GEOG224 (HAM)
Tourism Environments
20 points

Lecturer: Dr Lars Brabyn
Email: larsb@waikato.ac.nz

Paper description

New Zealand offers a range of spectacular and unique environments that attract millions of domestic and international tourists per year. On the one hand tourist experiences of these special places provide considerable enjoyment as well as build an appreciation and respect for the environment. However, these environments are sensitive (spiritually and environmentally) and can expose tourist to considerable risk, such as bad weather and flooded rivers. This paper explores the benefits and issues associated with tourism environments. There is also a strong focus on management solutions and students are encouraged to think creatively about how tourism environments are managed.

The main focus of the paper is on outdoor recreation in NZ parks, which are predominantly managed by the Department of Conservation and Regional Councils. Tourism in Antarctica is also examined as well as trekking in developing countries, such as Nepal. Topics include the fragile and sensitive nature of parks, the range of park users, and the values associated with park use, including landscape (aesthetic), ecological, spiritual, and economic values. This paper will include issues relating to resource conflict between the tourism industry and other industries (e.g. energy generation), and conflict within the tourism industry (e.g. between different types of tourist such as mountain bikers, fishing enthusiasts, rafters, skiers, and hikers).

Paper Objectives

The main learning outcomes of this paper are to comprehend the extent of tourism opportunities in NZ and abroad, understand the issues surrounding tourism environments, and identify management solutions for addressing these issues. Students will develop skills to evaluate the effectiveness of different management techniques.

Students will learn a range of skills including using GIS and computer graphics, designing and preparing a poster, providing an oral presentation, debating, and critical thinking. You will be encouraged to write clearly, concisely, and precisely.

Paper Organisation

The Tourism Environments paper runs for one semester, and involves a final test.  This paper involves a mix of lectures, tutorials, and is likely to include a field trip.

Assessment

Internal assessment/examination ratio - 1:0

Prerequisites

None.

Required Reading

Readings will be given at the lectures.

Timetable and Organisation:

Refer to the Online Timetable.