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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Ecotourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100972  Diploma in Ecotourism Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Learners with this qualification will have a wide range of responsibilities covering everything from human resources, sales and marketing, business development and customer service to accounting, financial administration, housekeeping and general maintenance. The learner will be in charge of all policy and procedures relating to recycling, waste disposal, and pollution and will make sure that the business complies with environmental laws and regulations, maintaining detailed records of technical audits and environmental impact assessments, and writing reports for the appropriate regulatory authorities. The learner of this qualification will be able to plan and organise tours, as well as offering commentary and interesting information, which will allow visitors to fully experience and enjoy cultural and natural environments of the destination. The learner in this qualification will be computer literate and well versed in Property Management and other accounting and back-office systems. The qualification will provide the learner with the necessary academic skills to function as independent, lifelong learners in order to progress through the professional chosen career path.

Rationale:
More than 900 million people travel each year, making the tourism industry one of the largest sources of income and employment for many developing countries. The ecotourism industry has evolved over the past 20 years and although ecotourism has only amounted to 3 or 4 percent of the travel industry in the past, international travel has motivated local residents in stunning destinations to conserve and maintain their corner of the world. The tourism industry can have a detrimental effect on local environments if not managed properly, therefore the trick is finding the right balance between using ecotourism as a way to motivate and fund conservation and minimising the carbon footprint of transporting people halfway around the world to visit these natural areas. To achieve sustainable tourism in environmentally sensitive areas the industry needs Human Resources with specified skills. Careers in ecotourism are classified as follows; ⬢ Development and management: Tourism development specialist, sustainable tourism business development manager, ecotourism locations: Heritage tourism officer, sustainable tourism manager, eco lodge manager sustainable development consultancy, tourism and human resources advisor Operating, cultural tourism project facilities manager, rural tourism officer, sustainable tourism operator, eco-tour leaders, nature tour guide Managing natural lands: Parks and recreation director, wildlife visitor centre advisor, reserve director, Promoting ecotourism: Protected areas communications officer, responsible tourism communications manager, adventure travel promotion manager, responsible tourism marketing manager The industry also contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and can play a significant role in transformation. This qualification has a detrimental effect on local environments if not managed properly, therefore the trick is finding the right balance between using ecotourism as a way to motivate and fund conservation and minimising the carbon footprint of transporting people halfway around the world to visit the natural areas. To achieve sustainable tourism in environmentally sensitive areas the industry needs Human Resources with specified skills. Careers in ecotourism are classified as follows:
  • Development and management: Tourism development specialist, sustainable tourism business development manager, sustainable development consultancy, tourism and human resources advisor.
  • Operating ecotourism locations: Heritage tourism officer, sustainable tourism manager, Eco lodge manager, cultural tourism project facilities manager, rural tourism officer, sustainable tourism operator, Eco tour leaders, nature tour guide.
  • Managing natural lands: Parks and recreation director, wildlife visitor centre advisor, reserve director.
  • Promoting ecotourism: Protected areas communications officer, responsible tourism communications manager, adventure travel promotion manager, responsible tourism marketing manager. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 180 Credits:
  • Eco Guiding, I, 12 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Ecotourism Management I, 12 Credits.
  • Eco Geography I, 10 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purpose, 10 Credits.
  • Eco Operations I, 12 Credits.
  • Lodge Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • Ecology I, 14 Credits.
  • Eco Marketing, I, 12 Credits.
  • Life Skills, 2 Credits.
  • Eco Development I, 12 Credits.
  • Eco Operations II, 12 Credits.
  • Ecotourism Finance I,12 Credits.
  • Eco Guiding II,12 Credits.
  • Tourism Economics I, 12 Credits.
  • Ecotourism Human Resources I, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 180 Credits:
  • Eco Geography II, 6 Credits.
  • Eco Marketing II, 12 Credits.
  • Ecology II, 18 Credits.
  • Ecotourism Development II, 12 Credits.
  • Lodge Management II,12 Credits.
  • Eco Development III, 24 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Ecotourism, 48 Credits.
  • Ecotourism Management II, 24 Credits.
  • Lodge Management III, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an ability to use a range of business management skills to contribute to effective management of the ecotourism enterprise.
    2. Apply a range of financial management tools to contribute to effective decision-making and sustainability of the ecotourism enterprise.
    3. Use various modes of accessing and communicating information, including information technology effectively in order to promote the interests of the Ecotourism industry in a changing business environment.
    4. Manage and maintain the operational practices and structures in the Ecotourism industry required to meet and exceed the expectations of the target market.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of marketing as it pertains to tourism and the relationship between economic principles and marketing.
