Regional Tourism Development
The new module Regional Tourism Development provides students an opportunity to experience tourism planning and development in a (potential) tourism area. In order to be beneficial for all involved stakeholders in terms of economic and social aspects, proper management and development is needed. Therefore, the module focuses on sustainability in planning, tourism product development and resource management within the Eastern Cape and especially in the surrounds of Port Alfred. The emphasis of possible development is based on adventure, heritage and community tourism in the region.
During the first weeks of the module, the students gain theoretical knowledge of the tourism industry in the Eastern Cape and the issues that need to be considered when developing a sustainable tourism industry. To get an insight into existing tourism products, excursions to places of interest are arranged.
The practical part of the module is project - based work in which the students are engaged. Several tourism development projects are provided to choose from. Students then visit the projects and get directly involved in the work with the different stakeholders. The students’ tasks and responsibilities differ depending on how far their projects are already developed. The main aim is that by the end of the module students will be able to give recommendations on the further development of adventure, heritage and community tourism products in the Eastern Cape.
Tourism students having fun on one of our local horseride excursions!