Tourism is a significant industry locally, nationally, and internationally. Park and protected area attractions are among the most visited but also the most vulnerable attractions. This course is designed to familiarize you with the basic concept of park and protected area tourism, including cultural and ecotourism, and then develop your expertise to plan and evaluate sustainable tourism development and operations. Accordingly, you will complete assignments that apply the knowledge gained to planning and evaluation activities. This course is offered partially on-line.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the class you will be able to:
1.Differentiate and appreciate the complexities involved with defining and developing nature, eco, heritage, geo-, park and protected, cultural and "sustainable tourism."
2.Identify specific social, economic, and environmental impacts associated with park and protected area tourism, how to measure them, and methods to minimize the negative and maximize the positive impacts.
3.Analyze domestic and international case studies of park and protected area tourism.
4.Critically evaluate park and protected area tourism services and effective management and planning.
5. Create elements of a business plan for park and protected area tourism operations that emphasize sustainability.