Module Details

Module Code: TOUR6004
Title: Tourism & Travel Principles
Long Title: Tourism & Travel Principles
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8120 - Tourism
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: To develop a comprehensive knowledge of the tourism and travel industry as well as its significance and impacts both internationally and in Ireland. The module introduces students to various theoretical perspectives on tourism development and the application of these to industry.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the concept of a sustainable tourist destination and the activities of the various sectors supplying the tourism industry within a sustainable tourist destination.
LO2 Evaluate the packaging and distribution of the tourism product. Identify the role of various intermediaries in the delivery of the tourism and travel product.
LO3 Examine the elements of transportation and the essential factors associated with the movement of tourists through and within travel destinations.
LO4 Analyse the impacts of tourism with reference to the economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts and identify strategies to minimise these impacts in tourist destinations.
LO5 Assess the relationship, importance and quality of the hospitality, food and beverage sector in tourism with particular attention to the Irish providers.
LO6 Describe the various travel documents and other travel and health requirements of visitors in order to be able to access tourist destinations.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Sustainable tourist Destinations
The concept and definitions of a sustainable tourist destination and the key success factors of a successful destination. The relationship between the key stakeholders that supply the tourism product in tourist destinations both public, private and voluntary sectors. Destinations of the future.
Impacts of tourism & Sustainable Tourism
An analysis of the economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts of tourism on both a global and a national level. Carrying capacity of destinations, Doxey's Irridex Index, demonstration effect etc.. Managing and alleviating these tourism impacts on both the visitor and the destination. Definition of Sustainable tourism – what it means. Sustainable tourism in practice and the challenge of sustainable tourism in the future.
The Travel Distribution System
The chain of distribution in tourism. The role of tour operators, travel agents, on-line agents, tour reps and producers of the tourism product. Planning and marketing of package tours, the tour brochure, information technology and its impact. The changing marketplace in tourism distribution and the future for tourism distribution. Role of the Irish travel agents Association, The Incoming Tour Operators Association etc
Transport knowledge
Types of transport and comparisons of these - air, sea, land etc. Air Transport – Introduction to the airline business and organisation of air transport. Water Transport – Ferry Services, Coastal & Inland waterways, Pleasure crafts, Cruising - the cruise industry in Ireland, different types of cruises, indicators of quality of cruises etc. Land based transport services car hire, coach, bus and rail services etc. Private and Public ownership and Management of Transport. Challenges facing Transport in the future. Emerging trends in Transport and sustainability in Transport.
Travel Documentation and Access to destinations
International time zones, travel documentation, regulations on passports, visa's, health issues and vaccinations. Issues impacting on transport in the future
Hospitality, Food and Beverage
The relationship between the hospitality sector and tourism. The structure and classification of accommodation in Ireland, the importance of the food and beverage sector. The growth of Food Tourism and emerging trends in this sector.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Individual Power Point Presentation of key findings in relation to the assessment of a tourism destination of their choice.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Detailed report on tourism field trip approx. 2,000 – 2,500 words.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Computer based & Research Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent learning and additional readings Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Computer based & Research Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent learning and additional readings Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Chris Holloway, Claire Humphreys. (2021), The Business of Tourism, 12th Edition. Pearson Education Canada, p.670, [ISBN: 9781529780987].
  • Stephen Page and Joanne Connell. (2020), Tourism A Modern Synthesis, Fifth Edition. Routedge, London and New York, [ISBN: 9780367437367].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Peter Mason. (2021), Tourism impacts, Planning and Management, Fourth Edition. Routledge, UK, p.299, [ISBN: 9780367221621].
  • M.R. Dileep,Ajesh Kurien. (2021), Air Transport and Tourism, First. Routledge, London and New York, p.566, [ISBN: 9781000451245].
  • Chris Cooper. (2022), Essentials of Tourism, Fourth. Sage Publications Limited, p.512, [ISBN: 9781529778571].
  • David Weaver and Laura Lawton. (2022), Tourism Management, Fifth. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780730308898].
  • David L Edgell, Sr. (2020), Managing Sustainable Tourism - A legacy for the Future, Third. Routledge, Taylor & Francis, UK, [ISBN: 9780367331382].
  • Susan L. Slocum,Abena Aidoo,Kelly McMahon. (2020), The Business of Sustainable Tourism Development and Management, First. Routledge, London and New York, [ISBN: 9781138492165].
  • Roy A. Cook,Cathy H. C. Hsu,Lorraine L. Taylor. (2018), The Business of Hospitality and Travel, Sixth. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780134484488].
  • Charles R. Goeldner and J.R. Brent Ritchie. (2014), Tourism Principles, Practices, Philosophies, Twelfth Edition. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118215241].
  • David L. Edgell...[et al.].. (2013), Tourism policy and planning: yesterday, today and tomorrow, New York; Routledge, [ISBN: 9780415534536].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Columbus Travel Publishing. (2015), World Travel Atlas 11th Edition, Columbus Travel Publishing.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_FTRSM_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Tourism Management 2 Mandatory
CR_FTOUR_7 Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management 2 Mandatory
CR_FTOUR_6 Higher Certificate in Business in Tourism Management 2 Mandatory