TOU2008 Ecotourism (FOBUS)

Semester 1 (ONC)Springfld (EXT)Toowoomba

Units 1.0 (Tourism Management) Band 3A

Pre-requisite: TOU1003 or MKT1003

Students are required to have access to a personal computer, e-mail capabilities and Internet access to USQConnect. Current details of computer requirements can be found at http://www.usq.edu.au/business/aboutfob.htm

Synopsis

The course begins by defining ecotourism and other related tourism activities. It then provides some historical background to the development of ecotourism in the context of changing paradigms and values in society towards nature and the impacts of human activity. Different market segments are described as well as the range of areas and their suitability for ecotourism, including parks and protected areas, modified and privately owned areas. The impacts of ecotourism are considered, as well as management practices that are necessary to sustain the aims of the industry. Interpretation and its role in ecotourism and visitor management is also considered. Quality control processes and a number of organisations, including those specific to ecotourism, plus governments non-government organisations, are described. Other stakeholders that have an influence on ecotourism are discussed. Specific ecotourism environments and activities are covered, as well as an overview of global ecotourism. Throughout the course, case studies of specific places are used to illustrate the main points. Finally, an overview of ethics and how they relate to ecotourism are given.