Code: TOU8RB022

Extent: 3-ECTS (81 h)

Timing: Period 2 (intensive week)

Language: English

Level: Professional studies

Type: Free-Elective

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Course description

Most publications describe a panorama that is difficult to ignore - the number of new tourism Experiences (products and services) seems to grow by the day. Only a few years ago, even though it was said with a touch of hype, tourism could be reduced to the four big ‘S’s – Sun, Sea, Sand and Sex. As tourism is increasingly important to European countries, this course in a seminar-format has been designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge on tourisms in Europe - a general overview of the range tourism products and services in Europe today. The theme for this year seminar is "Experience and Wellness”. All speakers are working or worked in the countries/regions/sectors presented at the seminar. This is a professional level seminar which aims to enlighten and educate students in many of the facets relating to, and which impinge upon, tourism in Europe. Students are introduced to different presentations/cases which underpin the study of tourism in Europe, and are required to develop an understanding of perspectives and experiences relating to tourism in Europe. Students should familiarise themselves with key concepts and frameworks within tourism management. This will contribute to the application of these concepts and frameworks to future real-live situations. Critical thinking skills will be fostered through discussion, debate, and reflection on issues arising in the presentations/cases.

Course outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

› recognise the importance of the ‘product’ variable in tourism

› have knowledge about product-related concepts as well as various product classifications

› have knowledge about the various emerging tourism product concepts in Europe

› identify innovative tourism products/services

› evaluate tourism products/services contribution to European tourism

Course contents

This course addresses the following topics:

› Overview of tourism in Europe

› Dark Tourism

› Other presentations/cases on Tourism in Europe from invited speakers

Cooperation with the business community

Students will take part in learning activities about selected local Wellness partner organisations and/or counts with local community members’ participation.

International aspects

In this course taught in English it is ensured that the learning activities include a global/ international perspective. The facilitator is Portuguese and infuses international elements into the learning content and international resources are used in the courses readings. The facilitators also use instructional methods appropriate to a culturally diverse student population. International guest speakers are always sought.

Learning and teaching methods

In this course three main learning methods are used:  (1) classroom learning; (2) directed learning; and (3) self-directed learning. A proportion of the hours provide the opportunity for teaching contact between students and experts (facilitators and industry partners). Classroom learning takes the following forms: interactive lectures, forum and small group discussions. Directed learning is also used, in the courses, individual and group assignments. Self-directed learning is also an important part of this course, and students are encouraged to develop the ability to learn on their own and thus take more responsibility for setting the objectives of their learning. Students should put emphasis on text review and vigorous reflection and debate. This is particularly important to explore and develop ideas from specific texts and evaluate issues related to Tourism in Europe. Reading texts support the learning activities. In short:

› 24 hours of classroom learning

› 56 hours of directed and self-directed learning

Course assessment and grading

In this course students’ learning is assessed as follows:

› 20% written individual pre-learning assignment

› 30% written individual post- learning assignment

› 50% written group post-learning assignment

Grading on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 = min. 45%-pts, 5 = min. 85%-pts

Course resources

Handouts and essential reading list posted in Moodle

Course Management System (CMS)

The Course Management System used in this course is MOODLE

Feedback and Development

The facilitator will provide students with feedback, and students will be asked to complete an anonymous feedback form at the end of this course. The course will be improved based on student feedback.

Identifying and acknowledging previously acquired skills (in Finnish AHOT)

Studies completed at other educational institutes and/or work experience are not accredited as such towards the HAAGA-HELIA studies directly, but the required competences can be demonstrated by a ‘skill test’, individually agreed with the facilitator.

Course facilitator

Dr. Mário Passos Ascenção | mariopassos.ascencao@haaga-helia.fi | 040 4887 203