GEOGRAPHY 2091GEOGRAPHY 2091

Principles and Principles and

PracticePractice ofof Eco-tourismEco-tourism

Course TeacherCourse Teacher

Yiping LiYiping Li

Department of GeographyDepartment of GeographyThe University of Hong KongThe University of Hong Kong

Spring 2010Spring 2010

GEOG 2091 Principles and Practice of Eco-tourismGEOG 2091 Principles and Practice of Eco-tourism

#1.1#1.1 General Introduction General Introduction

Textbook:Textbook:

Weaver, D. (2008). Weaver, D. (2008). Ecotourism. Ecotourism. Milton, Qld. Australia: John Wiley & Sons (ISBN: (ISBN: 04708130400470813040 ))

RecommendedRecommended readings: readings:

Fennell, D. A (2008)Fennell, D. A (2008) Ecotourism: An Ecotourism: An introduction. introduction. New York, NY: Routledge New York, NY: Routledge (ISBN:(ISBN:97804154293139780415429313 ) () (electronic source is electronic source is also availablealso available))

Other reference papers will be recommended relevant to specific lectures of this course

MAIN FOUCSMAIN FOUCS Examine issues of eco-tourism from Examine issues of eco-tourism from

perspectives of different agents:perspectives of different agents:– host communities, tourists, host communities, tourists,

environmentalists and industryenvironmentalists and industry

Analyze interactions between tourism Analyze interactions between tourism and natural environment through and natural environment through global casesglobal cases

Discuss prospects of eco-tourism Discuss prospects of eco-tourism development in Hong Kong and Chinadevelopment in Hong Kong and China

Lecture TopicsLecture Topics

What is ecotourism?What is ecotourism? General concepts and basic termsGeneral concepts and basic terms

Ecotourism in local context (Ecotourism in local context (Landscapes of Landscapes of Hong Kong and the ecotourism prospectsHong Kong and the ecotourism prospects): ):

Principles of ecotourismPrinciples of ecotourism Evolution of “green” standards for tourismEvolution of “green” standards for tourism

Green consumers Green consumers vsvs green travellers green travellers

Ecotourism environmentsEcotourism environments

Ecotourism impactsEcotourism impacts

Practice of ecotourismPractice of ecotourism Structure of the ecotourism industryStructure of the ecotourism industry

Planning for ecotourismPlanning for ecotourism– Community involvementCommunity involvement

Marketing for eco-tourismMarketing for eco-tourism– Ecotourism ethics and certificationEcotourism ethics and certification

Customer care and risk management for Customer care and risk management for ecotourismecotourism

Prospects of local Prospects of local ecotourism ecotourism developmentdevelopment

Analysis of cases in Hong Kong and Analysis of cases in Hong Kong and ChinaChina

ExerciseExercise Field study and / or volunteer Project Field study and / or volunteer Project

presentationpresentation

Please Note:Please Note:Course content and order of Course content and order of

presentations maypresentations may DEVIATEDEVIATE from the general from the general outline of the content due to outline of the content due to unforeseen circumstances.unforeseen circumstances.

Course ObjectivesBy the completion of this course, each student will By the completion of this course, each student will

have had the opportunities to enhance competencies inhave had the opportunities to enhance competencies in::

knowledge of current trends in ecotourismknowledge of current trends in ecotourism

ability to discuss the importance of the local ecology, ability to discuss the importance of the local ecology, culture, history and economic development balanced culture, history and economic development balanced with a social responsibilitywith a social responsibility

ability to identify ecotourism marketsability to identify ecotourism markets

developing a feasibility study for potential developing a feasibility study for potential ecotourism projectsecotourism projects

knowledge of eco tour planning and site knowledge of eco tour planning and site developmentdevelopment

LECTURE LECTURE NOTESNOTES

No lecture notes will be No lecture notes will be distributeddistributed

The teaching notes of each lecture The teaching notes of each lecture will be placed in this will be placed in this course course weblink:weblink:

http://geog.hku.hk/undergrad/geog2091/http://geog.hku.hk/undergrad/geog2091/

Mutual Expectations & Codes of CivilityMutual Expectations & Codes of Civility

You can expect me toYou can expect me to

Come prepared for, and attend, all lectures regularly and Come prepared for, and attend, all lectures regularly and punctuallypunctually

I demand the same from you, and will consider I demand the same from you, and will consider these unacceptable behaviors:these unacceptable behaviors:

Reading during a lectureReading during a lecture

Consuming food or drinkConsuming food or drink

Littering the lecture roomLittering the lecture room

Using MP3, mobile phone, etc., which may impede the Using MP3, mobile phone, etc., which may impede the ability of you or other students to learnability of you or other students to learn

If we all abide by this code of civility and If we all abide by this code of civility and mutual respect, we set the stage for a mutual respect, we set the stage for a healthy and stimulating intellectual forum.healthy and stimulating intellectual forum.

