Future of adventure tourism in good hands

Media release from Queenstown Resort College

18 March 2009

Future of adventure tourism in good hands

Adventure tourism operations around the world are set to benefit from the skills of graduates from New Zealand’s first Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management.

Run by Queenstown Resort College (QRC), the two-year diploma is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.  It develops successful future adventure tourism managers by blending business management and leadership skills with practical work experience and adventure education. 

The new diploma has sparked plenty of interest within New Zealand and abroad, with approximately 70 percent Kiwi and 30 percent international students completing the first course.

The17 students will officially graduate along with 24 Diploma of Hospitality students this Saturday (21 March), 2pm, at Queenstown’s Millennium Hotel.  Deputy Prime Minister and Clutha-Southland MP Bill English will attend as the official guest of honour, presenting each student with their diploma and giving the official Graduation Address.

The course is based in Queenstown, renowned as New Zealand's premier tourist resort and adventure capital of the world, where students learn from experienced industry practitioners.  As part of their diploma every student receives six months of fully paid industry training with an adventure tourism business.

This year, as a result of a new strategic partnership between QRC and NZSki Ltd, a specifically developed intake of students with a snow industry focus will be guaranteed a work placement at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Mt Hutt for a winter season.

The diploma was developed by the college in consultation with Queenstown's hospitality and adventure tourism industry leaders and is continuously evolving in line with industry trends.  An industry Advisory Board regularly critiques it to ensure relevancy and accuracy.

Dr John Cossens, Queenstown Resort College’s Head of Tourism, is delighted with the calibre of his graduating students and says it bodes well for the future of the industry.

“After teaching and getting to know these students I feel confident in saying that New Zealand’s adventure tourism future certainly looks bright with the wealth of very talented and motivated young people going out into the work force.  I think they will really make a difference to our industry both here and overseas.

David Kennedy, general manager of Ngai Tahu Tourism operations in the Southern region, seconds that.

“We’ve had several students work for us at Shotover Jet and Dart River Jet Safaris and have been really impressed with their high standard of professionalism and commitment.  They’ve all come to the business with a good understanding of the needs of tourism and apply themselves as hard working and effective team members. 

“Having an Adventure Tourism Management course in Queenstown is a real asset to the industry and the community.”

Graduates of QRC’s Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management can continue on to a Bachelor Degree at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in B.C, Canada. TRU is Canada's leading specialist in adventure tourism education and training.

For more information about the Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management please visit www.queenstownresortcollege.com.

ENDS

© Scoop Media