Classroom theory is one thing, but nothing beats direct experience.
Each year, Victoria University postgraduate tourism management students undertake a fieldwork study of a regional tourism destination. They learn from key stakeholders about the tourism issues facing regional communities, and then develop their recommendations and priorities for managing sustainable tourism for that destination.
Last year, the selected destination was Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, which has a strong focus on health and wellness tourism.
Marianna Marcuzzo, a student in the unit, believed the study was very beneficial.
“I now understand that to ensure the preservation of the area’s environmental resources, along with its cultural soul, and to simultaneously maintain the area as a lively, passionate and personalised tourism destination, the region’s tourism stakeholders must engage in sustainable planning,” she said.
This year, students are undertaking a similar study for Healesville and Marysville. Michael Pearlman, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, selected this region because he felt that it was not only a great opportunity for students to see how destination management occurs in practice, but it was also important for Victoria University and its students to support the tourism recovery process following the impacts of the devastating bushfires in 2009.
As part of their final assignment, students will be making specific recommendations for the redevelopment and rejuvenation of tourism in Marysville.
Postgraduate event management students also engage with industry and communities through similar projects.
For further information, please contact Michael Pearlman on (03) 9919 1037 or email Michael.Pearlman@vu.edu.au
*Copy supplied by Victoria University
