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Aldis Kuskis

This course offers current and future tourism professionals, as well as all travellers, an opportunity to learn and rethink a contextual approach to travel.

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This course offers current and future tourism professionals, as well as all travellers, an opportunity to learn and rethink a contextual approach to travel.

  • We will discuss the necessity for a common set of ethical values and regulations, expressed in a concise form – The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

  • We will learn about sustainability culture – how to make a great travel experiences and adventures which brings meaningful new knowledge.

  • We will find out how encounters with wildlife can be both life changing and ethical if approached with respect and dignity.

  • We will study the most important topics of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Travel and tourism integrity should be based on a proactively promoted culture of sustainability.

Ultimately, this Ethics of Travel course will teach you practical methods of conscious and meaningful travel.

What makes a great travel experience? When your adventures bring meaningful new knowledge and leave an indelible, intelligent, sensual imprint. To achieve this, travellers and their travel advisors may have to change. We all will have to invest more time in learning about the history of travel destinations and the circumstances of the people living there. Ultimately, we should think much more about how to travel consciously.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about sustainability culture – how to make a great travel experiences and adventures which brings meaningful new knowledge.
  • Learn how encounters with wildlife can be both life changing and ethical if approached with respect and dignity.
  • Study the most important topics of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Master practical methods of conscious and meaningful travel.

Syllabus

Ethics for Tourism
Course introduction & theoretical standpoint of ethical issues in tourism
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Sustainability
Read more
Sustainability Culture
Sustainable Development Goals and Inclusive Travel
People and wildlife in 21st century
Respecting wildlife
Encounters with wildlife for Conscientious Traveller
People – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Inclusive and accessible travel
Equality and Diversity in tourism and hospitality
Extra - Travel Design
Travel Designers - most creative, knowledgeable, and valuable professionals

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which provides a framework for responsible and sustainable practices within the travel industry
Examines sustainability culture, which is increasingly important for travelers seeking meaningful and impactful experiences
Addresses equality, diversity, and inclusion, which are essential considerations for creating welcoming and respectful travel experiences
Discusses respecting wildlife, which is a crucial aspect of ethical travel and conservation efforts
Introduces the concept of travel design, which may require additional research for learners to fully understand its application

