TO3025:04
Ecotourism and Wildlife Tourism Management
Townsville
Prerequisites: TO2000 and 15 units of level 2 subjects
Inadmissable Subject Combination: TO6025
26 lectures, 18 hours practicals, 56 hours field work. Second semester.
Staff: Mr A Birtles.
An advanced treatment of ecologically sustainable tourism development focussing particularly on this fast growing area of special interest tourism. Topics include the origins and theoretical background to this culturally and environmentally responsible form of tourism; its potential contribution to the promotion of environmental understanding and conservation; and its impacts and their management. A wide range of examples of terrestrial and marine wildlife tourism is examined and their management analysed. The subject includes a substantial fieldwork component and develops practical experience in the interpretation of a wide range of natural and cultural attractions. Special emphasis will be placed on tourism in North Queensland environments such as the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests.
Learning Objectives:
- a broad knowledge of the definitions, directions and difficulties with the concept of ecotourism;
- an up to date knowledge of ecotourism operations and developments in North Queensland;
- able to solve problems and develop strategies for superior ecotourism management;
- an advanced understanding of the key issues in managing human-wildlife interactions in an ecologically sustainable way.
Assessment guidelines to be advised after consultation with students.