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The use of natural areas for tourism activity is widely promoted by government, industry and the community. It is critical that such use is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. To this end, ecotourism has developed to become an important specialist component of the tourism industry. To qualify as ecotourism, a tourism operation must be nature-based, provide environmental education or interpretation, and be sustainable. A high level of management competence and knowledge is necessary to achieve the aims of sustainability for all stakeholders and the environment.

This course addresses the nature and growth of ecotourism as a specialist segment of the tourism industry. The focus throughout the course is on sustainability, which is one of three core criteria that identify ecotourism, and policies and practices to ensure sustainability. It also examines the other core criteria - the range of natural environments in which ecotourism operates, and interpretation (or environmental education) and its role in ecotourism and visitor management. The course covers other key issues such as market segments, positive and negative impacts, quality control processes, ethics, and other stakeholders that influence or are involved with ecotourism including indigenous communities. An overview of global ecotourism is included, and case studies of specific places are used to illustrate the main points throughout the course. Students will analyse a real life ecotourism venture as part of their assessment.