Certificate in Ecotourism Business

Core studies cover business operations alongside ecotour management and tour guiding, giving the practical foundation for running an ecotourism enterprise. Electives span nature park management, bookkeeping, hospitality, wildlife and ecology, letting you shape the qualification around the type of ecotourism business you want to run. Suitable for those planning to start or manage an ecotourism enterprise.

Explore Business Opportunities in Environmental Tourism Ecotourism is a growth industry and this certificate enables you to learn more about establishing, managing or operating an ecotourism business Most affluent people live in cities and suburbs. When they look for a holiday; for many, there is a big attraction to visit places that are away from these heavily developed environments! A holiday in the country, mountains, or by the sea is very attractive; and the prospect of getting close to nature is very attractive. Ecotourism is all about providing that type of experience. Business opportunities in ecotourism are as diverse as your imagination. You can start an ecotourism business on a small scale with very little capital investment; or if you have the resources, develop something much larger This course provides an excellent foundation for establishing, managing or operating a new or existing Ecotourism business. Not only to do you get to learn the exciting business of ecotourism guiding and management, but also the often overlooked but fundamental elements to running a successful business such as bookkeeping and marketing. These practical skills combined with an exciting choice in natural history topics such as marine biology, earth science, ornithology or electives such as adventure tourism and wilderness activities make this course a sure ticket to success. Core Modules You are required to complete three core modules – Business Operations VBS006 Ecotour Management BTR101 Ecotourism Tour Guide BTR301 MORE ON THE CORE MODULES Business Operations There are 6 lessons as follows: Introduction – Business law Types of businesses Starting a business Finance – Liquidity The money market Terminology Insurance Financial Records – Simple Bookkeeping procedures cash flow Financial Management – Taxation costing budgeting investing Business Planning – Developing a 12 month business plant. Mistakes to avoid – Reasons for business failures Profitability Improving productivity Ecotour Management There are 9 lessons as follows: Nature and Scope of Ecotourism - Definition of ecotourism Negative ecotourism Principles of ecotourism Management Issues - Recreation and the environment recreational impacts on the environment ethical and legal concerns code of practice for ecotourism operators incorporating ecotourism principles into activities interpretation visitor guidelines planning for minimal impact quality control Industry Destinations - The ecotourism market what do ecotourists want? trends in international tourism understanding the needs of the consumer consumer expectations The Tour Desk/Office - Office procedures providing information employment prospects in ecotourism bookings business letters telephone manner Accommodation Facilities - Types of accommodation facilities layout of facilities Catering Facilities - Introduction to catering accepted practice for service facilities storing and preserving food Legal Considerations - National Parks land use/planning restrictions code of practice Safety- The safety strategy hazards first aid Planning an Ecotourism Activity - A special project where the student plans out an ecotourism activity including: budget accommodation licenses meals destination Ecotourism Tour Guide There are 10 lessons as follows: Ecotourism Basics – Definition of ecotourism Negative ecotourism Ecotourist profile Administrative concerns Safety Interpretive Services in Ecotourism – Interpretation as a key element of ecotourism Interpretation techniques Sign design Ecology and Conservation – Definition of ecology Ecosystem function The web of life Habitat and niche Humans in the environment Plant and Animal Classification and Identification – Classification of organisms Basic taxonomy Using keys for identification Other methods of identification Geology/Geomorphology – Types of rocks Types of minerals Soils Soil formation Soil classification Interpreting Aquatic Environments – Marine environments Freshwater environments Fish Shells Crustaceans Interpreting Land Environments – Introduction to interpreting land environments Relevance of interpreting land environments Planning an Ecotour – Destination Transportation Accommodation Ecotour Displays – Design concepts Zoo design techniques Leading an Ecotour – Advertising Group preparation Planning the tour Group surveys for feedback Elective Modules You are then required to complete three modules from the choice below. If you are not sure which is the right choice for you, then please get in touch and we can make suggestions. Birdwatching Book Keeping Foundations Classroom Delivery Skills Introduction to Ecology Marine Studies I Marketing Foundations Nature Park Management I Bed and Breakfast Management Bushcraft and Wilderness Activities Earth Science Wildlife Management Adventure Tourism Event Management Note that each module in the Qualification - Certificate in Ecotourism Business is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately. WHAT NEXT? Register to Study -Go to panel toward top of this page (right column) or Get Advice -Use our FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE to contact a tutor CLICK TO CONTACT US