Advanced Skill Certificate in Community-Based Tourism Impact Assessment
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in sustainable tourism and the instructor for the new course, "Advanced Skill Certificate in Community-Based Tourism Impact Assessment." Dr. Smith, can you tell us more about this course? GUEST: Absolutely! This course is designed to equip learners with the skills needed to assess and mitigate the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of community-based tourism. HOST: That sounds fascinating. Can you share some personal experiences that led you to focus on community-based tourism? GUEST: Certainly. I've seen firsthand how tourism can positively impact local communities when managed responsibly, but also the negative consequences when it's not. This inspired me to help create sustainable solutions. HOST: Interesting. What are some current industry trends related to community-based tourism? GUEST: There's a growing emphasis on responsible and sustainable practices, and a shift towards experiential travel that benefits local communities. Tourists are increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences that support the local economy and preserve cultural heritage. HOST: That's great to hear. However, there must be challenges in this field. What are some obstacles you've encountered or anticipate learners might face? GUEST: Balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation can be tricky. Additionally, engaging local communities and ensuring their interests are prioritized can be challenging. We address these issues in the course. HOST: Indeed, those are important considerations. Looking to the future, where do you see community-based tourism heading? GUEST: I believe it will become a cornerstone of the tourism industry, with a stronger focus on responsible, sustainable practices and a greater emphasis on empowering local communities. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on community-based tourism. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes this course can bring about in the industry.
