Module Description:

The whole system of tourism and hospitality is undergoing rapid changes and advancements, and this module focuses on the most recent developments and issues of concern. It allows the students to ponder on the consequences of changing social, economic, environmental, and technological factors on the industry, as well as on the industry’s guests, strategy formulation, and operations. The students will learn about modern issues such as sustainable tourism, climate change, risk and crisis management, overtourism and cultural sensitivity, the digital shift, and changing consumer behaviour, as well as global events like pandemics and political turmoil. Students will engage in the industry-specific and applied projects, such as the case study analyses and discussions, that will prepare them to tackle responsible strategic intervention of the current issues guided by ethical and international standards of best practice in tourism and hospitality (250 Hours).

Learning Outcomes:

Competences:

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

  • Analysis of the global and local industry issues involves evaluation and informed decision making.
  • Comprehension of the sociocultural, socioeconomic, and technological borders pertaining to the tourism and hospitality disciplines.
  • Ability to integrate theory with practical case study applications.
  • Competence in forecasting based on analysing data from the reports, white papers, and journals of the industry.
  • Collaborative work of the group on multidisciplinary problem-solving activities.
  • Progressive and precise reporting as well as commentating on pertinent matters articulately and in written form.
  • Knowledge of the ethical consequences of tourism policies and practices.
  • Promoting tourism with consideration to inclusivity and sustainability.

Knowledge:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

  • Have knowledge of the contribution that tourism and hospitality have on the overall international and national economy.
  • Critically list and analyse the key contemporary issues which affect the hospitality industry.
  • Reflect on the effects, implications, and nature of contemporary issues in tourism and hospitality.
  • Have knowledge of the drivers of change within the hospitality and tourism industry.
  • Critically examine how the hospitality industry affects the overall tourism sector on a national and international basis.
  • List and critically assess the issues which are currently forcing the industry change including the shortages in human resources and the lack of infrastructure.
  • Critically discuss the effects of terrorism on tourism and hospitality and recall the importance of implementing health and security measures within this industry.
  • Describe how costs and prices of travelling have become increasingly expensive and its implications on travel and tourism.
  • Have knowledge of the advances of technologies and the effects it has on the overall tourism and hospitality.
  • Reflect on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ways for the organisation to comply with such goals.

Skills:

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

  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the term ‘globalisation’, as well as its causes such as technology, economic, political, cultural, and environmental drivers.
  • Use knowledge management techniques and examine its benefits.
  • Assess the economic, social, political, environmental, and cultural impacts that tourism has on a national basis.
  • Critically analyse the sociological and cultural issues which have been raised by the developments in the hospitality industry and tourism.
  • Critically describe and analyse how global pandemics and epidemics affect the overall motivation and movement of travellers and how restrictions deriving from such instances affect travel and tourism.

Core Topics and Subtopics :

Emerging Global Tourism Patterns

  • Surge in experience-led and solo trips
  • Rise of work-from-anywhere getaways

Sustainable Tourism Practices

  • Fast-growing eco-tourism ventures
  • Cutting waste and carbon on journeys
  • Everyday green habits for hotels and guides

Technology in Tourism & Hospitality

  • Smart gear in rooms and on the road
  • Booking and boarding on mobile in seconds
  • Bringing AR/VR into sightseeing and training

Shifts in Tourist Preferences

  • Tailor-made trips and services
  • Social media star spots and trending hashtags
  • Travel with ethics, health and wellness in mind

Managing Crises and Risks

  • On-the-ground health checks
  • Disaster plans that keep guests and staff safe
  • Staying agile when politics or budgets shake travel

Labour Market Dynamics

  • Skills gaps, robots and AI
  • Keeping teams happy and on board
  • The gig worker shaping short-stay markets

Ethics and Regulation

  • Honest ads and cultural respect
  • Rules that cross borders and airports
  • Know your rights and travel duties

Tourism Pressure on Destinations

  • Tour numbers vs. daily life
  • Listening to locals and easing crowds
  • City layouts that welcome visitors without harm

Tourism Policy and Leadership

  • Smart and fair government role
  • What DMOs do for a place
  • Main global policies that guide tourism

Changes in the Hospitality Scene

  • On-demand, adaptable guest service
  • Travelers swapping luxury rooms for budget beds
  • Growing focus on trusted green certs

Weekly Breakdown / Session Plan

Week 1: Introduction to Contemporary Tourism and Hospitality

  • Objectives: Establish core changes in tourism and hospitality on a global scale during the era of digitization.
  • Activities: Intro video, discussion board, quiz.
  • Key Reading: Yeoman, I. (2008). Tomorrow’s Tourist, Ch. 1.

