High School

Eco-resort managers need strong business and management skills, knowledge of the environment and wildlife, and the ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Classes that will help in these areas are earth and physical sciences, zoology and ecology (if offered at your school), environmental studies, business, math, English, computer science, and foreign language. Learning a foreign language will help you to communicate with customers and staff who are not fluent in English. 

Postsecondary Training

Most large, full-service hotels and resorts now require managers to have a bachelor's degree in business, hotel, or hospitality management; however, many different degrees are useful for eco-resort management work, including environmental science and studies, engineering, wildlife science, or business management. More schools are offering degree programs in ecotourism. Course work useful to this type of job generally includes natural resource management, sustainability, hotel and resort management, tourism analysis, international tourism, environmental science, cultural anthropology, psychology, marketing, math, English, and computer software and database programs.

Most college education programs require students to complete at least one internship at a hotel. Participating in internships will provide you with a great introduction to this career. These activities also look great on a resume and may give you the edge over other job applicants. The best source of information about such opportunities are professional organizations, such as the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Certification

The International Ecotourism Society offers a professional certificate in sustainable tourism management, which is awarded by The International Ecotourism Society. To receive this certificate, applicants must take and pass four core courses: Introduction to Ecotourism; Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Assessment & Development; Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Management; and Marketing Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism. Visit https://ecotourism.org/certificate-in-sustainable-tourism-management for more information.

Other Education or Training

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers online continuing education courses on hospitality-related topics. The Travel Institute offers educational programs such as sales skills development courses and destination specialist courses, which provide a detailed knowledge of various geographic regions of the world. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Ecomanagers can enhance their careers and business knowledge by securing certification from hotel or lodging associations such as the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (https://www.ahlei.org). Certification credentials offered by the institute include certified hospitality and tourism management professional, certified hotel administrator, and certifed lodging owner.

Any experience working, volunteering, or interning at an eco-friendly hotel will be useful for aspiring ecomanagers.

Desired traits for this job include leadership and management abilities, strong and clear verbal and written communication skills, the ability to manage and mentor employees and delegate responsibilities when needed, decision-making skills, along with physical fitness and stamina. Diplomacy and professionalism are required for interactions with staff, visitors, management, and the general public. Passion for the environment and wildlife, and solid knowledge of conservation and sustainable resort operations are also needed.