking conflicts and Neolithic visitor engagement.

Projects include 'Slow Adventure in Northern Territories' and 'The Coast that Shaped the World'. His recent publications emphasize regenerative tourism practices and transdisciplinary frameworks for rural development.