James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

TO2025:03

Australian Ecotourism and Wildlife Tourism Management

Cairns HECS Band 2

26 hours lectures, 13 hours tutorials, 40 hours fieldwork. Semester 2 or June/July block mode.

Staff: Dr H Zeppel, sessional staff/tourism industry speakers as required.

An advanced treatment of ecologically sustainable tourism development focusing particularly on the growing area of ecotourism. 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 its 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 ecotourism in North Queensland environments such as the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests. Indigenous tourism and cultural interpretation will also be covered.

Learning Objectives:

  1. broad knowledge of the definitions, directions and difficulties relevant to ecotourism;
  2. up-to-date knowledge of ecotourism operations and developments in North Queensland;
  3. acquire ability to solve problems and develop strategies for superior ecotourism management;
  4. advanced understanding of the key issues in managing human-wildlife interactions in an ecologically sustainable way.

Assessment to be advised.