ECONOMICS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SYSTEMS - 2

This course is a core component of the Tourism Management and Sustainability programme. It examines the economic dimensions of tourism and its influence on national and local development. Students will explore how tourism contributes to gross domestic product, employment, and investment, while also considering its broader social and environmental implications. The course provides both theoretical foundations and practical insights into how tourism functions as a major force in the global economy.
The study begins with an analysis of tourism’s contribution to national economies, focusing on how countries leverage tourism as a tool for economic growth and diversification. Through comparative examples, students will examine how tourism impacts different types of economies and how policy frameworks shape its effectiveness.
Attention then shifts to the local scale, exploring the ways tourism transforms communities and regional economies. The course considers both the opportunities and challenges that arise when tourism becomes a key driver of local development. Students will assess its capacity to create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and enhance infrastructure, while also addressing issues such as economic dependence, rising costs, and uneven distribution of benefits.
Further discussion centers on the dual nature of tourism’s economic impacts. While tourism often stimulates income and employment, it can also lead to inflation, inequality, and environmental degradation. Students will evaluate strategies for maximizing positive outcomes and mitigating the negative effects of tourism, particularly in vulnerable or rapidly developing destinations.
The final section of the course links tourism to sustainability and long-term growth. It introduces the principles of sustainable tourism and examines how destinations can balance economic ambitions with ecological protection and cultural preservation. Students will critically assess current practices and develop approaches that align tourism development with the broader goals of sustainability and community resilience.
By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how tourism contributes to economic growth and how thoughtful management can ensure that this growth remains inclusive, balanced, and sustainable.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of how tourism contributes to economic growth at local, national, and global levels.
• Gain insight into the structure and functioning of tourism markets and their connection to wider economic systems.
• Understand the interrelationships between tourism, employment, investment, and sustainable development.
• Analyze theoretical and empirical perspectives on the economic impacts of tourism.
• Recognize the challenges of balancing tourism growth with environmental and social sustainability.
2. Apply the Knowledge and Understanding Acquired
• Use economic concepts and models to interpret real-world tourism data and trends.
• Evaluate tourism policies and development strategies in different national and local contexts.
• Apply sustainability frameworks to assess tourism projects and their long-term feasibility.
• Develop case studies that demonstrate how tourism can be managed for inclusive and equitable growth.
• Propose informed strategies that integrate economic development with responsible tourism practices.
3. Sound Judgment
• Critically assess both the benefits and drawbacks of tourism-led development.
• Exercise independent thinking when evaluating tourism policies and stakeholder interests.
• Form balanced, evidence-based opinions on sustainable tourism practices.
• Make informed decisions that consider economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
• Reflect ethically on the consequences of tourism development for communities and ecosystems.

A knowledge of the principles of Tourism Economics is advisable

The Contribution of Tourism to National Economies
The Impacts of Tourism on a Locality
Positive Economic Impact of Tourism
Negative Economic Impacts of Tourism
Tourism, Growth, and Sustainability

Compulsory literature:
1) The course text book is "The Economics of Tourism Destinations, Guido Candela, Paolo Figini, Springer Texts in Business and Economics, DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20874-4 , Publisher Springer Berlin, Heidelberg
2) other materials (slides and articles) published on the MOODLE e-learning platform

Attending students: Credit will be awarded based on the preparation of a written paper and an oral presentation, as well as active participation in working groups on a series of topics and case studies that will be announced during the first lectures.

Non-attending students / other examinations: The written exam consists of four open-ended questions (to be completed within a maximum of 1 hour and 15 minutes). The questions are designed to assess understanding of the topics covered in the course materials, including lecture slides and the prescribed textbook, which will be uploaded to the course’s Moodle space. Students may contact the instructor by email to obtain the access key.

written

In terms of grading criteria, for both attending and non-attending students, the following benchmarks are established:

A. Scores falling within the 18-22 range will be assigned when the student demonstrates:
- Adequate knowledge and comprehension applied within the framework of the program.
- Satisfactory communication skills.

B. Scores ranging from 23 to 26 will be awarded when the student exhibits:
- Reasonable grasp of knowledge and understanding relevant to the program.
- Competent communication skills.

C. Scores in the 27-30 range signify:
- Good to excellent proficiency in understanding and applying the program's concepts.
- Fully appropriate communication skills.

D. The distinction of '30 cum laude' is granted when the student showcases:
- Profound understanding and application of program content.
- Exceptional communication skills.

The course is organized as follows:
a) theoretical lectures
b) discussion of case studies in the form of a working group
c) discussion of papers presented during lectures
The teaching materials will be available on the Moodle platform, published with the respective topics of the class and accompanied by an introduction that will helps students to understanding the course syllabus.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion
Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments

Ca' Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development