The concept of "ecotourism" provides destinations (whether they are small resorts or entire countries) with the opportunity to attract tourist revenue while maintaining the long term economic and environmental viability of the region. This course will provide tourism planners-on both a national and a community level-with recommended tools and strategies to develop and implement plans for effectively attracting and accommodating the "ecotourist," while conserving the areas natural resources and benefiting the local people. The course will also help participants understand the unique structure of the ecotourism industry and how all players in the ecotourism field must work within the principles of responsible ecotourism.

Specifically, public sector planners will learn to better plan and manage the impact of tourism on their destination; to work with local tour operators, resort owners, and park managers to manage the area effectively; to obtain assistance from international conservation organizations and lending institutions; and to work with the local community. Case studies from Australia, Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya and other countries will illustrate which strategies have and those strategies which have not worked, and why.
For more information, contact instructor Dr. Hawkins at (202) 994-7087. Instructor: Megan Epler-Wood, Dr. Donald E. Hawkins Where: PHIL T-108 When: June 24-28, 1996 9:00am-5:00pm

Syllabus

How does the ecotourism industry work?

The Ecotourism Market

Ecotourism Planning for Governments

Destination marketing techniques that work

Proven techniques for using tourist dollars for long-term sustainability

Managing the impacts of tourism on the local environment and culture

Key alliance partners and how to most effectively benefit from your alliance

Planning tools for communities impacted by ecotourism

Educating the ecotourist