Assessment (100% Coursework)Assessment (100% Coursework)Your standing in this course will be based on your performance in

completing 2 written assignments and an open-book quiz

Purposes: Offer you an opportunity to penetrate

fairly deeply into an issue or theme of ecotourism studies

Help you coordinate and consolidate concepts and information obtained from the readings and the lectures through critical and practical applications

In general, your final grade will be gained In general, your final grade will be gained by your performance in completing the by your performance in completing the

following:following:

Assignment #1: Advertising analysis

(20 points, due by 4:30pm on Monday, March 8th, 2010)

Cut out a tourism ad (preferably focused on ecotourism or nature-based tourism) in a magazine, a newspaper, a brochure, or a website, etc. From the message received, thoroughly describe:

– the audience you think is being targeted

– how the ad described the product of sale

– whether or not the ad described the 4 criteria of ecotourism, and

– why you think the ad was successful/unsuccessful at reaching/attracting its target audience

Your analysis should be completed within 350 words, and submitted together with the original tourism ad. Delay submission will result in mark deduction or zero mark

Participate in a field trip to HK Wetland Park (March 6th)

Do a critical reflection of HK Wetland Park, with regards to the Park’s development in terms of the 4 criteria of ecotourism

– It is natural-based tourism practice– Education is a priority message that is delivered to audience– Target of development should be sustainable tourism– It is, after all, part of the tourism industry

Hand in your field study project of 1500 words (minimum requirement) exclusive of references and footnotes in double-space presentation on A4 paper.

Assignment #2: Field study project

(40 points, due by 4:30pm Friday, April 30th, 2010)

Your must followYour must follow Geography Department’s Guidelines on the Use of Reference Materials

You must submit your written assignments via Geography Department Assignment Collection Box in the Department’s General Office. Other means of submission will NOT be accepted

If you have any questions regarding my method of assessing your performance in this course, please do not hesitate to contact your TA or me

This will be a 60-minute quiz. Quiz content will be 100% based on lecture notes. Missing it will result in a 40% loss of your final mark for this course

Assignment #3: Assignment #3: Open-book quiz Open-book quiz (40 points, in the last lecture of this course)

My office hours:

Tuesday 14:30 – 17:30Tuesday 14:30 – 17:30

My office:

#306 Hui Oi Chow Building#306 Hui Oi Chow Building

GEOG 2091 GEOG 2091 Principles and Practice of Eco-tourismPrinciples and Practice of Eco-tourism

#1.2#1.2 General Concepts & Basic TermsGeneral Concepts & Basic Terms

Learning Objectives:Learning Objectives: Explain the circumstances that resulted in the emergence of

ecotourism

– The basic terminology and concept– Fundamental principles for practice– Who would be ecotourists?

Understand the complexities for applying the concept of sustainability to ecotourism practice

Appreciate importance of geographic knowledge for studying ecotourism

Reference:Reference:

Weaver, D. (2008). Weaver, D. (2008). Ecotourism (Chapter#1). Ecotourism (Chapter#1). Milton, Qld. Australia: John Wiley & Sons

Martin, M. (2005). Weather, Climate and Tourism: a Geographic Martin, M. (2005). Weather, Climate and Tourism: a Geographic Perspective. Annals of Tourism Research 22 (3): 571-591Perspective. Annals of Tourism Research 22 (3): 571-591

Learning objective #1

Explain the circumstances that resulted in the emergence of ecotourism– The basic terminology and concept– Fundamental principles for practice

Question #1 (for your homework): Question #1 (for your homework): What are the What are the 4 platforms4 platforms that Jafari (1989) that Jafari (1989) suggested the field of tourism studies has suggested the field of tourism studies has advanced through since the end of World War II?advanced through since the end of World War II?

