*Core Course Structure* 

*Year 1: Foundations of Tourism* 

1. *Introduction to Travel and Tourism* 

   - Overview of the global tourism industry: sectors, trends, and economic impact. 

   - Key concepts: leisure vs. business travel, cultural tourism, ecotourism. 

   - Textbook: Tourism: Principles and Practice by John Fletcher et al. 

 

2. *Geography for Tourism* 

   - Regional geography, major global destinations, and cultural heritage sites. 

   - Case studies: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pilgrimage routes, and adventure hubs. 

 

3. *Principles of Hospitality Management* 

   - Basics of hotel operations, food and beverage management, and customer service. 

   - Role of hospitality in tourism ecosystems. 

 

4. *Business Communication* 

   - Professional communication skills for tourism (cross-cultural negotiation, client relations). 

   - Digital tools for travel agencies and tour operators. 

 

*Year 2: Operations and Marketing* 

1. *Tourism Marketing and Digital Strategies* 

   - Branding destinations, SEO for travel websites, and social media campaigns. 

   - Case studies: Tourism Australia, Visit Dubai, Airbnb. 

 

2. *Travel Agency Operations* 

   - Reservation systems (Amadeus, Galileo), tour packaging, and itinerary planning. 

   - Lab: Simulated booking platforms and crisis management scenarios. 

 

3. *Sustainable Tourism Practices* 

   - Principles of ecotourism, carbon footprint reduction, and community-based tourism. 

   - Certification programs (Global Sustainable Tourism Council). 

 

4. *Cultural Anthropology and Tourism* 

   - Impact of tourism on local cultures, ethical tourism, and responsible travel. 

 

*Year 3: Advanced Management and Specializations* 

1. *Destination Management* 

   - Strategic planning for destinations, stakeholder collaboration, and crisis management. 

   - Case study: Post-pandemic recovery in Bali or Venice. 

 

2. *Event and MICE Tourism* 

   - Planning conferences, exhibitions, and incentive travel programs. 

   - Partnerships with venues, logistics, and risk assessment. 

 

3. *Tourism Policy and Law* 

   - International travel regulations, visa policies, and aviation agreements. 

   - Legal issues: liability, insurance, and consumer protection. 

 

4. *Electives*: Choose one: 

   - *Adventure and Wildlife Tourism* 

   - *Cruise Ship Management* 

   - *Heritage and Museum Tourism* 

 

*Year 4: Capstone and Industry Integration* 

1. *Strategic Tourism Management* 

   - Global trends: AI in tourism, virtual reality tours, and blockchain for bookings. 

   - Competitor analysis and innovation in tourism. 

 

2. *Internship/Practicum* 

   - 12-week placement in tourism boards, hotels, travel tech startups, or airlines. 

 

3. *Capstone Project* 

   - Develop a business plan for a tourism enterprise (e.g., eco-resort, travel app). 

   - Present to industry professionals and investors. 

 

4. *Electives*: 

   - *Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism* 

   - *Gastronomy and Culinary Tourism* 

   - *Tourism Entrepreneurship* 

 

*Key Textbooks* 

- Tourism Management by Stephen Page 

- Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism by Kotler, Bowen, and Makens 

- Sustainable Tourism: Theory and Practice by David Weaver 

- The Business of Tourism by J. Christopher Holloway 

 

*Practical Training* 

- *Industry Software*: Training in Amadeus, Sabre, or TourPlan. 

- *Field Trips*: Visits to national parks, heritage sites, and hospitality chains. 

- *Certifications*: Optional courses for IATA/UFTAA or GSTC accreditation. 

 

 *Assessment Methods* 

- Exams (25%) 

- Group projects (destination marketing plans, event proposals) (30%) 

- Internship evaluations and capstone defence (25%) 

- Presentations and case study analyses (20%) 

 

*Learning Outcomes* 

By graduation, students will: 

1. Design and market travel products tailored to diverse consumer segments. 

2. Manage sustainable tourism operations aligned with global SDGs (e.g., SDG 8, 12). 

3. Navigate digital tools and reservation systems used in the travel industry. 

4. Address challenges like over-tourism, cultural preservation, and crisis recovery.