ECOTOURISM PLANNER

Robert Smith, owner of the ecotour company Timbuktours, advises getting a background in first aid, natural interpretation, and other basic skills before embarking on a career in ecotourism. He believes that getting a degree is not necessary and that a few background courses are more than enough.

“Many secondary education institutions and universities offer short-term courses and certification programs that apply directly to the eco- and adventure tourism industry,” he says.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) offers training in this field in the form of forums, field seminars, and workshops. Park rangers, landscape architects, and other nature professionals from dozens of countries around the globe attend its events.