GRMD0401 Understanding Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Course Code GRMD0401  
Course Title Understanding Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism  
(認識生態旅遊和可持續旅遊)  
Class Date 18, 19, 20, 21, 24 and 25 July 2023

(26 July 2023 is reserved for class make-up in case there is any cancellation of classes due to bad weather or other unexpected factors.)
Class Time 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Class Location TBC  

 
Teacher Prof. CHAN Chung Shing

Assistant Professor
Department of Geography and Resource Management
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

  

 
 
Medium of Instruction Cantonese
Course Description This course will introduce ecotourism and sustainable tourism which are both important components of the tourism development nowadays, 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 through examples or cases 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 relations of the phenomenon of ecotourism and the concept of sustainable tourism.

 

本科將介紹生態旅遊和可持續旅遊作為旅遊發展的重要組成部分，並與大多數地區的社會相關。本科將從自然資源的角度探討生態旅遊，並加入資源和環境管理的原則作討論。

 

本科的第一部分將介紹一般概念，為學生提供學科的理論基礎和歷史背景。隨後將深入學習特定的環境和資源問題，以擴充學生對生態旅遊的認識。香港是本科的重點，但課程中亦提供世界各地的例子或案例。本科會包括各種生態旅遊的關鍵問題，如旅遊的影響、治理、規劃，以及資源和訪客管理。最後，學生將暸解生態旅遊和可持續旅遊概念之間的關係。
Course Content Introduction and theoretical background

  • Ecotourism and sustainable tourism: An introduction

Demand and supply of ecotourism

  • Who are the ecotouorists? Where are ecotourism environments?
  • Ecotourism in Hong Kong: Potential and limitations

Ecotourism planning and management

  • Impacts of ecotourism and the need for tourism planning and management

Conclusion: Ecotourism and sustainable tourism
Learning Outcomes 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 and its connection with sustainability. Students will acquire basic knowledge of ecotourism development and its potential and can be capable of making judgement in response to critical issues on conservation and natural resource management.

 

Specifically, after successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the basic concepts of ecotourism and its relation with the overall tourism development and sustainability;
  • Acquire knowledge in operating and managing ecotourism activities; and
  • Develop an understanding and the skills and approaches necessary for interpreting natural and man-made resources for (eco)tourism

Learning activities:

  • Lecture series: This part provides the basic concepts, knowledge and theoretical basis for the analysis of specific issues and case studies
  • Local field trip: This part exposes students to have first-hand experience in exploring the potential, or managing and operating ecotourism activities in different environmental settings. One local site will be selected for half-day field trip, which will be arranged as an extension of one normal lecturing afternoon. Another lecture will be shortened.
  • Video sessions with class discussions: Students will watch selected videos and learn to identify critical issues and interpret real situations.
  • Final exam: These exercises test the understanding of students in major concepts and knowledge of ecotourism acquired from lectures, field trips and/or reference materials.
  • The course will be supported by BlackBoard, which is a platform for discussions, exchanges and sharing of information that is relevant to the teaching and learning process.

The medium of instruction in Cantonese; most of the course materials and all assignments are in English.
Recommended Reading(s) / Reference(s)
  • Fennell, D. A. (2014). Ecotourism. Florence, KY, USA: Routledge. (Ch. 2)
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2012). Protected planet report 2012. Retrieved from http://www.unep-wcmc.org/system/dataset file fields/files/000/000/001/original/PPR2012 en.pdf?1395065803
  • Jim, C. Y. (2000). Environmental changes associated with mass urban tourism and nature tourism development in Hong Kong. The Environmentalist, 20, 233-247.
  • Stronza, A., & Gordillo, J. (2008). Community views of ecotourism. Annals a/Tourism Research, 35(2), 448-468.
  • Newsome, D., Moore, S. A., & Dowling, R.K.(2013). Natural area tourism: Ecology, impacts and management. Bristol; Buffalo, NY: Channel View Publications. (Ch. 4 to 6)
  • Gossling, S., Hall, C. M., & Weaver, D. B. (Eds.) (2009). Sustainable tourism futures: Perspectives on systems, restructuring and innovations. New York: Routledge. (Ch. 2 and 16)

(Additional references will be provided when necessary.)
Course Assessment One local field trip – one group field trip report (40%)

Final exam – multiple-choice questions and short questions (60%)
  The above course information is subject to change and approval.
  Last updated on 27 February 2023
   

 

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