The Tourist Behaviour and CultureModule Details

Course/Module Description:

This module provides a detailed perspective on the theory and practical elements of tourist behaviour as a central aspect of tourism management. The wider part of the theoretical debate is structured within a framework of changing consumption patterns. The module also focuses on how different patterns of tourist behaviour and consumption impact on the socio-cultural communities. Particular attention will be directed to exploring models of interaction and social exchange as well as an understanding of how tourists and hosts contest particular spatial areas. 

Course/Module Objectives:

The main objectives of the course are:

1. To offer a detailed perspective on the theory and practical elements of tourist behaviour
2. To build students’ knowledge of the diverse literatures from a range of disciplines that have informed studies of tourist decision-making, motivation, image-making and behaviour
3. To focus on how different patterns of tourist behaviour and consumption impacts on the socio-cultural areas
4. To examine the implications of dynamic patterns of tourism consumption for tourism businesses and destinations.

Course/Module Learning Outcomes:

After completion of the course students are expected to be able:

1. To demonstrate in written and oral work, a clear understanding of the relationships between tourist decision-making, behaviour and impacts on host communities
2. To acquire a detailed understanding of how tourist behaviour may be monitored and managed for use in oral and written work
3. To critically appraise in written and oral settings the importance of a full range of tourist typologies, models of tourist motivation and decision-making and key elements of behaviour
4. To develop a systematic understanding of the theoretical and practical approaches to the study of host-guest interactions within different destination environments for use in presentation.