Course summary

Tourism is often one of the largest contributors to a country’s economy. Here in the UK, the tourism industry is worth billions and is one of the largest employers with millions of people working in the sector. After decades of unprecedented expansion, the tourism industry underwent an abrupt change when international borders were closed for almost two years in response to a global pandemic. During this time the tourism industry saw a shift from international travel to staycations and the sector needed to adapt quickly. There has never been a more exciting time to study tourism, with the world re-opening its doors and new consumer demand for travel once more the sector is facing new challenges. Can tourism become more sustainable? How will businesses adapt with less domestic travel? What impact does tourism have on communities? There is real opportunity in the industry to rethink the development of tourism by adopting new technologies, focusing on sustainable tourism, and meeting the needs of host communities. On our Tourism Management programme, you will study destinations as a tourism product and how to make destinations attractive. Looking at value chains and systems within industry you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to work as managers within the tourism industry. The tourism sector is looking for innovative and environmentally friendly changes which meets the needs of its new consumer. Focusing on the development of sustainable tourism, products and services this course is designed to get you thinking about the future of the industry. You’ll learn techniques for sustained performance within organisations that operate in the tourism industry such as hotels, airlines, and event organisations. Discuss principles of rural tourism, cultural heritage conservation and management. Learn how to minimise the negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism and investigate tourism practices that respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities. Whilst studying you’ll gain strong theoretical knowledge in tourism management, marketing, and economics. On the course you will evaluate tourism policies from local, national, and international industry perspectives and conduct comparative analyses between different countries and regions. Looking at best practice case studies and visiting tourism businesses you’ll learn how to critically evaluate technological options for the creation of sustainable and memorable tourism experiences. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see our website for more information.