Week 2: Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

  • Objectives: Examine sustainable development models and the moral aspects associated with traveling.
  • Activities: Case study analysis, group discussion.
  • Key Reading: UNWTO Report on Sustainable Tourism; Gössling and Hall (2021).

Week 3: Climate Change and Tourism Impact

  • Objectives: Understand the environmental concerns of interest for specific tourist destinations.
  • Activities: Tourism and climate change infographic assignment, climate tourism mapping project.
  • Key Reading: Becken, S. (2017). Sustainable Tourism; IPCC Tourism Brief.

Week 4: Digital Transformation in Hospitality

  • Objectives: Evaluate the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on operations and guest experience.
  • Activities: Webinar on technological trends, evaluation of chatbots.
  • Key Reading: Buhalis, D., & Leung, R. (2018). Smart Tourism.

Week 5: Crisis & Risk Management in Tourism

  • Objectives: Examine how the industry manages crises (pandemics, terrorism, natural disasters).
  • Activities: Forum post; response case study.
  • Key Reading: Faulkner, B. (2001). Crisis Management in Tourism.

Week 6: Changing Consumer Behaviour & Experience Design

  • Objectives: Analyse emerging traveler motivations and personalization trends.
  • Activities: Persona creation task, UX journey mapping.
  • Key Reading: Pine & Gilmore (1999). The Experience Economy, Ch. 1–2.

Week 7: Over-Tourism & Destination Management

  • Objectives: Investigate causes and responses to over-tourism.
  • Activities: Roleplay simulation, reading reflection.
  • Key Reading: Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (2019).

Week 8: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Hospitality

  • Objectives: Address the functions of diversity, inclusion, workforce heterogeneity, and representation concerning self, body, workforce, and society perception.
  • Activities: Video lecture with accompanying bias analysis worksheet.
  • Key Reading: Pritchard, A. (2018). Gender & Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities.

Week 9: Future Workforce & Tech-Driven Skills

  • Objectives: Consider the changes unfolding in the career pathways of tourism and hospitality.
  • Activities: Update LinkedIn profile and perform a skills self-assessment.
  • Key Reading: WTTC (2022). Future of Work Report.

Week 10: Final Project Presentations & Reflection

  • Objectives: Determine and examine at least one contemporary issue in tourism/hospitality and provide strategic solutions.
  • Activities: Group presentation, peer evaluation, reflection journal.
  • Key Reading: Course readings review and optional guest lecture.

Reading Materials

Core Textbooks and Reference Works:

  • Title and Authors/ Editors: Contemporary Issues in Tourism and Hospitality by Michael Palkowski & Henrik Linden (Linden) 
  • Description: Explores sustainability, virtual tourism, overtourism, new marketing perspectives, and wellness travel through reflective exercises. 
  • Title and Authors/ Editors: Current Issues in Hospitality and Tourism by Zainal Radzi, Hashim & Chik Abu 
  • Description: Integrates studies on innovation, education, food culture, and governance, offering a comprehensive understanding of the field. 
  • Title and Authors/ Editors: Global Trends in Tourism and Hospitality Management by Debasish Batabyal & Dillip K. Das 
  • Description: Analyses global trends and technological shifts while examining their socioeconomic and cultural effects on the tourism sector. 

Key Academic Journals:

  • Source: Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research (Peer-reviewed)
  • Description: Publishes contemporary studies and theories that advance hospitality and tourism scholarship. 
  • Source: Anatolia – An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality by Routledge
  • Description: Offers empirical insights and global perspectives on diverse hospitality and tourism research topics. 

Research Papers:

  • Source: “Contemporary Trend and Issues in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry” by Kariru (2023)
  • Description: Examines new innovations and challenges, proposing strategies for industry advancement. 
  • Source: “Technology in Hospitality Industry: Prospects and Challenges” by Kansakar et al. (2017)
  • Description: Explores IoT implementation in hotels, assessing potential benefits and operational challenges. 
  • Source: “Security, Privacy, and Ethical Concerns of IoT in Hospitality” by Mercan et al. (2020)
  • Description: Evaluates data protection, privacy, and ethical issues associated with IoT use in the hospitality industry.