XTO-11806 Tourism: Principles & Practice

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course introduces students to tourism and its many constitutive and interrelated components (e.g., relationships between travel, tourism, recreation and leisure). Tourism is commonly explained from an economic perspective that conceptualizes it in terms of supply and demand. Multiple factors and processes underlie the demand for tourism products, and gaining insight into these is essential for success among tourism suppliers. Tourism suppliers and organizations are often referred to as the tourism industry. Yet, though people often speak of the tourism industry, this term inadequately captures the breadth and complexity of the tourism phenomenon. Socio-cultural and environmental perspectives are key to fully comprehending tourism as a broader system - as a human activity with significant direct and indirect effects on the contexts producing and receiving tourists. This course develops understanding of the complexity of the tourism phenomenon.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- define the concepts of tourism, travel, leisure and recreation;
- identify the determinants of tourism demand;
- analyze the organization of tourism supply (e.g. facilities, attractions, destinations);
- examine the economic, cultural, political and geographical forces set into motion by tourism;
- define the concepts of marketing, marketing plan and marketing mix;
- work in a group (respectful listening, active participation, teamwork).

Activities:

- lectures;
- tutorials;
- excursions.

Examination:

- written examination with open questions (75%);
- group assignments (25%).

Literature:

Cooper, C.; Fletcher, J.; Gilbert, D.; Fyall, A.; [et.al]. (2008). Tourism Principles and Practice, 4th ed. Pearson, Harlow.
Reader with academic journal articles and additional publications.