Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism

Purpose

This qualification has been designed to enhance the supervisory and managerial knowledge and skills of qualifying learners in the field of ecotourism. In general, the qualification has been designed to develop a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in ecotourism. The qualification also aims to develop the ability of qualifying learners to identify, analyse, critically evaluate and respond appropriately to complex contextual and practice-related challenges in a volatile environment. As the qualification is targeted primarily at those employed in a full-time capacity in the ecotourism/tourism sector, the qualification will also require learners to address their learning needs in a self-directed manner.

The positions in which learners can be employed upon completion of the Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism, include the following:

• Sustainable Tourism Project Officers.
• Park Rangers (Interpretation).
• Sustainable Tourism Qualification Managers.
• Ecotourism Officers.
• Naturalist Field Teachers.
• Conservation Officers.
• Protected Areas Project Management Specialists.
• Ecotourism Marketing Consultants.
• Wildlife Conservation Coordinators.
• Wetlands Marketing Managers.
• Wildlife Tourism Strategic Plan Consultants.
• Recreation Sustainability Coordinators.
• Tour Guides; Heritage Site Managers.
• Nature Recreation Planners.

Rationale

Tourism is very important for the South African (SA) and global economy, in terms of direct and indirect employment and contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, tourism has a tremendous multiplier effect over other economic sectors, and the tourism sector in South Africa is forecast to grow even larger. The tourism sector supports over 1.4 million jobs, representing some 10% of total employment in the country. If tourism is to reach its full potential in terms of contributing to socio-economic development, job creation and business opportunities, an adequately skilled workforce is imperative.

Nature-based tourism/ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry, and it is making a significant positive contribution to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of destinations and local communities around the world. By increasing capacity building opportunities, ecotourism is also an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, ecotourism provides the impetus to assist in greening the tourism industry on many fronts. Thus this qualification will address the need for employees with managerial knowledgeable and skilled in the growing field of Ecotourism.

According to the National Development Plan (NDP), not only is education the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa, but it also defines' identities; enables them to take control of their lives and raise healthy families, and plays a meaningful role in the broader development of society. In the above regard, this qualification will meet the needs of the ecotourism industry for skilled employees and managers, as well as contribute to the socio-economic development and growth of the country.

The qualification is also developed with a view to providing Ecotourism qualifying learners with an opportunity for vertical articulation, and, upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to articulate into relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 qualifications. The qualification also aims to contribute to the personal development and growth of learners by providing them with an opportunity to enhance their qualifications and provide them with the requisite knowledge and skills required for supervisory and managerial positions within the ecotourism/tourism sector, or start their own tourism enterprises.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience).

Credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the qualification, and/or admission into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A 360 credit qualification at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6, equivalent to the National Diploma/Diploma/Degree in Ecotourism, Nature Conservation, or Environmental Management.

Or

• International Certificates that have been evaluated by SAQA and meet or exceed the minimum requirements outlined above.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 7 totalling 128 Credits.

• Research Methodology,16 Credits.
• Advanced Services Marketing,16 Credits.
• Strategic Ecotourism Management ,16 Credits.
• Project Management,16 Credits.
• Advanced Environmental Management,16 Credits.
• Sustainable Ecotourism Development ,16 Credits.
• Ecotourism Entrepreneurship ,16 Credits.
• Guiding in the Natural Environment ,16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the key principles, theories and practices within the field of ecotourism.
2. Apply ecotourism-related knowledge and skills to identify and resolve problems in an ecotourism establishment.
3. Evaluate and critique various service marketing and strategic management theories and concepts that are applicable to the ecotourism industry.
4. Develop a well-written research proposal on atopic aligned to the ecotourism discipline/sector.
5. In decision-making, reflect on local and global environmental issues to ensure sustainable outcomes in the ecotourism industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Discuss and apply principles of marketing, strategic management and project management in an ecotourism context.
• Discuss and apply relevant marketing, strategic management, project management, environmental management and sustainable ecotourism theories and principles in an ecotourism context.
• Critically evaluate and present current ecotourism industry practices and recommendations to improve them.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify problems in an ecotourism establishment.
• Select and apply appropriate scientific methods to investigate problems.
• Present appropriate actions to resolve problems encountered by ecotourism establishments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop the impact of the competitive business environment on an ecotourism enterprise is analysed and appropriate competitive strategies.
• Examine and apply various strategic management and service marketing theories and concepts to tourist operations and establishments.
• Present recommendations to improve the operations and profitability of tourist establishments.
• Critically evaluate current strategies adopted by tourist establishments with a view to improving them.
• Analyse the role of employees, customers and technology in the service delivery process, and strategies to manage demand and capacity, and also evaluate and implement service recovery process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and describe a research problem.
• Develop the aims and objectives of the study.
• Undertake a preliminary literature review is undertaken.
• Identify and justify the research methodology to be used for the study.
• Apply the Harvard Referencing method is appropriately applied in the development of the research proposal.
• Develop a research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critically evaluate environmental issues that have an impact on both local and global tourism.
• Appraise with environmental management practices and tools, in terms of water, energy and waste management in order to make optimal decisions for an ecotourism establishment.
• Develop strategies for sustainable use of natural and cultural resources in ecotourism destination.
• Present strategies for capacity development and community participation in ecotourism development.
• Develop strategies to minimise visitor impact on ecotourism facilities.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment of the discipline specific modules will be integrated into the assessments for Project Management; Strategic Ecotourism Management; Advanced Services Management, and Research Methodology.

The integrated Assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied and reflective competencies, and may include: written assignments/projects; written tests; case studies, and final examinations. For example, case studies in the above-mentioned modules will be contextualized in an ecotourism environment, and the development of a research proposal in the Research Methodology module will be based on a real-world 'problem' in the eco-tourism sector.