Tourism studies, Advances in tourism-related resources, 7,5 credits

Aim

The central focus of this course is on the planning, development, and management of natural as well as the human-built tourism resources. Specific attention is paid to (a) how tourism uses such resources and (b) the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism-related activities on these resources and the destinations overall. A central theoretical framework forming the basis of this examination is that of growth management with an aim toward sustainable development (specifically the sustainable use of tourism resources through the implementation of ecotourism, geotourism, and other alternative tourism options). This framework views a balance between socioeconomic growth objectives, the need to enhance community equity, and the necessity to protect natural as well as human-constructed resources as the “guiding fiction” (the central, long-term aim) for any destination. As such, tourism is examined in a holistic manner, as an integral component of a destination, which both affects and is affected by other sectors.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course, the students will:

- Have a superior understanding about the effects of tourism activities and resources on particular destinations but, also (on a broader scale) global society.
- Be capable to analyze how the use of resources and tourism development interplay and recognize techniques for managing tourism development within the tenets of sustainable development/balanced growth.
- Analyze the central obstacles to managing tourism’s growth in a sustainable manner and identify means and methods to overcome these problems.
- Be able to develop within their own doctoral work theoretical constructs that are based on concepts presented during the course.

Content

The course focuses on the one hand, on the impacts tourism has on a destination’s resources, while on the other hand, it looks at the interplay between tourism and resources and seeks to convey the need for tourism development to be achieved within the sustainability paradigm. The nature of the course is strongly multi-disciplinary. Accordingly, when dealing with natural resources employed in tourism it touches on disciplines like physical geography, ecology, and forestry. By contrast, human resources employed in tourism are best understood by borrowing from social sciences (e.g., human geography, cultural and management science as well as labour market and education system economics). Finally, the study of socio-technical resources is based upon management sciences and economics as well as information technology and communication study fields, respectively. A critical eye is cast on the meaning of concepts such as sustainable tourism and growth management while the students are exposed to literature on resource planning and management, the need for such activities as well as the obstacles that have to be overcome in order to achieve sustainability. Additionally, attention is paid to various techniques that are used to deal with issues of carrying capacity, visitor management, planning frameworks, and overall change within destinations. The course focuses not only on the environmental dimensions associated with tourism development but also examines in detail issues related to equity within host societies.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the course the candidate must be enrolled in a postgraduate (doctoral) program. A person who is permanently employed at Mid-Sweden University can be offered a place on postgraduate courses when there are vacant spots, provided that requirements for eligibility and other conditions have been fulfilled and that the person participates in the course within the terms of his/her employment.
(Äldre gymnasiebetyg)

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching within the realm of this course will be in descending order of importance the form of seminars, lectures, and tutorials. Students are expected to complete all the required readings before a seminar and must participate actively in class discussions. It is possible that students may also be required to participate in a field activity.

Examination form

- Participation in seminars/in-class discussions or any other activities is requested.
- Individual written assignments and seminars including paper presentation with opponents.

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G)