Full-time only 

 Unit(s) of Assessment 

 Weighting Towards Module Mark (%) 

In class test (Week 3 of Semester Two) 

30

Group project (Semester Two): 
    i) written report 
    ii) group presentation 

70
  i) 50 
  ii) 20 

Qualifying Condition(s) 

None 

The tourism industry comprises several main sectors, e.g. transport, accommodation, travel distribution, tourist attractions, tourism organisations etc.  This module focuses on each sector’s operational characteristics and the ways in which they interact in the production of tourism products and services. 

This module examines the development, operation, structure, organisation and trends associated with individual sectors in the tourism industry.  Each of the sectors under study is analysed in terms of its business characteristics, while the overall aim of the module is to offer a comprehensive introduction to the business of tourism by examining how different sectors ‘work’ and interact within the tourism system.

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to:
·        identify the key components involved in the study and understanding of tourism, and appreciate the role of these sectors in tourism as a whole (C, K); 
·        understand the main economic and operating characteristics of the accommodation sector, transport for tourism, travel distribution and attractions (C, K); 
·        identify the major operators and explain the industrial structure of the sectors (C, K);
·        evaluate the major influences on the sectors and explain the major trends (C, K); 
·        develop skills in group-working, communication, academic research and writing and presentation (P,T). 
(Key: C-Cognitive/Analytical; K-Subject knowledge; T-Transferable; P-rofessional/Practical skills) 

The module will offer a general introduction to tourism, and analyse different aspects of the four main sectors under study:
·      Introduction to tourism 
·      The historic development of tourism as a business sector 
·      Key economic and operational characteristics of the different tourism sectors
·      Main operators in the tourism industry and their roles 
·      Operational challenges and implications in producing a package of services
·      The interaction of main sectors in the production and distribution of tourism 
Additional issues and trends in the business of tourism 

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to provide students with key information about accommodation, transport, travel distribution and attractions in tourism and to encourage them to explore and evaluate the major characteristics and challenges of tourism as a business. 
The teaching and learning methods include lectures designed to provide a framework of knowledge; exercises to provide opportunities for students to gather and interpret their own material; and tasks to challenge their thinking. 
Assessment Strategy 
The assessment methods are designed to allow students to demonstrate their insight into the various tourism sectors and the extent to which they have gathered and analysed information individually and collectively. 
The assessment for this module consists of: a) a closed-book, multiple-choice test aimed at assessing the students’ understanding of key concepts, issues and trends in several areas of tourism operations; b) a group project of 3,000 words designed to encourage students to further explore aspects of the business of tourism through working with their peers.  Each student group will submit a written report as well as deliver an oral presentation. 

Essential Reading 
·      Holloway JC, (2009) The Business of Tourism (8th edition), Harlow : Pearson. 
·      Buhalis D and Laws E (2001) Tourism Distribution Channels, London : Continuum. 
Recommended Reading 
Coles T and Hall CM (eds.) (2008) International Business and Tourism: Global Issues, Contemporary Interactions, London : Routledge. 
Cartwright R and Baird C (1999) The Development and Growth of the Cruise Industry, Oxford : Butterworth – Heinemann.
Cooper C, Fletcher J, Fyall A, Gilbert D and Wanhill S, (2008) Tourism. Principles and Practice (4th edition), Harlow : Pearson Education Limited. 
Dittmer P (2002) Dimensions of Hospitality Industry (third edition). Chichester : Wiley & Sons. 
Doganis R (2001) The Airline Business in the 21st Century, London : Routledge. 
Doganis R (2002) Flying Off Course (third edition), Oxford : Butterworth Heinemann. 
Ioannides D and Debbage K G (1998) The Economic Geography of the Tourist Industry: A Supply Side Analysis, London : Routledge.
Lane H and Dupré D (1997) Hospitality World: An Introduction. Chichester : Wiley & Sons 
Mill RC and Morrison AM (2002) The Tourism System (fourth edition).  Kendall Hunt Publishing Co. 
Middleton V T C, Clarke J R (2001) Marketing in Travel and Tourism, (fourth edition) Oxford : Butterworth Heinemann. 
Page S (2005) Transport and Tourism: Global Perspectives. Harlow : Pearson Education Limited. 
Page SJ, Brunt P, Busby G and Connell, J (2001) Tourism:  A Modern Synthesis. London : Thomson Learning.
Pender L (2001) Travel Trade and Transport: An Introduction. London : Thomson Learning. 
Shaw S (1999) Airline Marketing and Management (fourth edition), London : Ashgate. 
Tribe, J (1999) The Economics of Leisure and Tourism (second edition).  Oxford : Butterworth-Heinemann.
Wells A T and Wensveen J G (2004) Air Transportation: A Management Perspective (fifth edition), London : Wadsworth Publishing.
Yale P (1995) The Business of Tour Operations, Harlow : Longman. 
Background Reading 
·      Academic Journals: Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Management, Tourism and Hospitality Research – The Surrey Quarterly Review, Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, Journal of Transport Geography, Journal of Transport History 
·      Reports and Statistics: World Tourism Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Eurostat
·      The students are also expected to visit a number of selected web sites, such as:
www.unwto.org,  www.wttc.org, www.visitbritain.com, www.abtn.co.uk