UniSC offers educational programs on sustainable land management for tourism, which is essential for promoting eco-friendly travel practices. These programs can educate local and national communities about minimizing environmental impact, preserving natural landscapes, and supporting local economies through responsible tourism. By providing degrees, workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, these initiatives help students understand the importance of sustainable tourism practices, such as waste reduction, conservation of natural resources, and respectful interaction with wildlife. Such outreach efforts ensure that tourism development benefits both the environment and the community, fostering a balanced and sustainable approach to tourism.

UniSC provides educational outreach for local and national communities on sustainable management of land and tourism. UniSC manages K'gari-Fraser Island Research and Learning Centre, a research and learning centre on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, providing accommodation for students and staff, and access to field study sites for primary, secondary and tertiary student groups. Researchers and groups with genuine environmental interests in the region are encouraged to use the site. Few places compare to K’gari’s unique natural environment as an immersive outdoor classroom to explore and develop knowledge and hands-on research skills. From animal ecology and environmental science to mapping with drones, field studies on the Island add an invaluable dimension to several UniSC programs and courses.

UniSC developed an award winning recruitment strategy to engage with high school students to get a taste of University life “UniSC Best Field Trip in the World” was launched in 2023 as a competition for high school students to win a one-of-a-kind experience to visit our campus footprint and experience our world heritage listed site, K'gari.

UniSC partners with the Fraser Coast Tourism and Events to present the annual “Hervey Bay Whale Festival”. A 10-day tourism event promoting the conservation of the region’s rich and diverse marine environment and wildlife. Each year from July to October thousands of humpbacks journey into Hervey Bay’s sheltered waters where they stop and play for up to two weeks at a time, taking a well- earned break on their southern migration.

UniSC’s Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research is currently conducting a range of research projects that include outreach with communities regarding tourism via agritourism:

• UniSC researchers, led by Dr Cherise Addinsall, are developing a strategic approach to support rural smallholders in Vanuatu to diversify into agritourism — an emerging sector that connects farming and agribusiness with tourism. New focus is on sustainable traditional local cuisine and traditional farming practices and encouraging greater connection between tourists and primary producers. There's a shift from local to global perspectives and a greater recognition for the role of women in agriculture.

UniSC is the world’s only university operating within three interconnecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. At UniSC we live and breathe sustainability and offer a range of educational programmes:

• Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management course - This course focuses on fundamental concepts of sustainability that have application to the management of all forms of tourism, leisure and events. It aims to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of physical, socio-cultural and economic sustainability and its prospects for successful implementation in developed and developing countries. Ecotourism as an exemplar of sustainable tourism is also examined.
• Tourism, Leisure and Event Management Major - The Sunshine Coast region is a booming tourist destination and a great place to learn about the ‘experience economy’. Set in the backdrop of pristine beaches and national parks, your studies will focus on sustainable tourism to prevent potential harm to local communities or the environment.

Summary 

UniSC’s educational programs on sustainable land management for tourism teach communities eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.

More information 

• K-gari field studies and courses
• Hervey Bay Whale Festival 2023
• Best Field Trip in the World Itinerary 
• Supporting Vanuatu's smallholder farmers to diversify into agritourism
• Growing agritourism in the Pacific - ACIAR
• Pacific Agribusiness Research in Development Initiative Phase 2 (PARDI 2)
• TSM223 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management 
• Tourism, Leisure and Event Management