Læringsmål

The student will be introduced to the practical elements of the planning and management of ecotourism destinations, businesses and products. One aim is by case studies to work with the practical challenges that pertain to the concept of ecotourism. A second aim is to show the efforts that are done to meet and handle these challenges through management and certification systems and other local and international guidelines. A third aim is to give the students the possibility to work practically with the development of ecotourism destinations, businesses and products.

Innhold

Principal themes in the programme:
- The development of and present status with regard to systems for ecotourism certification
- Ecotourism project and development methods
- Practical case studies
- Field work
- Current and future challenges when implementing ecotourism thoughts and ideas into the "real world"

Developing ecotourism requires a good understanding of the practical challenges that appears in the context of responsible and sustainable tourism, and in relation to tourism 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 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.

Organisering

Lectures, seminars, group work, excursions and field work. Groups of students will work on field work reports related to practical development and management of ecotourism.

Vurderingsformer

Assessment is divided into two parts: a field work report with oral presentation will form 70% of the final grade. The other 30% will be based on a 3 hour final written examination. Both parts must be passed in order for the student to receive a passing grade for the course as a whole.

Det tas forbehold om mindre justeringer i planen.