Recreation, Parks and Tourism 431
RCPT 431: Sustainable Tourism
Credit Hours: (3)
Instructional Method: Three hours lecture
Note(s): A (Cultural or Behavioral Analysis) Area
The course focuses on the nature of sustainability to preserve local, regional, national, and international locations, cultures, and economies. It examines various planning frameworks and operational techniques for achieving sustainable tourism. Several philosophical platforms are analyzed around the nature of tourism and recreation, and its interrelationships with both man-made destinations and the natural world.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The course focuses on the discussion of the dilemma between sustainability and tourism planning. It introduces philosophical approaches related to the relationship between humans and the environment, current tourism trends, and its footprint on the environment. Furthermore, it examines the tourism system's impact on society, the environment, and the economy, and discusses various planning measures for sustainable tourism.
Major Topics:
1. The history of tourism and sustainability
2. Tourism impacts of today and the future tourism issues,
3. The tourism dilemma,
4. The rationale for sustainability,
5. Tourism as a system,
6. Philosophical approaches to sustainability,
7. Tourism organizations,
8. Tourism planning,
9. The social aspects of tourism,
10. Human dimensions: satisfaction, crowding, conflict,
11. Tourism planning tools: the water and lands recreation opportunity spectrum (WALROS), tourism opportunity spectrum (TOS), and visitor impact management (VIM).
Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
Course instructional methods include but are not limited to: lectures, guest speakers, videos, hands-on learning, collaborative learning, problem-solving, and discussion.
Students and faculty provide valuable input and feedback during this process and students are given the opportunity to revise as necessary.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and understand the historical evolution of tourism
- Reflect upon various philosophical approaches to humans and the environment
- Critically reflect upon current tourism trends and apply these to sustainable planning efforts
- Identify and understand tourism’s impact on society, the environment, and economy
- Recommend and apply appropriate planning measures for sustainable tourism
- Understand the organizational and institutional aspects of the tourism industry
- Develop a working ethic toward sustainable tourism
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include but not limited to: quizzes/exams, projects, presentations, activities, reflections, and peer evaluations.
Review and Approval
Reviewed February 2005 Edward Udd, Chair Chair
Revised March, 2010
Revised June, 2023