Economics and Management of Tourism Systems
Code
2427
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Luís Correia da Silva
Teaching language
English
Objectives
This course introduces Nova SBE Masters students to the analysis of tourism as a system and aims at providing them with a fundamental understanding of Travel & Tourism industry global framework, main functioning components, industry structures, interface activities, illustrating how they impact upon and relate with each other. The course will also allow students to have a clear picture on how and why modern and contemporary tourism became a globalized industry and one of the undeniable social and economic realities of today´s world, learn major factors which can restrain or stimulate tourism demand and identify forces that can impact tourism growth.
The focus will be on the ability to evaluate and understand the real economic dimension of tourism, its capacity to create wealth and employment and to contribute to the social and economic development of countries and regions. The course will also provide students with the capacity to identify and understand major issues related to the management of tourism systems and structures, such as destination and resort project investment evaluation and corporate tourism business performance analysis.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
Travel & Tourism: Geography, main concepts and definitions.
Tourism as a system:
Framework, components, interface activity relations and environment;
Overview of main theoretical models;
Industry structure and services dimension;
Market segmentation, tourist profile and consumer behavior (demand);
Tourism product, tourism integrated facilities and destination concept (supply);
Tourism distribution and commercialization channels;
Destination resources and sustainability;
Economics of tourism systems:
Travel & Tourism main data sources and data analysis;
Economic direct and indirect impact of Travel & Tourism in regional and country economies (tourism satellite account analysis);
European Tourist Indicators System;
Case Study: Portugal.
Management of tourism systems:
Management of tourist destinations and tourist resorts: A systems approach;
Tourism performance evaluation indicators;
Destination/resort project evaluation and investment decision;
Case Study: Bom Sucesso Leisure & Golf Resort, Óbidos, Portugal;
Corporate tourism business performance analysis;
Case Study: 5* Hotel/ Championship golf course (tbc).
The future of Tourism - Main Trends:
Recent trends, main challenges and new solutions;
Growth of travel & tourism and its impact on local natural resources and global environment.
Bibliography
Selected information and documentation on International Travel and Tourism:
A) Information Portals:
- Portugal Travel & Tourism general information, Tourism performance results, data and statistics;
B) European Commission - Comissão Europeia (E.U):
Quarterly Report - European Travel Commission (1st semester)
Eurostat (September 2017)
C) United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2017 edition UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
D) United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP):
(An Integrated Planning and Management Approach) UNEP, 2009
E) World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC):
Travel & Tourism - Trends and Economic Impact, 2017
F) Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD):
Books, OECD Library, July 2012
G) World Travel Market
Other recommended bibliogrphy and references
Baggio, R. (2008), Symptoms of complexity in a tourism system Tourism analysis: 13 (1), 1-20;
Britton, S. (1991), Tourism, capital and place: Towards a critical geography of tourism. Environmental and planning D: Society and Place, 451-478;
Buhalis, D., E Laws E. (2001), Travel Distribution Channels: Practices, Issues and Transportations Thompson Publishers, Switzerland;
Butler, R.W. (1980), The concept of a tourist area cycle of evolution: Implications for management of resources: Canadian Geographer, 24, 5-12;
Cooper C & Hall, M. (2012), Contemporary Tourism: Contemporary Tourism Systems GoodFellow Publishers;
Cornelissen, S. (2005), The global tourism system: Governmental development and lessons for South Africa: Aldershot Hants, Ashgate Publishing;
Cunha, S.K. & Cunha, J.C. (2005), Tourism cluster, competitiveness and sustainability: Proposal for a systemic model to measure impact of tourism on local development. Brazilian Administrative Revue, 2 (2), 47-62;
Kasper C. E. & Laessen, C.H (1992), Systems Approach in Tourism Univ. of St Gallen, Switzerland;
Leiper, N. (1990), Tourism attraction systems : Annals of tourism research, 17, 367-384;
Mill, R.C. & Morrisson, A. (2007) The Tourism System, 5th ed: Dubuque: Kendal Hall Publishing;
Scarpino, M. (2009), Tourism systems: An analysis of the literature for improved substantial development. Coop. Research Center in Tourism. S Sebastian;
Sofield, T (2010), Tourism as a System Presentation at APWTD. Sidney, ITC.
Teaching method
All topics covered in the course will be introduced to students during regular class time with a comprehensive presentation of main concepts, definitions and, if needed, theoretical or more practical approach to different subjects. Students will be encouraged to discuss them and submit their questions and doubts;
On each main topic, individual or group homework will be requested to stimulate Information and data research, reflection, discussion and further improve students knowledge and understanding. Group work research and conclusions will be subject to a 10 - minute presentation during class time;
Case studies will be showcased using a special presentation followed by an oriented discussion on major issues and challenges;
Group students will be encouraged to explore data and information provided about a subject, project or destination special case and to develop an analysis exercise on those or any other cases they are willing to suggest and discuss as an alternative.
Evaluation method
The final exam is mandatory and must cover the entire span of the course. Its weight in the final grade can be between 30% to 70%. The remainder of the evaluation can consist of class participation, midterm exams, in class tests, etc. Overall, written in class assessment (final exam, midterm) must have a weight of at least 50%.
Course 'student final grade' will be based on both individual and group work. The evaluation is based on the following:
Individual final exam: will be mandatory and count with the weight of 50% for the 'Student Final Grade';
When taking the individual exam, a student must obtain a minimum grade of 9,5/20 to succeed.
Group work and group class presentation evaluation: (two different themes/subjects) will count with the weight of 30% for the 'Student Final Grade';
Students should form groups of 3-4 to prepare their group assignment: which will be based in chosen case studies and slide power point presentations along with their write-ups.
Individual class participation and individual work presentation evaluation: will count with the weight of 20% for the 'Student Final Grade'.