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethics of travel with these activities:
Review 'Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism'
Understand the complexities of the tourism industry by reading a critical analysis of its impacts.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Overbooked'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key arguments.
  • Reflect on how the book's themes relate to the course content.
Review 'The Geography of Tourism and Recreation: Environment, Place and Space'
Gain a deeper understanding of the geographical and environmental aspects of tourism.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters related to sustainable tourism and environmental impact.
  • Consider how geographical factors influence ethical travel decisions.
Volunteer with a Sustainable Tourism Organization
Gain practical experience in sustainable tourism by volunteering with an organization that promotes responsible travel practices.
Show steps
  • Identify sustainable tourism organizations in your area or online.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities and learn about their work.
  • Reflect on your experience and how it relates to the course content.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a Reflection Paper on Inclusive Travel
Reflect on the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in travel by writing a paper that explores the challenges and opportunities of creating accessible and welcoming experiences for all travelers.
Show steps
  • Research the concept of inclusive travel.
  • Consider the barriers that prevent some people from traveling.
  • Write a paper discussing the importance of inclusive travel and offering suggestions for improvement.
Create a Travel Ethics Blog Post
Solidify your understanding of ethical travel principles by writing a blog post that explores a specific ethical dilemma or promotes responsible travel practices.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific ethical issue in travel.
  • Research the issue and gather supporting information.
  • Write a blog post presenting the issue and offering potential solutions.
  • Share your blog post online.
Design an Ethical Travel Itinerary
Apply your knowledge of ethical travel by creating a detailed itinerary for a trip that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes positive contributions to local communities.
Show steps
  • Select a destination for your ethical travel itinerary.
  • Research local businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability.
  • Plan activities that support local communities and minimize environmental impact.
  • Document your itinerary and explain your ethical considerations.
Create a Presentation on Wildlife Tourism Ethics
Deepen your understanding of ethical wildlife encounters by creating a presentation that explores the potential impacts of tourism on animals and their habitats.
Show steps
  • Research the ethical considerations of wildlife tourism.
  • Gather information on the impacts of tourism on specific animal species.
  • Create a presentation outlining ethical guidelines for wildlife encounters.
  • Present your findings to a group or online audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethics of travel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Travel Advisor
A Travel Advisor assists clients with planning and booking trips, ensuring their travel experiences are seamless and enjoyable. The knowledge gained from this course, especially regarding sustainability, ethical travel, and respecting local cultures, will directly enhance a Travel Advisor's ability to curate mindful and enriching travel plans. By understanding the principles of conscious travel, a Travel Advisor can design experiences that not only meet the client's desires but also contribute positively to the destinations visited, thereby setting them apart in the industry. The course's emphasis on understanding and respecting the history and circumstances of local populations will greatly aid the Travel Advisor.
Tour Operator
A Tour Operator designs, plans, and manages group tours, ensuring travelers have engaging and seamless experiences. This course will significantly aid a Tour Operator in creating tours that are ethically sound, sustainable, and culturally respectful, moving beyond the typical tourist experience. The course's discussion of sustainability culture will provide valuable insights for structuring tours that both enrich travelers' experiences and minimize negative impacts. A Tour Operator can draw from discussions on equality, diversity, and inclusion to engage with communities respectfully, and the practical methods of conscious travel presented in the course help in creating meaningful itineraries.
Travel Writer
A Travel Writer creates engaging content about travel destinations, experiences, and tips. This course will help a Travel Writer develop a nuanced perspective on travel, emphasizing ethical and sustainable exploration, while discussing the importance of meaningful travel and respecting wildlife. Gaining knowledge of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism creates a basis for writing with an accurate ethical framework. The course's dedication to inclusive travel may help to inform a Travel Writer to be aware of the diversity of a destination. Moreover, the emphasis on learning about the history and circumstances of local people will lead to more authentic and compelling narratives.
Tourism Researcher
A Tourism Researcher investigates trends, impacts, and best practices within the travel industry, often contributing to academic studies, policy development, or industry reports. The content of this course, specifically the coverage of ethical values, sustainability culture, and inclusive travel, may be vital to a tourism researcher who is looking into the ethical dimensions of travel. The course's focus on wildlife encounters, equality, diversity, and inclusion should provide a foundation for a Tourism Researcher to explore these issues as they investigate tourism practices and their implications. A Tourism Researcher would find the course's learning objectives to be crucial to their work.
Accessibility Consultant
An Accessibility Consultant advises organizations on how to make their products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. This course, with its emphasis on inclusive travel and its exploration of equality, diversity, and inclusion, may be useful to an Accessibility Consultant working in the travel and tourism sector or in any context where travel is a consideration. The course's explicit discussion of inclusive and accessible travel might directly inform the work of an Accessibility Consultant. The course's practical approach to conscious and intentional travel can also provide background for the Accessibility Consultant.
Community Development Officer
A Community Development Officer works within a community to foster social, economic, and cultural development, often with a focus on sustainability and inclusion. This course, which focuses on sustainability culture, ethical tourism practices, and inclusive travel, will help a Community Development Officer looking to integrate these principles into their development projects. The course emphasizes the importance of respecting the history and circumstances of the people living in a community, which a Community Development Officer must consider when planning any project. The course's discussion on equality, diversity, and inclusion is also crucial for this role.