Please read:Please read:Weaver, D. (2008). Weaver, D. (2008). Ecotourism (Chapter#1). Ecotourism (Chapter#1). Milton,

Qld. Australia: John Wiley & Sons

Conceptualizing basic Conceptualizing basic terminologyterminology and and conceptconcept

What Are the 4 Core Criteria of ECOTOURISM?

PracticePractice::– a form of tourisma form of tourism

ResourceResource– Nature-basedNature-based (occurs in a natural setting)(occurs in a natural setting)

Moral Ideal/Principle:Moral Ideal/Principle:– EducativeEducative (enhance environmental learning and (enhance environmental learning and

awareness)awareness)

Planning & Management ObjectivePlanning & Management Objective– Sustainable for both destination community Sustainable for both destination community

and nature environmentand nature environment

NATURE-BASED –Eco refers to ‘ecological’; with Eco refers to ‘ecological’; with

reference to nature & the environment, reference to nature & the environment, such as the flora and fauna of an area.such as the flora and fauna of an area.

Should all nature based Should all nature based tourism be regarded as eco-tourism be regarded as eco-

tourism?tourism?

To be To be ECO-TOURISMECO-TOURISM, the , the tourism practice must also tourism practice must also include include 22 other elements other elements

1. EDUCATION

2. 2. SUSTAINABILSUSTAINABILITYITY

Who would be ecotourists: 3 market segments?Who would be ecotourists: 3 market segments?

11 ）） Socially Aware SegmentSocially Aware Segment– aged between 35 and 49aged between 35 and 49– the most educated of all the groupsthe most educated of all the groups– employed as upmarket professionals earning over AU$77,000employed as upmarket professionals earning over AU$77,000– taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to lifetaking a thoughtful and strategic approach to life– being politically and socially active and environmentally being politically and socially active and environmentally

awareaware

22 。 。 Visible Achiever SegmentVisible Achiever Segment– aged between 35 and 49aged between 35 and 49– working in upmarket professional positions and earning over working in upmarket professional positions and earning over

AU$77,000 AU$77,000 – seeking recognition, status and evidence of success (seeking recognition, status and evidence of success (e.g.e.g. cars, cars,

houses, expensive and unusual holidays)houses, expensive and unusual holidays)

3. Young Optimists Segment3. Young Optimists Segment

– aged between 18 and 24aged between 18 and 24– being the active, trendy, outgoing student being the active, trendy, outgoing student

generationgeneration– being trend setters, ambitious and career being trend setters, ambitious and career

orientedoriented– being interested in adventure based tours, being interested in adventure based tours,

always collecting new experiences, ideas and always collecting new experiences, ideas and relationshipsrelationships

– being often the children of the Visible being often the children of the Visible Achievers or Socially Aware segmentsAchievers or Socially Aware segments.

In general, some distinct characteristics of an In general, some distinct characteristics of an Eco-tourist Eco-tourist can be identified as the followingcan be identified as the following

AgeAge

– largest group: around age of 20-40largest group: around age of 20-40

– a second large group: 55 years and oldera second large group: 55 years and older

Education and IncomeEducation and Income– more educated than other tourists, more educated than other tourists, with with an an

interest in learning about the environmentinterest in learning about the environment– earning higher incomesearning higher incomes

SeasonalitySeasonality– general touristsgeneral tourists - favour definite seasons at - favour definite seasons at

most destinationsmost destinations

– eco-touristseco-tourists tend to travel all year round and tend to travel all year round and are not as seasonally biasedare not as seasonally biased

Environmental BehaviourEnvironmental Behaviour

– more likely to be involved in pro-environmental behavior at more likely to be involved in pro-environmental behavior at homehome

recycling household wasterecycling household waste purchasing purchasing green green productsproducts

– many of them belong to conservation organizations, but are many of them belong to conservation organizations, but are not necessarily active in themnot necessarily active in them

having a more having a more intellectual intellectual interest in the environmentinterest in the environment rather than hands-on experiencerather than hands-on experience

Accommodation PreferencesAccommodation Preferences

– More More interested in specialist accommodation in a natural interested in specialist accommodation in a natural settingsetting than traditional star-rated hotels than traditional star-rated hotels

ffarmstaysarmstays bed and breakfastsbed and breakfasts private cottagesprivate cottages

Circumstances that resulted in the emergence of ecotourism:

3 factors3 factors

SOCIETAL CHANGESSOCIETAL CHANGES::– media effect and media effect and shift in education => shift in education => people’s social people’s social

and environmental awareness (and environmental awareness (identify a current identify a current example in Hong Kongexample in Hong Kong))

