PEOPLE MANAGEMENT FOR TOURISM

The People Management for Tourism course constitutes a foundational component of the Tourism Management and Sustainability degree program. It provides students with a structured and comprehensive understanding of the core theoretical constructs and operational principles that characterize human resource management within the tourism sector, with particular emphasis on the Hospitality domain.
The primary objective of the course is to equip students with both conceptual frameworks and applied methodologies for effectively managing human capital within organizational contexts, fostering the development and enhancement of personnel competencies across diverse corporate dynamics.
Particular attention is given to how the world of human resources has evolved over the years, with a specific focus on the post–Covid-19 period and how it has reshaped the perception of Tourism as a professional sector.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental definitions and conceptual frameworks necessary to understand the adopted course text;
1.2 Acquire sufficient command of specialized terminology to employ the concepts learned in academic and professional contexts related to the topics discussed;

2. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
2.1Develop the ability to analyze different organizational models and identify the most effective approaches to managing personnel within them;
2.2 Demonstrate competence in designing various recruitment processes, from assessing organizational needs to drafting and publishing job announcements;
2.3 Apply appropriate indicators and tools aimed at enhancing individual value within the organization, including the use of development and growth plans;

3. Judgement Skills
3.1Evaluate the costs and benefits associated with corporate initiatives designed to support and develop employees.
3.2 Identify and assess the most appropriate brand identity strategies to enhance organizational values in ways that are meaningful for both customers and employees.

General knowledge of corporate systems and of the tourism industry.

Course contents will be the following:
1. Human Resources in the Tourism Sector — Core concepts, theoretical frameworks, and contextual dynamics;
2. Recruitment and Selection Processes — Human resource practices in tourism enterprises, including candidate sourcing and selection methodologies;
3. Employer Branding and Project-Based Work — Principles of employer branding, organizational reputation;
4. Performance Review and Talent Management;
5. Compensation and Benefits — Structures of remuneration, incentive systems, and employee benefit frameworks within tourism organizations.
6. Employment Contracts in the Tourism Industry — Regulatory aspects, contractual typologies, and sector-specific employment arrangements in tourism.

Mandatory course textbook:

● Michael J. Boella, Steven Goss-Turner, Sumeetra Ramakrishnan - ''Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry, a Guide to Best Practice''. Routhledge, 11th Edition, 2026.

The methods used to assess the knowledge and skills acquired will be the following:
A written exam with open‑ended questions is scheduled; the student’s acquired knowledge will be evaluated with particular attention to the level of understanding and to the ability to apply such knowledge within certain organizational dynamics.
During the course, in‑depth projects on specific topics will be proposed, offering the possibility to add a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 points to the final exam grade. The projects will be optional and available to all students enrolled in the course.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The grading scale will be applied according to the following criteria:
A. scores in the 18–22 range will be assigned when:
Sufficient knowledge and applied understanding of the program content are demonstrated;
Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments.
B. scores in the 23–26 range will be assigned when:
Fair knowledge and applied understanding of the program content are demonstrated;
Fair ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments.
C. scores in the 27–30 range will be assigned when:
Good or excellent knowledge and applied understanding of the program content are demonstrated;
Good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments.

Teaching activities are organized as follows:
Lectures;
Thematic in‑depth activities proposed to students, who in small groups will be required to discuss, analyze, and present in class the results achieved;
Optional study visits to selected tourism companies located in the city of Venice;
In‑depth sessions with experts from the tourism sector and the field of human resources.

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