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BU552L: DESTINATION AND TOURISTS (2022-2023)

Last modified: 24 Nov 2022 14:51


Course Overview

Placing the tourism destination at the heart of discussion, this course explores the physical, conceptual and administrative spaces in which tourism activities occur, and as such provide the context for an exploration of the complex and interrelated activities of tourist. Particular attention will also be directed to exploring how different patterns of tourist behaviour and consumption impact on the socio-cultural fabric of destination communities. It will also draw examples of the impact of Covid-19 upon destinations and tourist consumption of destination. Techniques of monitoring and managing tourist behaviour will be explored in a range of case studies, including different types of destinations.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Xiaoqing Chen

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Msc In International Tourism Management (September Start) (Studied)
  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course will introduce students to the range and diversity of rural and urban destinations across the globe and provide a deep understanding of the governance, marketing, legal and operational issues of opening destinations to the public whilst providing a quality tourist experience. The course will explore destination development, targeting and positioning of destination, and tourist management drawing on field-based teaching and international case studies.

The module will also address destinations in a wider societal context by examining their role for regional development and regeneration.

Indicative content includes:

  • Elements of tourism destinations (viz. available packages, accessibility, attractions, amenities, activities and ancillary services)
  • Theoretical approaches (tourist area life cycle, carrying capacity, tourist typologies, etc)
  • Coastal/urban/rural and wildness/small island/historic/cultural tourism destination
  • Determinants of destination image and re-imaging destinations
  • Measuring and comparing tourist activity in and between destinations
  • Tourist experience in destinations
  • Impact of Covid-19 on destination and tourist consumption

Internationalisation

The course will be international in nature, drawing on examples and practices from developed and emerging economies, so students obtain an understanding of destination across such boundaries. This will include the global impact of Covid-19 and changing tourist consumption patterns.

Sustainability 

Sustainability concerns are addressed when considering the impact of tourism, especially, tourist activities, on destination and local communities. 

External Engagement

Guest speakers from academia and Destination Organizations (e.g., Historic Environment Scotland, VisitScotland) will be invited when appropriate.

Employability

Students gain a depth of understanding of destinations and apply knowledge of academic research and practice to design appropriate solutions to ensure the sustainability of destinations, add value to and enhance the tourist experience. Through guest lectures, engagement with external organisations allows students to gain insights from and connections with tourism practitioners.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
This course includes field-based teaching (one Scotland based destination, e.g., Stirling, Edinburgh, visit), generating transport and entry fees of £120 GBP 120.00

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 35
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students will be provided with their marks and feedbacks within three weeks from the time of submission.

Word Count 2000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseIdentify the factors that influence tourism development in a variety of destinations and destination regions (e.g., seaside resorts, world cities, historic towns, national parks)
ConceptualAnalyseUse destination case studies and destination data to critically analyse the practical application of destination management and impacts from tourist activities
ConceptualAnalyseIdentify how destination management and marketing adapts to meet changes in tourist expectation and need
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate approaches to destination management that endeavour to involve all stakeholders.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the need for destination management (market failure, urban and rural regeneration, sustainable development, etc).

Video presentation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Grouped students are required to make a 10-minute video that (re)constructs an image for the destination of the field course according to their investigation, which is followed by 15-minute Q&A

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseIdentify how destination management and marketing adapts to meet changes in tourist expectation and need
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate approaches to destination management that endeavour to involve all stakeholders.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the need for destination management (market failure, urban and rural regeneration, sustainable development, etc).

Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 35
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Critical Industry Review Report

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

The aim of this assessment is to provide an examination of all the intended learning for this course. The students will be given a topic or a destination case and will be asked to prepare an argumentative essay reflecting on the interaction between the destination development and tourist activities, the evidence at hand, the appropriate destination management principles, theories, or concepts to rely on to analyse and address the problem. In the case of re-sitting, the student will NOT be allowed to work on the same topic as they did for their first attempt, although the structure will remain the same. The student will have to select a new topic for his/her re-sit. Therefore, the assignment descriptor is also appropriate for the re-sit if required.

Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseUse destination case studies and destination data to critically analyse the practical application of destination management and impacts from tourist activities
ConceptualAnalyseIdentify the factors that influence tourism development in a variety of destinations and destination regions (e.g., seaside resorts, world cities, historic towns, national parks)
ConceptualAnalyseIdentify how destination management and marketing adapts to meet changes in tourist expectation and need
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate approaches to destination management that endeavour to involve all stakeholders.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the need for destination management (market failure, urban and rural regeneration, sustainable development, etc).

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