ATM4020 - Ecotourism management

Leader(s): TBA

Offered

City (Melbourne) Second semester 2009 (Evening)

Synopsis

Key issues surrounding the economics and marketing of the environment as a tourism product are introduced within the wider context of debates on environmental sustainability in both International and Australian contexts. Specific focus is placed on the funding and management of national parks, nature-based attractions and adventure tourism operations as well as on how both public sector and private enterprise operators develop sustainable environmentally based products. Techniques for quantifying negative and positive impacts of this kind of tourism are reviewed as are the social, political and economic impacts on regional communities. A compulsory program of fieldwork is undertaken in the Gippsland region and students will be expected to attend classes at both the city and Gippsland campuses.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. A comprehensive understanding of direct and indirect physical, social and economic implications of nature-based tourism development on communities
2. Knowledge and skills in measuring and quantifying the impacts of ecotourism product development on the environment and local economies
3. Understanding of ecotourism product development, marketing and management strategies as undertaken by both government and private agencies
4. The ability to apply relevant theoretical concepts to practical fieldwork and engagement with industry practitioners in both Melbourne and the Gippsland region
5. Development of written and oral communication skills

Assessment

Exam (3hrs) : 30%
Group Research Project (4000) : 40%
Thematic Essay (2000) : 20%
Research Presentation : 10%

Contact hours

One 3 hour seminar at the City campus and 3 x 2 day seminars in block mode at Gippsland Campus including fieldwork.

Prohibitions

ATM5020