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LODGE THERAPY |
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ECO-TOURISM REVIEW PROCESS |
The ecotourism sector the world over
is filled with romantics and dreamers.
They are positive, out-going and fun
loving. They see beauty in wide open
plains, mountains and forests, rivers,
lakes and on long white beaches. They
feel the energy of each environment
and recognise how each is abundant
with life in all its forms. And as
is human nature, they develop a passion
for that space and fall in love. And
dream...
They dream of owning a
piece of the magic, that small space
of sanctity that soothes the soul
and gives meaning to life. |
| Often these dreamers
and romantics become investors. As
investors they become involved in
ecotourism developments or projects
for a host of different reasons. In
some cases individual investors invest
to gain access to that 'special space'
for them and their families. Some
get involved because they have a passion
for conservation and some of the few
remaining wilderness regions on earth.
Some invest for a return on their
investment. |
| Whatever the
reason, the last thing you wish to
happen is for that dream to be destroyed
through poor development planning,
over-capitalisation, operational mismanagement,
bad attitude, neglect and a poor market
image. |
| For this reason
The Nature Workshop has developed
an ecotourism review process called
'Lodge Therapy' designed to assess
and assist lodges across the southern
African region. The key objectives
are 1) to provide an objective review
of all aspects pertaining to the specific
lodge or lodge development, 2) to
provide insightful and constructive
solutions in all areas of concern
and 3) to provide on-going training
and implementation at the lodge. |
| The review process
is structured into 3 pillars, namely: |
- Review
- Report
- Implementation
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REVIEW PROCESS
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- A Full feasibility Study to
be conducted for any new ecotourism
development.
- A review of all aspects related
to the Operation and Management
of the tourism product, including
lodge operations and system management,
lodge administration and accounting,
and staff training.
- A review of all aspects related
to the environmental, conservation
and wildlife management of the specific
reserve, including habitat management
and ecological planning, conservation
/ wildlife management, water and
water waste management, solid waste
management, and energy generation.
- A review of all aspects related
to service delivery at the lodge
and on safari, including lodge hospitality,
lodge staff training and guide training
to NQ and FGASA requirements.
- A review of all aspects related
to the Marketing, Sales and Reservations,
including the strategic positioning
of the reserve, sales, advertising,
media and PR, database management,
marketing collateral and merchandising,
promotions, and a full review of
reservations.
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REVIEW REPORT |
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The Review Report is presented and
based on the Findings and Recommendations
of the review process. The report
is to cover all operational areas
for the specific tourism product including
lodge operations, systems management,
staffing and training, habitat and
environmental management, safari procedure,
marketing, sales and reservations
or as agreed. |
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IMPLEMENTATION |
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'Lodge Therapy' offers a support function
which provides a hands-on implementation
process. The implementation process
is to focus on the aspects highlighted
in the report, where the lodge requires
further input / training to address
problem areas identified. Lodge Therapy
will draw on the necessary expertise
from specialist suppliers and trainers
to address these specific requirements.
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