This course will introduce ecotourism which is an important component of the tourism industry, and is becoming relevant to most societies. It will develop and focus on a natural resource-based perspective incorporating resource and environmental management principles. The first part of the course will cover the general introductory concepts and provide students with theoretical and historical background of the discipline. This will be followed by in-depth study of specific environmental settings and resource issues that will complement our understanding of ecotourism. Hong Kong is the main focus of discussion though examples or cases in Mainland China and around the world are also provided throughout the course. Critical issues in ecotourism such as its multi-dimensional impacts, governance, planning, and resource and visitor management will also be covered. Lastly, students will be exposed to the relation of the phenomenon of ecotourism and the concept of sustainable tourism.

This course will provide a broad intellectual perspective for students and enable them to develop a holistic understanding of environmental and resource management issues related to ecotourism. Students will acquire basic knowledge of ecotourism development and its potential and can be capable of making judgment in response to critical issues on conservation and natural resource management.

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the basic concepts of ecotourism and its relation with the overall tourism industry;
• Acquire knowledge in operating and managing ecotourism activities;
• Develop an understanding and the skills and approaches necessary for interpreting relevant policy and planning of natural and man-made resources for (eco)tourism; and
• Enhance problem-solving capability using an integrative approach and critical thinking as introduced in the course.