Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management

 

How much can the increasing flow of nature based and adventure based travel affect tourism experiences? Join us for an exciting eight-month Ontario College Graduate Certificate program that can take you from guiding to managing tourism experiences around the world. From mountain trekking in the Rockies to bird and wildlife watching in Northern Ontario to guiding in tropical countries, ecotourism and adventure tourism offer a responsible alternative to sustaining an estimated $525(US) billion global tourism industry that helps to keep the wild places wild.

More Program Details www.ontario-eco-tourism.com

 

 

Program Highlights

Fleming College offers this unique program at its Haliburton campus. Students benefit from:

• Applied projects
• Small class size
• Experience based learning
• Beautiful scenery
• Seasoned faculty

This program is about learning how to blend community, economic and resource management needs to help find a balance between environmental and social concerns and the impact of nature based and adventure based travel around the world.

Let the Experiences Begin

The Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management program begins with a five-day canoe trip or sea kayak trip with your fellow students and certified instructors, through beautiful watercourses of Central Ontario. During this excursion, you will be introduced to low-impact tripping techniques, and many opportunities to explore your leadership and teamwork skills. You will also work towards an official Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (O.R.C.K. A.) certification.  Class field trips may include interpretive facilities, conservation areas, camps, off-grid homes and eco lodges. As well, Winter Field School provides an opportunity to explore winter market segments so you are more marketable across the seasons.
In addition, you are required to complete three industry-related professional certifications over the course of your eight months of study. These certifications are required in order to graduate, are acquired at your own cost, and are expected to be completed outside of class time.

Volunteer Opportunities

Community is central to the success of ecotourism and adventure tourism. As a result, students are required to complete 30 hours of volunteer time in the local community in order to network and experience community first hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Word from the Workplace

"Over the past five years, graduates of the Ecotourism Management program at Fleming College have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Northern Edge Algonquin as one of Canada's premier Ecology Lodges. Field experience at the Edge has been a stepping stone to professional careers that for some includes running their own ecotourism and adventure tourism companies. Graduates of this program who we have had the pleasure to work with have shown passion and integrity, two of the most important characteristics of people who are prepared to do what needs to be done to make a difference in the world. It is a secret no more, canoe-tripping companies and lodges across the province are looking to Fleming College to continue to set the standard in Ecotourism Management."

Todd Lucier
Co-founder, Northern Edge Algonquin

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming College was the first in Canada to recgnize the growing popularity of this niche travel segment and, develop specialized training in response to this trend.  Our program has 13 years of depth in course content, industry networking and grad recruitment.  As a result, this program is widely recognized and has an outstanding reputation in the industry.

 

Work Experience

Students end the academic year with a three-week (120 hour) volunteer field placement at an approved ecotourism and/or adventure tourism based operation of their choice. Costa Rica, Belize, the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Ontario and the east coast of Canada have all been popular destinations in the past.

Optional Study Trip

This 10-day study trip can be substitued for the three-week field placement. This is a travel course that examines the business of ecotourism and adventure tourism in another country, involving analyzing the issues and observing the interactions of tourism within the unique ecological and cultural systems of the chosen destination.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

You should be willing to take risks, enjoy working in both an outdoor and office environment, and have an open mind. Of course, you probably have a concern for the environment, and enjoy working with people of all kinds. Other personality traits and skills that would be an asset include:

• ability/willingness to work as part of a team/community
• customer service orientation
• excellent time management skills
• emotional maturity
• excellent interpersonal skills
• top-notch communication skills
• sensitivity to cultural diversity

 

Career Opportunities

As an Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management graduate, you will have a wide range of career opportunities open to you. Have a look and see where some of our graduates are now:

• Owner/Operator, SunDog Outfitters 
• General Manager,  Lakeland Alliance 
• Coordinator, Partners in Eco-Adventure Tourism 
• Executive Director, Paddling Ontario
• Director of Marketing, World Wide Quest
• Outdoor Educator, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
• Director of Marketing, Esprit Rafting

We will connect you to 13 years of graduates of the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management program, some of whom have taken on senior leadership roles in their careers and now hire new graduates.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Ontario College Diploma or a university degree in Environmental Studies, Business, Tourism and Travel, Recreation and Leisure Services, Ecosystem Management, Park Operations and Outdoor Recreation or the equivalent.

