The sociological approach to tourism. Tourism and cultural identity. Development theories and models of tourism. The social impacts of tourism. Economic and environmental impacts of tourism. Tourism and society: future trends. Economic, political, and technological trends. The concept of globalization. The concept of the global tourism industry. Tourism as a driver of global economic development. Alternative and sustainable tourism development. Protection of culture. International tourism organizations. The globalization of tourism development and increasing competition. Development theories and models of tourism. Globalization, development, and trade. Policies, reforms, and economic strategy. Industrial structures, business strategies, and international examples.
Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to have acquired and developed:
Knowledge enabling them to: (a) understand concepts such as multiculturalism, interculturality, acculturation, assimilation, integration, homogeneity, pluralism, stereotypes, discrimination, racism, etc.; (b) understand the relationship between culture and communication; (c) be familiar with fundamental theories of intercultural communication; (d) identify the factors influencing intercultural communication and compare the communicative behavior, both verbal and non-verbal, of different cultural groups, interpreting behavior through the lens of culture.
Skills enabling them to: (a) communicate effectively (both verbally and non-verbally) in an intercultural context; (b) understand the cultural differences of international visitors and foreign employees, thereby contributing to the more effective promotion and management of the tourism product.
Competences enabling them to: (a) operate and interact effectively in intercultural communication environments; (b) leverage cultural diversity as an opportunity and an ideal context for creative interaction; (c) demonstrate adaptability and responsibility as effective communicators across diverse cultural settings.
The course examines the relationship between globalization, society, and tourism, analyzing international tourism as a key mechanism for the circulation of people, cultural patterns, capital, and development models. It focuses on the theoretical and sociological approaches to tourism, on its role as a means of promoting soft power or transforming cultural identity, as well as on its contribution to global economic development.
Taking into account that conflicts constitute an inevitable element of human interactions at the interpersonal, social, ethnic, national, and international levels, the course also addresses issues of conflict management in the field of intercultural communication and in the relations between visitors and host societies.
Particular emphasis is placed on development theories and tourism models, on the globalization of tourism development, on international trade, and on the intensifying competition among destinations. At the same time, the course examines the social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism, as well as its dual function both as a driver of development and as a factor of dependency, particularly for less developed and developing countries.
The course concludes with an analysis of current and future trends in international tourism, with emphasis on technological developments in communications and transport, the functioning of the globalized economy, and international mobility, including migration and international tourism. Within this context, the role of the mass media in shaping identity and directing cultural change is also examined, along with the need to protect cultural heritage within the environment of the globalized tourism economy and culture.
Analytical weekly breakdown of the course:
Week 1: Globalization and international tourism
Week 2: Challenges of living in a global community
Week 3: Culture and people
Week 4: Communication and culture
Week 5: Perception and categorization
Week 6: Cultural and value orientations
Week 7: Identities and subgroups
Week 8: Verbal and non-verbal communication and culture
Week 9: Migration and acculturation
Week 10: Intercultural and intergroup relations
Week 11: Management of intercultural conflicts
Week 12: Mass media and cultural change
Week 13: Effective intercultural communication in a global society
The lectures will conclude with a summary of the course content and the provision of guidance to students regarding the final examinations.
- Recommended Bibliography:
The course aims to develop:
Student assessment will be conducted through:
Written final examination (100% of the final grade), which may include:
The assessment criteria are communicated to students at the beginning of the course.
Assessment results are accessible to students for feedback regarding their improvement.
