Sustainable Tourism and Geography
The course gives an introduction to sustainable tourism. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, along with research showing development in experience-based tourism and sustainable tourism, both from a global and local perspective. Special emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to sustainable tourism, where the relationship to place, local communities, and local anchoring is central.
If there are exchange students, teaching will be in English.
Travel and tourism is a growth industry in Norway, and nature experiences are highlighted as being the main attraction. We reflect on and problematise issues concerning the opportunities and challenges that tourism provides, especially from local perspectives. Sustainability is the recurring theme throughout the course and with emphasis on land and resource use and local value creation.
In Norway’s national tourism strategy, it is emphasized that tourism should play a significant role in the future Norwegian economy and be part of the solution in the green transition. Additionally, Norwegian tourism should contribute to attractive local communities and satisfied residents. In line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, vibrant local communities are in themselves an important premise for succeeding with sustainable development. In the course, we will discuss current and relevant issues with a holistic approach, where the relationship to place, community, and local anchoring is central. Both the natural and cultural heritage dimensions as a resource base for sustainable tourism are highlighted, including Sami culture and identity.
After having completed the course the students will have acquired the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge:
- has broad knowledge of key developments and concepts related to both sustainability and experience-based tourism.
- has knowledge of place and local communities, and especially about what local conditions in natural and cultural resources in a broad sense mean for the development of sustainable tourism, both environmentally, socially, culturally, and economically.
- is familiar with recent research projects and research literature in sustainable tourism.
Skills:
- can reflect on sustainable tourism in relation to biodiversity and cultural diversity, as well as the need for conservation balanced against the need for local value creation and place development.
- Can find, evaluate, and refer to information and academic material, and present this in a way that illuminates a relevant issue.
General competence:
- has insight into the latest research on both sustainability and experience-based tourism and connections between sustainability and tourism.
- has good insight into the local challenges related to using the natural environment and local culture as resources for growth in sustainable tourism, and the processes that make this type of tourism grow and be a source for development processes in many local communities.
- can mediate views and knowledge about opportunities and challenges in sustainable tourism.
Teaching is mainly provided in connection with gatherings; in the form of lectures, company visits, and group work. In addition, there will be webinars with contributions from both teachers and students.
The gathering combines theoretical insight with practice, and the interaction within the group is considered important to achieve the best possible learning outcome.
Composite assessment.
- Obligatory participation at one account for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
- It is assumed that you attend both physical meetings. Absence from a physical meeting leads to the submission of a compensatory assignment. Absence from two physical meetings means that you will not be approved for participation. Compulsory participation must be approved in order to get an overall grade in the course.
- Assignment - written account for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
- Must be passed before the beginning of the Home Exam.
- The home exam will take place over 2 weeks and accounts for 100/100 of the grade. Students will receive a letter grade.
