Module Description:

This module examines the emerging trends and development of a subsector of the economy, tourism and hospitality. It covers the historical development, scope, and functioning of tourism and hospitality business on a global context. Learners will appreciate different segments like travel services, accommodation, food and beverage, recreation, and event management. Special consideration is given to studying the links between tourism and hospitality, their economic and social effects, as well as the roles of shareholders such as governments, businesses, and the local communities. It also examines the foremost contemporary issues, sustainability concerns, the role of technology, and culture which influence the industry today. Students are equipped to evaluate industry practices and gain the knowledge required to pursue further specialised studies or professional careers through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies (250 Hours).

Learning Outcomes:

Competences:
At the end of the module the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

  • Collaborate with peers in the multicultural and multicultural global settings.
  • Research ethical issues and corporate social responsibility as they pertain to the stakeholder decisions in tourism.
  • Critically evaluate the information using the relevant industry metrics and the viewpoint of the stakeholders.
  • Embrace technological progress and new modalities of tourism.
  • Base practical learning experiences in tourism and hospitality upon scholarly work.
  • Engage professionally in industry-specific networking with peers, clients, and industry stakeholders in tourism.
  • Assist with the planning and other developmental processes for tourism.
  • Exhibit the skills of a manager and a logistician concerning the provision of the services.

Knowledge:
By the conclusion of the module/unit, the learner should be able to have been exposed to the following:

  • Concepts, terminology, and the fundamental ideas associated with the tourism and hospitality sectors.
  • The origin and sequential development of the tourism business.
  • The organisation and operation of different sub-sectors of hospitality industry such as: accommodation, food and beverages, travel.
  • Basics of tourism development and destination management.
  • The role of tourism in the economy on the local, regional, national and global level.
  • Basic legal and moral aspects in tourism and hospitality industry.
  • New developments such as the digital age of tourism, ecotourism, and sustainable travel tourism.
  • Guest service standards and service quality.

Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

  • Utilise critical and analytical skills to examine industry trends.
  • Perform preliminary tourism industry research and analyse relevant data.
  • Interact appropriately within a given organisational structure in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
  • Work in teams to address actual problems in the hospitality industry.
  • Implement customer relations techniques in different areas of the hospitality industry.
  • Formulate plans of action in response to challenges and crises associated with issues in tourism.
  • Employ fundamental information and communication technologies pertinent to the marketing and management of tourism.
  • Provide hospitality services with the appropriate intercultural skills.

Core Topics and Subtopics:

1. The Specifics of Tourism and Hospitality Industry

  • Description and boundary
  • Evolution and historical milestones
  • Tourism categories
  • The tourism system

2. The Specifics of the Services Industry

  • Modes of transportation
  • Travel agencies and tour operators
  • Places to stay
  • Attractions and events

3. The Specifics of the Hotel Industry

  • Classification of hotels
  • The hotel front office and housekeeping department
  • Food and beverage services
  • The guest cycle

4. The Economic and Social Impacts of Tourism

  • The impact of tourism on GDP
  • Job creation
  • Seasonality
  • Socio-cultural impacts

5. Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality

  • Principles of sustainability
  • Ecotourism
  • Social responsibility in hospitality
  • GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) guidelines

6. Tourism Policy and Planning

  • Government’s role
  • National and international tourism organisations (UNWTO, WTTC)
  • Integrated destination planning and marketing strategy

7. New Technologies

  • Reservation systems
  • Smart tourism
  • AI, VR, and Big Data
  • e-Services

8. Expected Future Trends and Issues

  • The digital-age nomad
  • Climate change-related risks
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship

Weekly Breakdown / Session Plan:

Week 1 – Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality

  • Objectives: Define tourism and hospitality, delineate their scope, and interrelation.
  • Activities: Intro lecture and discussion, industry overview video.
  • Key Readings: Cooper et al. (2020), “Tourism: Principles and Practice” Ch. 1; WTO Reports.

Week 2 – Historical Development and Evolution

  • Objectives: Milestone tracking and development of the sector.
  • Activities: Creation of a timeline, taking an online quiz.
  • Key Readings: Holloway (2019), The Business of Tourism Ch. 2.

Week 3 – Structure and Sectors of the Industry

  • Objectives: Examine crucial sectors: tourism, lodging, food and beverages, tourism sites.
  • Activities: Sector mapping exercise, team activity.
  • Key Readings: Walker (2017), Introduction to Hospitality Ch. 3 & 4.

Week 4 – Tourism Demand and Development

  • Objectives: Comprehend theories of motivations and behaviours in travel.
  • Activities: Case study – leisure vs business tourism.
  • Key Readings: Swarbrooke & Horner (2007), Consumer Behaviour in Tourism Ch. 5.

Week 5 – Types and Forms of Tourism

  • Objectives: Identify the types of tourism such as adventure, cultural, medical, etc.
  • Activities: Group presentations on niche tourism.
  • Key Readings: Page (2019), Tourism Management Ch. 6.

Week 6 – Global Trends and Challenges

  • Objectives: Identify emerging trends – technology and globalization.
  • Activities: Virtual forum.
  • Key Readings: Yeoman (2008), Tomorrow’s Tourist Ch. 3.

Week 7 – Role of Government and Policy

  • Objectives: Examine governance and policy frameworks regarding planning, regulation, and tourism.
  • Activities: Case study – Costa Rica's Ecotourism.
  • Key Readings: Goodwin (2016), Responsible Tourism Ch. 1–3.

Week 8 – Role of Government and Policy 

  • Objectives: Examine governance, planning, and regulation of tourism.
  • Activities: Discussion, policy review.
  • Key Readings: Hall (2008), Tourism Planning Ch. 2.

Week 9 – Careers and Skills in Industry

  • Objectives: Recognise responsibilities and essential competencies in tourism and hospitality industries.
  • Activities: Guest speaker, CV/resume workshop.
  • Key Readings: WTTC Skills Report.

Week 10 – Forecast Developments and Project Presentations

  • Objectives: Forecast developments and demonstrate comprehension through projects.
  • Activities: “Future of Hospitality” group project presentations.
  • Key Readings: Buhalis (2020), Smart Tourism Ch. 1–2.

Reading Materials

Category: Primary Textbooks

Materials:

  • “Tourism: Principles and Practice” by Cooper, Fletcher et al. (Pearson Education / 6th Ed. / 2021)
  • “Introduction to Hospitality” by Walker, J. R. (Pearson, 8th Ed. / 2020)
  • “Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies” by Goeldner, C. R., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (Wiley / 12th Ed. / 2012)

Category: Supplementary Texts

Materials:

  • “The Management of Tourism” by Pender, L., & Sharpley, R. (Eds.) (Sage Publications / 2005)
  • “Tourism Management” by Page, S. J. (Routledge, 6th Ed. / 2019)
  • “Tourism Management Dynamics: Trends, Management and Tools” by Buhalis, D., & Costa, C. (Eds.) (Elsevier / 2006)

Category: Journals 

Materials:

  • Annals of Tourism Research (Elsevier)
  • Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research (SAGE Publications)
  • International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management (Emerald)
  • Tourism Management Journal (Elsevier)
  • Cornell Hospitality Quarterly (SAGE Publications)

Category: Web Sources

Materials:

  • UNWTO World Tourism Organisation
  • World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)