    6. To use a variety of business managerial as well as entrepreneurial skills to develop a business plan for a new hospitality enterprise as well as strategies to effectively manage customer service and physical assets in an existing hospitality enterprise while abiding by the necessary legal requirements hospitality enterprise while abiding by the necessary legal requirements.
    7. Describe the complex interactions between organisms and the influence these have on the environment and the ecosystem.
    8. Identify and explain the scope and practices of an ecotourism development project.
    9. Complete a work integrated learning project according to academic and workplace requirements.
    10. Range: Work integrated learning may include, but is not limited to: Exposure to a typical organisational culture, human relations, working conditions, problem situations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Cultural sensitivity is demonstrated.
    > Community participation opportunities are identified and analysed.
    > Community participation is developed.
    > Visitor safety is ensured.
    > Knowledge of relevant legislation is demonstrated and applied.
    > Advanced ecotourism programme is planned and developed.
    > Environmental planning is effective.
    > Environmental education activities are planned and implemented.
    > Field guiding skills are demonstrated and applied.
    > Basic maintenance skills are demonstrated.
    > Tracking skills are demonstrated and applied.
    > Knowledge of traditions and cultures is demonstrated, applied and communicated effectively.
    > Biological knowledge is demonstrated, applied and communicated effectively.
    > Principles of sustainable tourism are applied.
    > Knowledge of polar tourism is demonstrated.
    > Principles of leadership are applied.
    > Communication is effective.
    > The principles and values of nature conservation are applied and managed.
    > The principles and values of ecology are applied and managed.
    > Advanced eco-tourism programme is managed effectively.
    > Advanced first aid procedures are performed.
  • Vision and mission are formulated.
    > External environment is analysed.
    > Internal environment is analysed.
    > Strategic goals are formulated.
    > Gap analysis is performed.
    > Strategies are evaluated.
    > Appropriate strategies are selected.
    > Effective strategies are developed.
    > Strategic management is effective.
    > Eco-tourism marketing research is conducted.
    > Eco-tourism marketing principles are implemented and managed.
  • Organisation is effective.
    > Human resources and volunteers are managed effectively.
    > Financing and/or funding is managed effectively.
    > Marketing is effective.
    > Events are evaluated.
    > The principles of impact management are applied.
    > Customer service is managed effectively.
    > Food and beverage management principles are applied and managed.
    > Health and safety principles are applied.
    > Cultural sensitivity is demonstrated.
    > Relevant legislation is applied and managed.
    > Events and conferences are managed effectively.
    > Resort is managed effectively.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. These include written examinations, group and individual projects and assignments, practical examinations and a research report. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during their classes. Integrated Assessment will be both formative and summative: Formative assessment will take place during seminar presentations, discussions and project sessions. Self and peer assessment will contribute to formative assessment. Summative components of assessment include the research report in which learners define the research question, identify appropriate research methodologies, undertake a literature review, critique the literature, collect and analyse data, and finally compile a report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking was undertaken with learning programmes delivered in 1st world countries including the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and New Zealand in addition to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries such as Kenya. The rationale for choosing these particular countries pertains to the fact that a number of institutions within the countries are considered leaders in the field of tourism education and research. Listed.

    below are examples of some of the programme reviewed: Charles Sturt University Australia offer a range of qualifications in Ecotourism ranging from a graduate Certificate in Ecotourism, Graduate Diploma in Ecotourism and a Master of Ecotourism. The content of the Graduate Diploma in similar to the Diploma in Ecotourism offered at the institution. The institution qualification includes a major in Hospitality Operations. Tai Poutine Polytechnic in New Zealand offer a Diploma in Ecotourism. The Programme includes General Tourism, Ecotourism within the Tourism industry, Interpretation skills, Taxonomy, Ecology, Plant Physiology and Biology, Animal Physiology and Biology, Earth Science, Meteorology, Heritage Tourism, Business Practice, Law related to Ecotourism, the Treaty of Waitangi, Advanced First Aid, a Research Project, Outdoor Skills and Global Environmental Issues. The content is similar to the Diploma in Ecotourism although packaged under different subject names. The institution Diploma do not offer Taxonomy. Egerton University and Chuka in Kenya offer a six (6) semester Diploma in Eco-Tourism and Hospitality Management which include an 8-week Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) component. Similar to the institution this qualification also includes the Hospitality major as part of the qualification. The University of Derby offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Honours) Ecotourism is the UK's only undergraduate Degree which explicitly examines the complex relationship between tourism and the environment. During the 3rd year learners spend up to six weeks in Botswana working on tourism conservation projects. The content is similar to the Diploma in Ecotourism offered at the institution but do not offer the hospitality component. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Tourism Management, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advance Diploma in Ecotourism Management, Level 7.
  • Advance Diploma Tourism Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.