Ecotour guide training in less developed countries: some research directions for the 21s t century

Ecotourism is increasing throughout the world and in particular in less developed countries where it is often promoted in association with protected areas (Weaver 1998). Guides have important roles to perform in the ecotourism experience, such as ensuring the safety of the visitor, providing accurate and compelling interpretation of sites, and modelling appropriate environmental and cultural behaviour. To be able to serve this wide range of interests, guides need training that provides them with necessary knowledge and skills. A pilot study was carried out to determine what types of guide training are currently being delivered in less developed countries. The results of this study assisted in identifying some of the key issues and research priorities for future ecotour guide training in the 21f l century. The results suggest that although training is currently being delivered in various forms by a variety of providers in less developed countries, there is scope for the development and improvement of training in less developed countries, particularly in the areas of suitable training models, appropriate assessment, program content and program evaluation.