The course examines the concepts of sustainable development, its pillars and goals, and of circular economy, with a focus on the local communities; and connects tourism with the aforementioned concepts.

The course explores the evolution of tourism on an international level and in Greece, and concentrates on the problems caused in relation to sustainable development. At the same time, policies and principles associated with sustainable tourism are outlined, and good practices are sought. To this end, reference is also made to traditional systems of governance and visitor management.

The course further explores the ways through which a company involved in the tourism industry can reconcile its profits with the respect of the natural and cultural environment and the local community.  

Upon the completion of the course, the students are expected to:

-have a sufficient knowledge of the concepts of sustainable development and tourism and their connection with the local community;

-recognise the importance of the involvement of the local community in the heritage management process, and are in the position of applying specific aware of methodologies to this end; and

-be aware of and, at the same time, be in the position to apply good practices in tourism areas and companies.

1. Concepts: sustainable development, tourism, local community
2. Birth and development of (mass) tourism, and its negative impact on an international level
3. Birth and development of (mass) tourism, and its negative impact on Greece
4. International policies for the connection of sustainable development and tourism: United National goals, circular economy, and carrying capacity
5. Local policies and governance for the connection of sustainable development and tourism
6. The importance of the local community in the connection of sustainable development and tourism
7. The importance of informing and building the awareness of the visitors
8. The importance of the traditional systems of governance and visitor management
9. Sustainable development, tourism and climate change
10. Good practices: discussion of case studies of tourism areas on an international level and in Greece (A)
11. Good practices: discussion of case studies of tourism areas on an international level and in Greece (B)
12. Good practices: discussion of case studies of tourism companies on an international level and in Greece
13. Student projects: presentation, and discussion

-Kokkosis, H., & Tsartas, P 2019, Sustainable Tourism Development and the Environment, Kritiki Publications. In Greek

-Poulios I. 2014, The Past in the Present: A Living Heritage Approach – Meteora, Greece. London, Ubiquity Press. Open access: dx.doi.org/10.5334/bak 

-Lectures by the coordinator, invited lectures, presentation of exercises and projects by the students

-Movies abstracts

-Connection of theory with case studies from Greece and internationally

-Visits to points of interest in the Old Town of Corfu (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

-Use of powerpoint at the lectures

-Making use of the course portal, for the uploading of teaching material

-Email for the communication with students

-Movies abstracts

-A combination of exercises, projects, and exams