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations develop and implement environmentally and socially responsible practices. This course, with its focus on sustainable tourism and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, may inform the consultant's strategies and recommendations within the travel sector. The course's discussion of sustainability culture and its emphasis on meaningful travel experiences align with the consultant's goals of creating positive impacts. The course explores inclusive travel and ethical interactions with wildlife, which gives a basis for recommending responsible tourism practices to their clients.
Wildlife Conservationist
A Wildlife Conservationist works to protect endangered species and habitats, often engaged in research, advocacy, or fieldwork. This course's discussion on ethical encounters with wildlife and respectful interactions is directly relevant to the work of a Wildlife Conservationist, who may also be involved in ecotourism initiatives or community-based conservation projects. The course's focus on sustainable travel and creating meaningful experiences speaks to the values a Wildlife Conservationist would advocate. The course's emphasis on respect and dignity when approaching wildlife can be an important basis for the Wildlife Conservationist.
Environmental Educator
An Environmental Educator teaches others about the natural world and its challenges, often working in schools, nature centers, or outdoor programs. This course's sections on sustainability, ethical wildlife encounters, and meaningful travel experiences will give the Environmental Educator a useful new perspective. They will learn about the importance of conscious interaction with nature, which they can then pass on to others. The course's emphasis on respect and dignity when it comes to wildlife will also inform their work. By taking this course, the Environmental Educator will be a more well-rounded professional.
Travel Product Developer
A Travel Product Developer is engaged in designing and creating travel packages and experiences for resorts, tour companies, or other travel-related businesses. The information from this course, specifically its focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical travel, can help a Travel Product Developer create travel packages that are both socially responsible and attractive to modern travelers. This course's emphasis on meaningful travel experiences, as well as its discussion of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, give a framework for designing authentic and ethical itineraries. A Travel Product Developer can use this course to create better offerings.
Cultural Heritage Manager
A Cultural Heritage Manager is responsible for protecting and promoting cultural sites and traditions, often working in museums, historical sites, or for local governments. This course's emphasis on respecting local cultures and histories, and the material relating to meaningful travel experiences, may inform the Cultural Heritage Manager's approach to sustainable tourism. The course considers the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion, which is very applicable to the work of the Cultural Heritage Manager, given the potential for tourism to impact these elements. A Cultural Heritage Manager who has knowledge of these principles will be much more effective in their role.
Social Impact Manager
A Social Impact Manager develops and implements strategies for businesses or organizations to positively contribute to society. This course, with its concentration on ethical tourism, sustainability, and inclusivity, may be a useful guide for Social Impact Managers who are working with travel organizations. The course's emphasis on understanding the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and its focus on conscious and meaningful travel may inform strategies that create long-term, positive impact. By understanding the course's emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion, a Social Impact Manager is better positioned to ensure that their initiatives are equitable and respectful.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and develops recommendations for policies, often related to government or non-profit organizations. This course on the ethics of travel may help a Policy Analyst who is developing policies related to tourism and sustainability. The course's focus on the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, sustainable travel, and inclusivity can be applied to the development of guidelines and standards for the tourism industry. The focus of the course on equality, diversity, and inclusion is an important consideration for any policy designed to serve a diverse population.
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
A Nonprofit Program Coordinator manages programs and projects for non-profit organizations. If a program involves tourism, travel, or community engagement, this course will be an asset. The course material on sustainability culture, ethical practices, and the importance of equality and diversity can inform a Nonprofit Program Coordinator's strategy. The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the focus on conscious and meaningful travel provide useful perspective. A Nonprofit Program Coordinator can incorporate the principles from this course into their work to ensure their program contributes positively within a community.
Hospitality Manager
A Hospitality Manager oversees the operations of a hotel, resort, or other lodging establishment. The course, focusing on ethics in tourism, sustainability, and inclusive practices, will help a Hospitality Manager cultivate a more responsible and welcoming environment for guests. The course material on sustainability culture and its emphasis on meaningful travel experiences can provide a Hospitality Manager with opportunities to enhance guest satisfaction. By understanding the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, a Hospitality Manager can ensure their business practices are ethical and sustainable.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethics of travel.
Explores the relationship between tourism, the environment, and local communities. It provides a strong foundation for understanding sustainable tourism practices and the geographical considerations crucial for ethical travel. This book is commonly used in tourism studies and provides a more academic and in-depth look at the topics covered in the course.
Provides a critical look at the travel and tourism industry, examining its economic, social, and environmental impacts. It offers valuable context for understanding the ethical challenges discussed in the course. While not a textbook, it serves as excellent supplementary reading to broaden perspectives on the industry's complexities and potential pitfalls.

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