Another First For Tourism In Rotorua

Another First For Tourism In Rotorua

Rotorua’s Waiariki Institute of Technology are once again leading the way in tourism training with the introduction in July 2003 of the Diploma in Sustainable Tourism Management – the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Sustainable tourism is about showing people the unique natural beauty and features of an area, without destroying them in the process, and ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come. According to Gordon Titchener, Programme Leader in the Waiariki Institute of Technology’s School of Tourism & Hospitality, “The Diploma in Sustainable Tourism Management was designed for industry people by industry people. We believe it will give its graduates the skills they need to improve a businesses ‘triple bottom line’ of economic profitability, environmental sustainability and community participation.”

As Chairman of the Management Committee for the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter, Mr. Titchener also sees the benefits of such training from a much wider perspective. “New Zealand has a tremendous opportunity to become a world leader in sustainable tourism and to reap the rewards of such a position in the global marketplace.”

A previous “first” for the Waiariki Institute of Technology was their introduction of the Bachelor of Tourism Management – when introduced in 1995 it was also the first of its kind in New Zealand. Since then it has produced such high-calibre graduates as the Policy Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, the Domestic Marketing Manager for Tourism Rotorua and managers at major hotels and attractions in Rotorua.

The Diploma in Sustainable Tourism Management includes new modules such as ‘Principles of Sustainable Management’ and combines these with the outdoor module ‘Sustainable Tourism in Practice’ and more business-focused papers covering topics such as marketing principles and business planning. All students finish their program with an applied project, such as preparing a business for Green Globe 21 accreditation.

The part-time Diploma in Sustainable Tourism starts on 21st July and is available through home study to anyone in New Zealand. The full-time programme, based at the Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua, is available from 2004. Anyone wishing to know more about the course should contact Gordon Titchener on 07 346 8656. For enrolment please contact Sally Hemsley on 0800 924 274. Editor’s Notes Waiariki was established in 1978 and is this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary. It is one of New Zealand’s largest provincial tertiary institutes, with over 6,000 full-time and part-time students at campuses in Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane.

Course Information Gordon Titchener School of Tourism & Hospitality Waiariki Institute of Technology Tel: 07 346 8656 Email: gordon.titchener@waiariki.ac.nz

© Scoop Media