Introduction to Responsible Tourism (10 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Theory
Company visits
Group work
Exam

Objective

The purpose of this course is to give you the basic understanding of the tourism industry. In this course we create the basis for studying the topic. It is important to understand the general concepts of tourism, responsible tourism and digitalization in tourism for the smooth continuum in your studies. After this course you will also understand the traveler´s process and identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. This helps you to make career and study plans for the future.

Competences
Tourism Business, Sustainable development

Learning objectives
After completing the course you understand how the tourism industry has developed and what it comprises in Finland and abroad. You know the general concepts of tourism, sustainability, responsible tourism and digitalization. You understand traveler’s process and different motivators for different customers in both leisure and business segment. You can identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. In addition, you identify the impacts of tourism and know the current trends in responsible tourism to apply the knowledge in your future studies. You know the basic concepts of digitalization in tourism and understand the importance of the digital skills in tourism.

Content

- General concepts and phenomena within tourism industry
- General concepts and phenomena within sustainable and responsible tourism and responsibility communications
- Tourism trends
- Tourism industry’s operational structure in Finland and abroad
- Traveler’s process and tourism service providers
- Social, economical, cultural and environmental impacts of tourism
- General concepts and phenomena in digitalization in tourism

Materials

Buhalis, Dimitrios, et al. 2005. Tourism Business Frontiers : Consumers, Products and Industry, Taylor & Francis Group.
Cooper, C. & Hall, M. 2019. Contemporary Tourism: an international approach 4th edition. ISBN: 9781911396765
Fletcher, J., Fyall, A., Gilbert, D., Wanhill, S. 2018. Tourism: principles and practice. Sixth edition. Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, United Kingdom.
Goodwin, H. 2016. Responsible Tourism. Using Tourism for Sustainable Development. Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers.Laws and regulations in tourism.
Swarbrooke, J., Horner, S. 2007. Consumer Behaviour in Tourism. Butterworth-Heinemann,
UNWTO. 2017. Tourism definitions

Teaching methods

This course is implemented totally face-fo-face. Methods of teaching and learning used in the implementation:
* lectures
* learning assignments: group work and individual assignments
* group discussions
* company visits and classroom visitors
* exam

Employer connections

Course includes various visiting industry specialists supporting student's knowhow about tourism indusstry and responsibility issues in tourism.

Students' building of local networks and industry knowledge is supported with visits to local companies.

Exam schedules

Exam at the end of the course. Three exam opportunities are given.

International connections

Internationalisation aspect is accommodated to this implementation using international examples and material of responsible tourism.

Completion alternatives

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: Jamk Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

Total time spent to study the course is 270 hours
Lectures 75 h
Individual learning and exam 95 h
Group works 90 h
Company visits 10

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1 (Sufficient) You understand how the tourism industry has developed and what it comprises in Finland and abroad. You identify the general concepts of tourism, responsible tourism and digitalization. You understand traveler’s process and can identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. You identify the impacts of tourism.

2 (Satisfactory) You can explain how the tourism industry has developed and what it comprises in Finland and abroad. You understand the general concepts of tourism, responsible tourism and digitalization. You understand traveler’s process and can identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. You are able to categorize the impacts of tourism.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3 (Good) You understand how the tourism industry has developed and what it comprises in Finland and abroad. You illustrate the general concepts of tourism, responsible tourism and digitalization. You understand traveler’s process and can identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. You demonstrate multiple impacts of tourism.

4 (Very Good) You can analyze how the tourism industry has developed and what it comprises in Finland and abroad. You can compare the general concepts of tourism, responsible tourism and digitalization. You understand traveler’s process and can identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. You demonstrate multiple impacts of tourism.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5 (Excellent) You can analyze how the tourism industry has developed and what it comprises in Finland and abroad. You can compare the general concepts of tourism, responsible tourism and digitalization. You understand traveler’s process and can identify the central tourism actors, their operating models and industry structures. You demonstrate multiple impacts of tourism and are able to analyze them critically from different perspectives.

Qualifications

No prerequisites

Further information

Exchange students 5

he course assessment is based to the individual exam (50%) and to group work related to destination study (50%). Other assignments are evaluated passed/failed.