2017 Emerging Trail Leaders

Emerging Trail Leader Scholarship Recipient

Oliver Marzetti

Strathaven, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

I have a long standing appreciation for nature, wildlife, adventure and travel which drove me to study geography at university. During my studies I realized I was very keen on tourism planning, in particular sustainable tourism and ecotourism. I strongly believe that conservation and sustainability for tourism and recreation are fundamental to conservation, livelihoods of rural people and visitor’s quality of experience at a destination. I was given the opportunity to work as a volunteer with a tourism development organization in Nepal which has now led to a paid placement at the same organization. As part of my role I am working on an accreditation system soon to be implemented for the long distance trekking trails in Nepal which involves setting criteria in terms of both quality and sustainability of the trails themselves and the enterprises along them.

The Hulet Hornbeck Emerging Leader Scholarship program appeals to me as I am looking to expand on my experience of trails and conservation in a meaningful way. I believe that I will learn a great deal and develop my skills due to the well-established and immerse nature of the symposium. I am looking to enhance my leadership and teamwork skills as I feel they, and the chance of work with a mentor, will be instrumental as I push forward with my career in conservation and sustainable tourism planning. Furthermore, the scholarship and symposium will introduce me to an experienced network of like-minded professionals and enlighten me to future opportunities.