The West Highland College UHI has welcomed its first PhD student who aims to unlock the full potential of the local adventure tourism market through her research.
The Fort William-based college’s Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research (CRTR) has welcomed Jelena Farkic from Serbia, who will study the ways that tourism experiences in the outdoors can be facilitated and enhanced by skilled guides.
A study led by the Adventure Travel Trade Association in 2013 revealed that the global adventure travel market grew by 195% between 2009 and 2012.
Adventure tourism research also suggests a large part of the sector is willing to accept limited tourism infrastructure in exchange for the promise of an exceptional, authentic experience.
It is hoped Ms Farkic’s research can help augment the use of softer skills in guide training to maximise the potential of the local adventure tourism market.
The CRTR was recently awarded The Moffat Charitable Trust Adventure Tourism research studentship, co-funded by UHI for a period of three years, examining hospitality and adventure tourism, soft skills and natural knowledges.
Ms Farkic is reading for a social sciences based doctorate under the supervision of Dr Peter Varley, director for the research centre.
Ms Farkic said: “To be able to focus all of my energies on reading and research in this amazing area is a great opportunity. The Moffat Charitable Trust Scholarship is a tremendous award, and I am greatly honoured to be the recipient. I’m looking forward to really becoming part of the growing research and tourism academic scene in Fort William over the next three years.”
Dr Varley added: “Ms Farkic’s study will provide the building blocks of knowledge which will enable a world-class guiding community to develop in the Highlands, and ultimately what might become an exportable training programme for guides from around the world.”