ISSN 1108-8931 |
INTERNATIONAL ECOTOURISM MONTHLY |
Year 5-Issue 49, June 2003 |
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The Expert The Expert
showcases the replies of our Expert
Members who volunteer free advice on their topic of expertise. In this issue: |
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Equestrian
Tourism 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
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.
Volunteer
Opportunities in 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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