Course Description

Principal themes in the programme:

• Ecotourism project and development methods
• Ecotourism business planning
• Market research for ecotourism
• Ecotourism guiding
• Ecotourism organization and operations
• The development of and present status with regard to systems for ecotourism certification
• Practical case studies
• Current and future challenges when implementing ecotourism thoughts and ideas into the “real world”
• Two weeks of field studies. For field studies outside of Norway the students have to cover some extra travel costs and accommodation. Information about this will be provided at the start of the course.

Developing ecotourism requires a good understanding of the practical challenges that appear in the context of responsible and sustainable tourism, and in relation to tourism development in general. The ability to be realistic in this sense by balancing the profit making with the ecotourism goals is important. This course will therefore provide practical insight, specifically through the field studies, into and a better understanding of how ecotourism might be developed and managed. This relates to positive achievements both in relation to environmental awareness, sustainability, social and cultural responsibility and economic gains.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is divided into two parts: a field study report will form 70% of the final grade. The other 30% will be based on a 2 hour final written examination. Both parts and oral presentations must be passed in order for the student to receive a passing grade for the course as a whole.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean