ECOCLUB

ISSN 1108-8931

INTERNATIONAL ECOTOURISM MONTHLY

Year 5-Issue 49, June 2003

The Expert

The Expert showcases the replies of our Expert Members who volunteer free advice on their topic of expertise.
(Articles appear in the order ECOCLUB received them)

In this issue:

Equestrian Tourism in Europe
Reply by Expert Mr. Philippe Baptista de Sequeira Carvalho to an Enquirer from Slovakia

Garrano
Garrano

I don't know much about your country, it's landscape, people, and native horse breeds, (except "Kladruber", which I believe will be not a good choice for horse trekking...), and so I will only give you a few guidelines. First, itemise what you or your partners are able to do, and what is your goal. For example, in Portugal there are classical riding schools that deliver lessons, not horse trekking, and they are very successful and popular among American and northern Europe riders. Other establishments offer different products, like trails in sandy beaches, or through forests of cork trees, in Alentejo plains, one of the least inhabited regions in Europe. 

Ireland has a very professional and organized scheme for horse riding holidays. Portugal has not yet approached the Irish model. If you are starting, benchmark to Ireland, not to Portugal. For example, in Portugal we do not have a working centralised ruling body to promote equestrian holidays. I think that is one of our major needs. Second, choose your means. What breed to use, in order to achieve the goal? " Bosnian Poneys", " Kladruber", "Arabs"? Make accounts about your investment feeding different breeds, and expected revenues. Usually, it is easier to keep autochthonous breeds than high-level performance horses, but all depends on what you tend to do. Will your focus be trekking on natural landscapes or dressage lessons? Work with cattle or clinics on horse management? Tours in the countryside, visiting monuments or something different? Do not consider horseback riding a goal on itself, it should be a piece, (perhaps the most important!), of a plan to host tourists. On that purpose, keep in mind a global challenge: what will guests eat, local food 

and wine or international cooking? Where will they rest and sleep? Most operators consider more appropriate farms, country houses, and so on, choosing only those who offer a high quality level of personal service. Most common riders from outside, like to stay in traditional places, where local ancient techniques and materials of building are shown, and, perhaps, explained. Tourist riders, expect comfort, but not a 5 star accommodation. There must be place to talk with locals who give shelter, to feed and water the horse, and to feel a certain adventure spirit, if appreciated. 

Lusitano
Lusitano

History and monuments (even if archaeological...) are well merged with calm promenades, alike traditional gastronomy, games, folklore, hunting, rivers and dams, popular open-air fairs and markets, etc. At last, every single move of everyone involved to deal with tourists should be as professional as possible, making one feel special, respected and rewarded of choosing to ride along with you. I would end with a personal recommendation: maybe you can take advantage of horseback riding to show your country. Choose good horses and group guides, and visitors will return to their homeland with no regrets, but beautiful regards and remembrances of Slovakia, it's people, it's horses and it's land. Best wishes, and keep in touch.

Sorra
Sorra

Volunteer Opportunities in Greece
Reply by our Expert, Professor Aimilia Drougas to an Enquirer from Greece

Thank you for your interest in sea life volunteering programs. You could find a variety of programs to join and enjoy your vacation as well. For dolphins and whales monitoring see ARION-Cetacean Rescue & Rehabilitation Research Centre (this is for all year around program. Volunteers should be trained on first aid techniques by certified veterinarians before joining the program). Email: arionrescue@yahoo.com (Seminars are open from September) Also WWF Hellas, Elliniki Ornithologiki Etairia (Birdlife society), and several others offer short programs for volunteers in Greece for the nature and seabirds. You can also try Conservation Volunteers Greece and Anthropos.gr

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