PATA Capilano University Student Chapter Released New Podcast Episode About Ethical Animal Voluntourism in South Africa
Vancouver, Canada, 25th January, 2021 – One of the tourism sectors most effected by the COVID-19 pandemic is Voluntourism. With businesses like Glen Afric Country Lodge relying on the support of volunteers and the assistance of local businesses, this pandemic has hit them on an unfathomable level. Despite Capilano University’s current asynchronous learning setting due to COVID-19, The What in the World in Travel podcast continues to release monthly episodes. The PATA Canada Vancouver Student Chapter’s dedicated executive members are still working diligently to produce the podcasts. This podcast is the first episode to be released during the 2021 series. More podcast episodes are scheduled to release monthly this year.
This month’s episode was hosted by Yasemin Dogar (secretary) and Kenna Koronko (podcast producer) who are members of the PATA Canada Vancouver Student Chapter and featured Alessia Boarato. Alessia was the former Volunteer project coordinator at Glen Afric Country Lodge, South Africa. Alessia describes herself as a conservationist and animal lover and animal handler.
In this episode, Alessia brings her animal expertise to the table by sharing her experiences of working and volunteering with animals in South Africa. She starts off by discussing the misconceptions of volunteering with animals in South Africa and how one’s misconceptions can lead to the fostering of unethical institutions. With studies showing that participating in voluntourism can increase one’s chances of receiving a higher paying or higher-level position, the demand for positions such as those in higher demand. Alessia also discussed the devastating pandemic of animal poaching in South Africa and why reserves like the Glen Afric Country Lodge are so important. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Alessia’s experiences at the Glen Afric Country Lodge and the animals that reside there. Learn more about what Alessia has to teach us in the 45-minute in-depth episode (information on where the episode can be found is listed below).
Photograph of Alessia Boarato
The School of Tourism Management Capilano University has been a leader in tourism education for over 40 years and supports the PATA Canada Vancouver Student Chapter. PATA Canada Vancouver Capilano University Student Chapter was established in March 2017 and is honoured to have received the PATA Student Chapter Award of Excellence 2018 for its achievements in its first year.
Launched in September 2018, PATA Canada Vancouver Capilano University Student Chapter’s What in the World in Travel podcast features 30 to 60-minute interviews with travel professionals from around the world. This podcast is produced by Capilano University student Kenna Koronko. The podcast audio engineer is student chapter member Jennifer Wong, and the sound editor is student chapter member Cee Trinh. The music clip in each episode is graciously provided by Francis Henson, a Vancouver-based singer songwriter, guitar player, and producer. The What in the World in Travel podcast is made possible through the ongoing support of Capilano University School of Tourism Management. The podcast logo was developed with help from Capilano University student and chapter secretary Yasemin Dogar. The What in the World in Travel podcast is available for streaming and download on the Student Chapter’s website, Google Play Music, iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, and the Student Chapter’s website.
Learn more about PATA Capilano University Student Chapter online, or from our social media platforms:
School of Tourism Management: www.capilanou.ca/tourism
PATA Canada Vancouver Student Chapter: www.patacapu.com
To keep up with our podcasts and our upcoming guests, visit our podcast social media pages: @whatintheworldintravel
To learn more about us, visit our chapter’s social media pages: @pata.capu.studentchapter
Contact Information:
Capilano University School of Tourism Management
Pacific Asia Travel Association Capilano University Student Chapter
What in the World in Travel Producer: Kenna Koronko - pata.capilanou@gmail.com
