Course Objectives

The main objective of the course is to review the special characteristics of various tourist destinations and the vital elements which must be present in order to successfully develop tourist destinations. In addition, the course contains an introduction to Geographic Information Systems, and will demonstrate, using examples, how these may be used as tools for travel planning and destination visualisation.

Course Description

The course will provide students with a detailed introduction to various approaches related to tourist destination development. We will study various types of tourist destinations and important elements in their development up to the present. One important course unit will concern how one may use the natural environment and cultural heritage as bearing elements in the development of tourist destinations. The theme of large-city culture will also be taken up. The development of complementary products will be a central topic, and we will place particular emphasis on destinations and interactions between private and public players. An introduction to new forms of communication between tourist products and travel markets will also be included. The consequences of destination development for local communities will also be discussed. Geographic information systems (GIS) will be introduced through theory and exercises. The students will be familiarised with suitable databases on Internet in order to acquire an understanding of how these may be used in connection with tourism.

Learning Methods

An average of 4 hours per week during the autumn and spring semesters. Instruction will alternate between traditional lectures, seminar meetings, project work, practice exercises, student presentations and written reports/ submissions. Some of the exercises will be on computers (GIS).

Assessment Methods

Portfolio assessment with an individual assignment (15 %) and two group exercises (15 % and 10 %). One of the latter will be on the subject of GIS (15%). The course will conclude with a 5-hour written examination (60%). All the continuous assessment elements must receive passing grades.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean