Study Adventure Tourism - develop your knowledge and life skills with this flexible certificate course.

• Learn about different types of adventure tourism and popular locations for these.
• Consider natural and artificial environments as adventure tourism locations.
• Understand that adventure tourism means different things to different people - learn the principles to cater for different clients:
• their expectations,
• their different levels of physical ability,
• their different likes and dislikes,
• their different psychological make-ups.
• The compulsory Bushcraft and Wilderness Activities module provides an excellent introduction to adventure tourism activities in the wild, including:
• understanding the impact of weather,
• using the right equipment for the activity - being prepared,
• how to navigate,
• protecting participants - contingencies and dealing with emergencies.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

You can start the course at any time.

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

To complete the course -

• There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So if there are ten lessons in a course, there will be ten assignments.
• At the end of each module, there is also an examination which you can take at a time and location to suit you.
• To pass the course you are required to pass all assignments and exams.

Each of the modules mentioned can also be studied as a standalone course if you prefer.

What is Ecotourism?

The term ecotourism first popularised in the early 1980’s by Hector Cebellos Lascurain, a Mexican conservationist, since then it has been commonly used to describe many tourism ventures. However, many do not really understand the definition and in fact what nature of activities it actually defines. The very definition of ecotourism has evolved from what is essentially nature-based tourism with a responsible attitude, to a definition that includes as one of its main aims the education of the participant that encourages understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and its cultural context.

The first World Ecotourism Summit in May 2002, put forward the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism which included the following points of recognition that outline the unique principles relating to Ecotourism -

"... that ecotourism embraces the principles of sustainable tourism, concerning the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism. It also embraces the following specific principles which distinguish it from the wider concept of sustainable
tourism:

- Contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage,
- Includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development and
operation, and contributing to their well-being,
- Interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to visitors,
- Lends itself better to independent travellers, as well as to organized tours for
small size groups."

Nature Based Tourism is not necessarily Ecotourism.

Essentially any tourism that has as its basis natural attractions can be considered nature based tourism. This category is fairly wide and covers many areas, many of which overlap, however ecotourism is really the only area that requires the educational emphasis as well sustainable practice. Areas that can be included under nature based tourism can be generally divided up as:

• Captive – viewing aquariums, zoos, wildlife parks, botanical gardens.
• Extractive – hunting, fishing, fossicking, picking. 
• Adventure – climbing, mountaineering, rafting, caving.
• Health – nature retreats/spas.
• Ecotourism – birdwatching, outdoor education, outdoor research, whale watching, riding, nature observation.
• 3S (Sun, Sea, Surf) – surfing, swimming, boating, sailing.

As an example, adventure tourism usually involves an element of risk, physical exertion and knowledge and use of special skills in order to safely participate. Of course what constitutes risk and physical exertion will be a matter of an individual's experience and physical ability.  Ecotourism and adventure tourism can overlap, however not all adventure tourism can be strictly considered ecotourism.

Examples of poor nature based tourism abound. Unfortunately the very practice of bringing tourists however well intentioned to any natural environment will have a negative impact without proper management. For example, anyone who has been high altitude trekking in Nepal where there are few resources for the multitude of trekkers will remember seeing ubiquitous pink toilet paper strewn around the countryside. Additional rubbish includes water bottles, food wrappers and in mountaineering areas gas cylinders, rubbish and oxygen containers are. While many of these tourists are actually seeking an authentic ecotourism experience, the reality is somewhat short of expectations. Not only are there environmental consequences but the unfavourable experience is also going to negatively affect of their own perception of the place and thus diminish word-of-mouth and return visitors.

Do you know how broad the activities of Adventure Tourism can be?

As this is such a wide ranging industry, it can be of interest to so many different people - people of different social, cultural, economic and geographical backgrounds.

Do you have an interest in developing the necessary knowledge to work in the Adventure Tourism industry?

Would you like to develop ideas, and practical knowledge required for the provision of Adventure Tourism services?

If so, the Certificate In Adventure Tourism is an ideal place to start. Develop your knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to give you the potential to seek work or develop your career in this rapidly expanding industry,

If you would like to know more, or would like to discuss your study options get in touch with our highly knowledgeable specialist Ecotourism and Adventure Activities tutors - they will be pleased to help.