"Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the Future" is an innovative online course offered by WageningenX that challenges students to apply their knowledge of various tourism disciplines and social science perspectives to current developments in the industry. This intermediate-level course is part of the Professional Certificate Programme in Tourism in Transition: Exploring a Sustainable Future, providing a comprehensive exploration of sustainable tourism development in practice.
What students will learn:
- Implementation of insights from various tourism disciplines to current industry developments
- Familiarity with inspiring tourism developments worldwide
- Creation of future narratives for new business cases and project proposals
- Participation in ongoing dialogues about the future of tourism
- Understanding of COVID-19's impact on the tourism industry
- Application of sociological, psychological, and geographical perspectives to tourism practices
Pre-requisites:
While a background in social sciences or tourism/hospitality studies is beneficial, the course welcomes all participants. Those new to the field may consider taking TOUR01x first to learn basic concepts used in this course.
Course Coverage:
- Sustainable tourism development and its practical applications
- Van Life, voluntourism, and other innovative tourism trends
- Future narratives in tourism and their role in business cases
- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry
- Sociological aspects of tourism organization and regulations
- Psychological factors influencing tourist experiences
- Geographical implications of tourism development for specific locations
- Debates on sustainable alternatives in tourism
- Ecotourism and other sustainable practices in the post-COVID era
Who this course is for:
- Tourism industry professionals
- Tourism-related business owners
- Passionate travelers
- Students of tourism, hospitality, or social sciences
- Anyone interested in sustainable tourism development and innovation
Real-world applications:
- Developing sustainable tourism projects and initiatives
- Creating innovative business cases in the tourism sector
- Implementing sustainable practices in existing tourism businesses
- Conducting research on tourism trends and their impacts
- Participating in policy discussions related to sustainable tourism
- Enhancing tourist experiences through psychological insights
- Analyzing and mitigating the geographical impacts of tourism
Syllabus:
Module 1: Tourism Studies and Development
Introduction to case studies and team formation
Module 2: Psychology of Tourism
Overview of tourism psychology and tourist experiences before, during, and after trips
Module 3: Sociology of Tourism
Overview of tourism sociology and exploration of policy environments in tourism cases
Module 4: Geography of Tourism
Overview of tourism geography and politics of place-making and objects in tourism contexts
Module 5: Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
Team presentations, feedback, and personal reflection on team process and outcomes (for verified learners)
This course offers a unique opportunity to engage with sustainable tourism development, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. By participating in this course, learners will gain valuable insights into the future of tourism, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about sustainable practices in the industry.
