Real Journeys Nature Guides take first step towards Diploma in Eco Tourism

Media Statement
19 August 2009
 

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire".
William Butler Yeats

South Island tourism operator Real Journeys has assisted its nature guides towards gaining a Diploma in Ecotourism, by funding a residential training course run by Tai Poutini Polytechnic.

Earlier this month, 12 guides from different areas of the company completed the week-long course at Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. The training course, which covered interpretation techniques, meteorology, geology and plant and animal biology, fulfilled the first credits towards a full-year Diploma in Ecotourism.

Real Journeys Milford Sound operations manager Angus Small says the company intends to assist the guides to continue their studies part-time, with the aim that they will eventually graduate with a full diploma.

“The aim is two-fold: to ensure that we provide the very best quality guiding, and also to encourage our staff to stay with the company by providing them with wider opportunities. I am a firm believer in training and up-skilling staff. The investment always pays for itself.”

Mr Small said the guides’ response to the course was overwhelmingly positive, and many of them were excited about the opportunity to gain an education while working in remote locations.

“We’ll look at running another residential next winter and offer another part of the Diploma…. I am hoping we can offer a new unit each winter so that over time they can complete the Diploma. They also have the option of carrying on with the units in their own time and completing it earlier.”

For further comment, please contact:
Angus Small, Real Journeys Milford Sound Operations Manager
Phone 03 249 8160
Email asmall@realjourneys.co.nz
 

Real Journeys Nature Guides on Residential at Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Tutor Geoff Button