Applicants who do not have the academic admission requirements as stated above, but who have experience in environmental studies, tourism or hospitality industries or business, will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator directly for information.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Lakehead University - Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism and Fleming - Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management College Graduate Certificate

This Lakehead/Fleming special agreement leads to a dual credential. Students can achieve both an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism degree from Lakehead, and an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management from Fleming. Qualified students from the Lakehead degree program can complete their winter term of the fourth year in the Ontario College Graduate Certificate program at Fleming College. Students will complete four full years of course work (over nine terms of study) at Lakehead, and complete one full term at Fleming (in their last term). Complete details are available at the Agreement for Programming Linkage document.

Hochschule Bremen - University of Applied Sciences, International Degree in Applied Leisure Studies (Germany) and Fleming - Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management College Graduate Certificate

Students from Hochschule Bremen University of Applied Sciences, International Degree in Applied Leisure Studies who have completed at least four semesters of the seven-semester degree program, can apply for admission to Fleming’s Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program. For complete details see Hochschule Bremen.

 

Additional Costs

In addition, plan to spend about $1,550 for the cost of books and supplies. The cost for the optional study trip is approximately $2,500.

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Business Principles and Practices	45.00
Career Preparation	15.00
Community Development	45.00
Fall Field School	65.00
Foundations of Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism	45.00
Industry Structure and Product Development	45.00
Leadership and Group Development	45.00
Natural and Cultural Stewardship	45.00
Tourism Service Management	45.00
Semester 2
Emerging Markets	45.00
Operations Management	45.00
Program Planning	45.00
Protected Areas and Visitor Impact Management	45.00
Risk Management and the Law	45.00
Sustainable Site and Facility Design	45.00
Tourism Marketing and Promotions	45.00
Winter Field School	40.00
Program Electives: Choose One of:   Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Study Trip 120.00   Field Placement 120.00

Semester 1

Business Principles and Practices

Course Number: BUSN004

This course examines the financial, legal and structural aspects of setting up and running a small business: locating and using resources and data to do the research required to plan a new business venture: and writing and presenting proposals to get contracts in the areas of adventure and ecotourism. Elements include: the benefits of a good business plan and how to use it, unique aspects of a 'green' business plan, situational analysis, competitive analysis, market analysis, development of a marketing strategy, government regulations, understanding and interpretation of a budget, proforma balance sheet, income statements and cash flow, seeking funding, proposal writing and presentation.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Career Preparation

Course Number: APST057

This course will assist learners in preparing to compete in the work world by providing them with a variety of career related topics, including resume and cover letter writing skills, networking and the informational interview. This course will also assist learners in locating and planning for their work placement (refer to Field Placement course outline FLPL 93). The placement experience is supported in this course by reviewing the Field Placement manual. This course also supports the completion of 30 hours of community based volunteer work.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Community Development

Course Number: TOUR003

This course will enable the learner to develop an awareness of relevant community structures and resources as they relate to adventure tourism and ecotourism. This will include a study of significant community services and the roles and the dynamics within them and between them and other organizations. In addition, learners will examine the organization, function and roles of various levels of government: and the economic and social benefits of community services. Trends, issues, problems and challenges in community services and dynamics of boards and committees will be examined. Volunteerism and advocacy practices and principles will also be investigated.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Fall Field School

Course Number: APST058

Students will have the choice of a five-day canoe trip through a series of lakes in Ontario's picturesque Algonquin Provincial Park or a five-day sea kayak trip on beautiful Georgian Bay. During this adventure, students are introduced to low impact tripping techniques and are provided with opportunities to start to develop their leadership and team work skills. In addition to obtaining a credit towards your certificate, canoe trippers will work towards Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association (ORCA) certification and sea kayakers will complete Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association (CRCA) certification.

Units: 65.00
Hours: 65.00

Foundations of Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism

Course Number: TOUR035

This course provides students with an understanding of the foundations that help to define ecotourism and adventure tourism. The learners will understand issues surrounding the growing global interest in ecotourism and adventure tourism. Learners are introduced to current international developments, resulting in an awareness and sensitivity to the need to manage and plan for natural and cultural environments and resources.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Industry Structure and Product Development

Course Number: TOUR036

The tourism industry is comprised of several sectors, many professional associations, and government at municipal, regional, and national levels. All these sectors depend upon a well planned tourism product. Learners will be introduced to knowledge of the structure of the tourism industry and tourism product development. This will provide the learner with an understanding of how the ecotourism and adventure tourism industry fits within the overall tourism industry.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Leadership and Group Development

