Features: Ecotourism: What's on offer

As environmental issues rise to the top of the global policy agenda and moves continue to be made to develop green economies, ecotourism graduates are proving invaluable in a rapidly expanding industry

The relationship between tourism and the natural environment is one of growing importance to nations and organisations. This is highlighted by United Nations decrees, increased participation in corporate social responsibility and mounting concern over the state of the environment.

All of this has led to the development of Masters courses that explore ecotourism, sustainability and environmental management. One such programme is the MSc Tourism and Environmental Management at the University of Bedfordshire, which provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with and manage the complex challenges facing the international tourism industry.

'Students have the opportunity to acquire invaluable business, research and consultancy skills in environmental impact assessment and management related to the tourism industry, which can often be absent at undergraduate level,' says Dr Sally Everett, head of tourism and leisure at the University of Bedfordshire.

Essential skills

Dr Adrian Bailey, programme director of the MSc Tourism Development and Policy at the University of Exeter, explains that on top of these traditional skills, ecotourism students need to be adept at embracing change.

'September 11th, foot and mouth disease, SARS, bird flu, the economic recession - all of these disasters and more have struck destinations around the world since 2000. How you deal with these circumstances will define whether you are a success or failure in the tourism industry.

'Managing for change in the industry is the core skill and we are trying to give our students the skills to adapt and learn.'

Students come from across the world and from a range of academic backgrounds to study at Exeter. It's not uncommon to have students with arts, humanities, science and social science undergraduate degrees come together on the course.

'We focus on producing future managers and leaders for the industry. There's a misconception that tourism is just about buckets and spades, a candyfloss subject lacking substance, but we have over 20 PhD students from all around the world, many sponsored by their governments,' says Dr Bailey.

Industry knowledge is key

Ecotourism-related activities currently make up 20% of the tourism market. Keeping students abreast of the latest industry developments is a fundamental part of all postgraduate courses in this area.

'The MSc at Bedfordshire is taught by experienced staff and practitioners in the field, but students also benefit from specialist lectures offered by individuals from other academic institutions, agencies and commercial enterprises. Students also have the opportunity to visit high-quality facilities and undertake field work at development sites,' explains Dr Everett.

The importance of ensuring that students are kept up to date with issues currently affecting the industry is shared with lecturers of the MSc Ecotourism course at Edinburgh Napier University.

'Students benefit from international research conducted across the spectrum of ecological and social research, such as species identification, habitat management, conservation and sustainable tourism. Our involvement in industry throughout the world means that we are up to date with the issues involved in developing and running the industry first hand,' says Dr Kathy Velander, director of the MSc Ecotourism at Edinburgh Napier University.

Jobs in sustainable tourism

• Ecotourism travel agent - Explains to people what each tour involves and the factors that make it an eco-friendly trip, including how the local people will benefit
• Conservation scientist - Studies the ecology of a species, habitat or ecosystem and assesses potential threats to that specific environment
• Wildlife biologist - Conducts surveys and monitors species and habitats then uses the findings to advise on how best to manage them
• Responsible tourism marketing manager - Takes into account issues of fairness to the locals and environmental conservation, and aims to provide tourists with a safe and enjoyable holiday experience