Nature Based Tourism (independent online) (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

You will mainly be able to study according to your own schedule but you will need to respect the deadlines of some minor week tasks, as well as of the final course assignment.

Objective

Nature-based tourism is a rapidly growing sector in the tourism industry. This course aims to enhance your understanding of the international and national nature-based tourism sector and its various aspects. The course contents help you to understand its significance in business and regional development. The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be effectively utilized in your career plans and in various positions within the tourism industry. Competences Proactive development, Sustainable development, Tourism business Learning goals You know the significance of nature-based tourism from national and international perspectives. You know the national theme-promoting strategies and development policies. You understand the concepts, phenomena and special characteristics related to nature-based tourism and are able to utilize them in analyzing. You are able to perceive different actors and operations in nature-based tourism. You understand the motives of a traveler.

Content

- Nature-based tourism concepts and phenomena - Nature-based tourism nationally and internationally - Special characteristics and strategic focuses - Nature-based tourism actors and customers - Nature-based tourism services - Ecological, economical and socio-cultural responsibility

Location and time

Online implementation only, including independent learning and some scheduled webinars in the late afternoons.

Materials

The material provided by the teacher in Moodle and the following books: Fredman, P. & Tyrväinen, L. 2011. Frontiers in nature-based tourism: lessons from Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden: Routledge. Hall, C. M. & Boyd, S. 2005. Nature-based tourism in peripheral areas: development or disaster? Channel View Publications.

Teaching methods

Virtual learning and assignments Independent information search Topic related online discussions

Exam schedules

No exam. The course's gradable task is a report. In case of failure, there will be a resubmission option with a separate deadline instructed in the course workspace on Moodle.

Student workload

Reading material 30 h Topic Related online discussions 20 h Assignments and information search 85 h Altogether 135 h = 5 credits x 27 hours of learning

Qualifications

Basics in responsible tourism