Karla Boluk
PhD Candidate
email: kboluk@business.otago.ac.nz
PhD Title
Investigating the Significance of FTTSA, the Impetus for Tourism Operator's to take up Membership and Traveller's Awareness: A Heuristic Inquiry.
Supervisors
Dr Richard Mitchell and Dr Brent Lovelock
Research Abstract
This thesis investigates the significance of Fair Trade Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) in the context of Post-Apartheid South Africa. FTTSA is equally focused on the social, environmental and economic conduct of businesses. Fair Trade Tourism was addressed by Tourism Concern as an important focus regarding sustainability in 1999; however, there were no pragmatic measures that emerged as an outcome. In 2000 the South African government circulated a Tourism White paper which drew attention to tourism as a missed opportunity for the country. In an effort to address missed tourism related benefits a Non-Governmental Organization emerged in 2003 in an effort to foster sustainability whilst regulating tourism businesses that have an interest in being accredited with a formal certification. The comprehensive FTTSA accreditation process includes three phases and has a follow-up evaluation every 15 months. This study utilizes a Heuristic Inquiry methodology therefore, acknowledges the researcher within the study. Data collection took place in South Africa over two phases. This research is concerned with the value associated with Fair Trade Tourism South Africa membership from the perspective of Tour Operators and Traveller’s awareness of the membership.
Education
2006-2008 Otago University: PhD Tourism
2000-2005 Brock University Graduate: Honours Tourism Studies, Dean’s Honour List Recipient
2004-2005 University of Havana, Cuba, visiting Tourism scholar
2002-2003 Karlstad University in Sweden, Tourism & European Studies
Publications
Boluk, K. 2005. Preparing Mindful Tourists: Using Interpretation as a Tool to Educate Tourists in the Niagara Falls Tourist Area. Unpublished Honours Dissertation. Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, 2008. Fair Trade Association Spring Newsletter. Fair and Square V4, 1-8.
Scholarships and Awards
2007-2010 Otago PhD Scholarship
Brock Badger Award: Awarded to one student upon graduation by the Brock University Alumni. Award based on University contributions including academic average, extra curricular involvement and greater community contributions during their entire course of study. Awarded on May, 20, 2005
Pepsi Leadership Scholarship: Awarded to ten students among the Brock University student body. Awarded to those who exert leadership qualities in extra-curricular involvement as well as maintaining a required average. Awarded on April 24, 2003 ($1000 CAD)
Ryan Sandilands Memorial Scholarship: Given to one individual annually who exerts leadership & exudes outdoor leadership abilities in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. Awarded on November 17th 2002 ($1000 CAD)
Teaching Experience
2006-2007 Otago University Tutor & Teachers Assistant: Tutored second year
Sustainability paper, responsible for organizing lesson plans, marking and liaison between staff and students.
2003-2005 Brock University Teaching Assistant: Liaison between approximately thirty-five 1st year University students & professor, responsible for planning & leading discussions, marking & attending a T.A. meeting every week & workshops every other weekend.
Hobbies
Swimming, Spin, Running, Yoga, Tramping, Coaching...