Unit(s) of Assessment

Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)

Closed-book examination, 1 hour

40

Group project report (3000 words)

60

Alternative assessment: In cases where the original group project is not suitable for re-assessment (e.g., only one student needs to retake the failed group project), an individual essay of 1000 words will be assigned.

Qualifying Condition(s)

 A weighted average mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

The tourism industry comprises several main sectors, e.g. transport, accommodation, travel distribution, visitor attractions, public-sector organisations, and so on. This module focuses on each sector’s economic and 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 operate 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, visitor attractions and public-sector organisations (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 critical thinking, group-working, communication, academic research and writing (P,T).

•  Key: C-Cognitive/Analytical; K-Subject Knowledge; T-Transferable Skills; P- Professional/ Practical skills

   

The module will offer a general introduction to tourism, and analyse different aspects of the 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. Lectures are three hours each on a weekly basis, and relevant case studies and in-class discussions are integrated into the lectures.

  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 examination aimed at assessing the students’ understanding of key concepts, issues and trends in several areas of tourism operations; b) a group project 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 of 3000 words. Both formative feedback and summative feedback will be provided on the project.  

Essential Reading

 Holloway, JC., (2009). The Business of Tourism.  (8th edition).   Harlow : Pearson.  

 Recommended Reading

 Beech, J., and Chadwick, S., (2006). The Business of Tourism Management. London : Prentice Hall.

•  Buhalis, D., and Laws, E., (2001). Tourism Distribution Channels.  London: Continuum.

•  Coles, T., and Hall, CM., (eds.). (2008).  International Business and Tourism: Global Issues, Contemporary Interactions.    London : Routledge.

•  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.

•  Mill, RC., and Morrison, AM., (2002). The Tourism System. (fourth edition).  Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.

•  Middleton, VTC., Clarke, JR., (2001). Marketing in Travel and Tourism. (fourth edition). Oxford : Butterworth Heinemann.

•  Page, S., (2009). Transport and Tourism: Global Perspectives. Third edition. Harlow : Pearson Education Limited.

•  Page, SJ., Brunt, P., Busby, G., and Connell, J., (2009). Tourism:  A Modern Synthesis. Third edition. London : Thomson Learning.

•  Tribe, J., (2011). The Economics of Leisure and Tourism.  (fourth edition).  Oxford : Elsevier.

•  Wells, AT., and Wensveen, JG., (2004).  Air Transportation: A Management Perspective.  (fifth edition).  London: Wadsworth Publishing.   

Background Reading

•  Academic Journals: Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Management, Journal of Travel Research, and Tourism and Hospitality Research–The Surrey Quarterly Review.

•  Reports and Statistics: United Nations World Tourism Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and 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, and www.abtn.co.uk