CHANGES IN TOURISTS’ INTERESTSCHANGES IN TOURISTS’ INTERESTS::– traveling more widely => becoming more adventurous traveling more widely => becoming more adventurous

=> questioning about places of visit (=> questioning about places of visit (identify a identify a current example in Hong Kongcurrent example in Hong Kong))

THE STRATEGY OF THE INDUSTRYTHE STRATEGY OF THE INDUSTRY: : – being informative and educative is integral to the being informative and educative is integral to the

product (product (identify a current example in Hong identify a current example in Hong KongKong))

To what extent could a balance between EntertainmentEntertainment and EducationEducation be achieved

in ecotourism practice?

We must rememberWe must remember ECOTOURISM ECOTOURISM isis

a form of tourisma form of tourism

it is, after all, anit is, after all, an entertainmententertainment industryindustry

So it is crucial the above question be So it is crucial the above question be appreciatedappreciated

Learning objective #2 Understand the complexities for applying the

concept of sustainability to ecotourism practice:

Questions #2 & #3 (for your homework):

– Under what circumstances is it appropriate to Under what circumstances is it appropriate to advocate a policy, respectively, of advocate a policy, respectively, of steady steady statestate or enhancement sustainability in or enhancement sustainability in ecotourismecotourism??

– What are the potential costs and benefits of What are the potential costs and benefits of applying applying steady statesteady state and enhancement and enhancement sustainability to a local community?sustainability to a local community?

Please read:Please read:Weaver, D. (2008). Weaver, D. (2008). Ecotourism (Chapter#1). Ecotourism (Chapter#1). Milton, Qld. Australia:

John Wiley & Sons

Some gSome guidelines foruidelines for

Sustainable ManagementSustainable Management of of Ecotourism:Ecotourism:

1) Managing the physical stresses on the 1) Managing the physical stresses on the environment by taking theseenvironment by taking these issuesissues into into consideration (natural aspect)consideration (natural aspect)

2) Recognize the need for local communities to 2) Recognize the need for local communities to benefit from tourism (benefit from tourism (the social aspectthe social aspect))

Sustaining the well-being Sustaining the well-being ((both culturally and both culturally and economiceconomicallyally) ) of local community is the of local community is the ESSENCE ESSENCE of the of the eco-tourismeco-tourism philosophy philosophy

Community participation in the development Community participation in the development processprocess

Question #2 Under what circumstances Under what circumstances is it appropriate to advocate a policy, is it appropriate to advocate a policy, respectively, of respectively, of steady statesteady state or or enhancement sustainabilityenhancement sustainability in in ecotourism?ecotourism?– Steady stateSteady state

Maintain what is there already?Maintain what is there already?– Any actions need to be taken?Any actions need to be taken?

– Enhancement sustainabilityEnhancement sustainability Sustain what is there already?

– Any actions need to be taken?

Question #3 What are the potential What are the potential costs and benefits of applying costs and benefits of applying steady steady statestate and enhancement sustainability and enhancement sustainability to a local community?to a local community?

Please read the textbook pp. (14 - 16)Please read the textbook pp. (14 - 16)

Learning objective #3 Appreciate Appreciate importance of geographic knowledge importance of geographic knowledge

for studying for studying ecotourismecotourism

– Geographical space as a requirement for economic activities including tourism (why???)(why???)

– Tourism location => 22 factors Spatial

– distance– accessibility– transport costs– presence of markets– concentration of economic activities– etc.

EnvironmentalEnvironmental

– Natural – Natural – weather and climateweather and climate

– Cultural

The factor of natural environmentThe factor of natural environment => =>

– Climate as a resource, particularly for ecotourismecotourism Characteristics

– Is free

– Can’t be transported or stored

– Distribution varies in space and time; and is decisive in tourism demand and supply

– Has extreme weather events that need associated response plans

– Affects elements of the natural and human system

• Physical (the case of rain and wind)• Physiological (the case of temperature and humidity• Psychological (the case of cloud cover)• Tourism climatology and tourist perception

– Climate changes because of human activities

– Climate as an attraction =>

Weather, climate and ecotourismecotourism tourism planning

Homework Find out the carrying capacity set for

Mai Po Nature Reserve 10 years ago

Find out the carrying capacity set for Mai Po Nature Reserve now

Discuss the implications of the difference (if there is any)