Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Tourism Economic Analysis
Published on June 19, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in wildlife tourism economics and the lead instructor for the new Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Tourism Economic Analysis. Welcome, Dr. Smith! GUEST: Thank you for having me! I'm excited to discuss the importance of economic analysis in wildlife tourism. HOST: That sounds fascinating! First, could you tell us a bit about your personal experiences and insights related to this course topic? GUEST: Absolutely! I've spent over 20 years working in ecotourism, park management, and environmental economics. My research has often focused on the economic impact of wildlife tourism and how it can support conservation efforts. HOST: It's clear that your expertise will greatly benefit the students in this program. Now, let's talk about current industry trends. What do you think are some of the most relevant ones for this course? GUEST: There's growing interest in sustainable tourism practices and conservation finance. Stakeholders increasingly recognize that wildlife tourism can generate revenue for local communities while also protecting natural resources. HOST: That's a positive development for sure! Speaking of challenges, what are some common obstacles professionals face when learning or teaching this subject? GUEST: One challenge is the interdisciplinary nature of the field, which requires knowledge in ecology, economics, and policy. It can be challenging to integrate these areas, but it's essential for understanding the full scope of wildlife tourism. HOST: It certainly sounds like a complex but rewarding area of study. Now, let's look to the future. How do you see the industry and this field evolving in the coming years? GUEST: I believe we'll see more emphasis on data-driven decision-making in wildlife tourism. As technology advances, we'll have better tools for analyzing economic impacts and informing policy. HOST: That's an exciting prospect! Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. We're looking forward to seeing the positive impact this Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Tourism Economic Analysis will have on the industry. GUEST: Thank you for having me! It's been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.