Course Number: TOUR015

Through an experiential learning framework, students explore their personal leadership skills and apply these skills to working groups by goal setting, establishing group norms, exploring roles and understanding the decision making process. Topics include structuring and managing group experiences in the outdoors, leading and guiding methods, client needs assessment, making decisions, interpersonal and intra-personal communication strategies, leadership theory/styles and roles and responsibilities in a professional environment.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Natural and Cultural Stewardship

Course Number: TOUR017

This course introduces basic ecological and cultural concepts and issues. Learners will explore the delicate balance between humans, tourism and the environment. Case studies will be examined which highlight the application of sustainable and management initiatives within the adventure tourism and ecotourism industry.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Tourism Service Management

Course Number: MKTG052

This course emphasizes who the ecotourism and adventure tourism customer is: consumer expectations and needs: the components that make up the customer service process: and the service standards necessary to provide quality experiences for ecotourism/adventure tourism clients. Students also focus on improving their personal customer focussed skills in communcations, problem solving, conflict resolution, and time management.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Emerging Markets

Course Number: TOUR034

This course will focus on and respond to the currently emerging markets in the ecotourism and adventure tourism industry worldwide. For 2006, the emerging markets include culture and heritage travel, learning travel, wellness travel, the immigrant market and travel to marine environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Operations Management

Course Number: TOUR032

This course provides the student with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with the management of tourism operations. Traditional tourism establishment operations, adventure based operations and ecolodge operations will be emphasized.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Program Planning

Course Number: TOUR033

This course will focus on the main concepts, techniques and application of program planning in the context of ecotourism and adventure tourism. Emphasis will be placed on program ideology, theory, design, implementation, evaluation and the management of programme development.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Protected Areas and Visitor Impact Management

Course Number: TOUR031

This course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the role parks and protected areas play in the ecotourism and adventure tourism industry. Guidelines for planning and management will be emphasized including trends, benefits, risks, design, visitor management, evaluation and financial aspects.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Risk Management and the Law

Course Number: LAWS072

The delivery and continued success of all Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism activities pivots around one focus, safety. How do we balance perceived risk with real risk to meet customer expectations and remain accident free? This course will answer this question through an analytical process of assessment, management and the development of effective risk strategies.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Sustainable Site and Facility Design

Course Number: TOUR020

This course is designed to simulate a consultant agency team approach for the task of evaluating and recommending site and facility changes to a traditional tourism establishment in order for the business to evolve into a stronger environmental operation. Learners may apply sustainable environmental design principles to an existing or proposed site and facility. A report will be written, enhanced by a professional presentation incorporating presentational techniques such a diagrams, displays, and organizational skills. A significant amount of self-directed learning and solid research skills are required in order to present and prepare a comprehensive site and facility report or project.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Tourism Marketing and Promotions

Course Number: MKTG036

The Canadian Tourism Industry is a 20 billion dollar business employing approximately 600,000 Canadians. Tourism is Canada's fastest creator of new employment opportunities and ecotourism and adventure tourism is expected to lead the way in these opportunities. The impact of the baby boom generation, the immigrant population and the internet is expected to dramatically alter how tourism must be marketed well into the next millennium. Global concern for the environment will demand a change in how tourism marketing is focused. This course will investigate marketing strategies including the development of a marketing plan. In addition, this course will expose learners to internet marketing techniques.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Winter Field School

Course Number: APST041

Students will participate in a variety of winter skills-based experiences for the purpose of increasing their awareness of the operations, equipment, and program-planning of those experiences.

Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00

Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Study Trip

Course Number: APST059

Depending upon sufficient interest by learners this course can be substituted for Field Placement. This course examines ecotourism and adventure tourism operations abroad. Site visits will emphasize the cultural and natural history of the area and help to demonstrate the contributions that ecotourism and adventure tourism is making internationally to sustainable development of the tourism industry. As well, learners will observe the interactions of tourism within the unique ecological and cultural systems of the study area.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00

Field Placement

Course Number: FLPL093

Placement provides the opportunity for learners to observe and experience first hand the operations and activities of potential or existing ecotourism and adventure tourism establishments. Placement allows learners to explore their chosen field and assess their aptitude and abilities. This three-week or 120 hour placement is primarily an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. It can be developed as a specialized and focused learning opportunity or provide a more general overview of tourism operations. Placement activity can occur at any approved local, regional, national or international site.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00