Module Details

Module Code: TOUR6029
Title: Managing Visitor Attractions
Long Title: Managing Visitor Attractions
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8120 - Tourism
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: The module allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role and nature of the visitor attractions sector and its management. To develop an appreciation of the issues involved in planning, developing and managing successful visitor attractions. To appreciate the important issues relating to the visitor experience, including the role of technology, interpretation and visitor management. To raise awareness of key challenges facing the visitor attraction industry.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine the nature, role and characteristics of visitor attractions.
LO2 Describe the visitor attraction development process.
LO3 Explain the key managerial and operational issues in visitor attractions.
LO4 Describe the importance of interpretation and how it is used to create and manage visitor experiences.
LO5 Describe the key reasons for the success and failure of visitor attractions.
LO6 Examine challenges encountered by visitor attractions and investigate techniques of overcoming these challenges.
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
The Visitor Attraction Product.
Define the term visitor attraction. Describe the nature, role and characteristics of visitor attractions. Identify the role that visitor attractions play in international, national and local destinations.
The Planning and Development of Visitor Attractions.
Visitor attraction concept. Describe the market study, site selection and financial management procedures when undertaking an attraction feasibility study. Examine, using case studies the reasons behind the success and failure of some attractions. Determine what makes a great attraction.
Operations Management at Visitor Attractions.
The role of the manager. Managing human resources. Overcoming visitor impacts using both demand and supply techniques. Managing the servicescape, service quality, safety and security. Marketing collaboration. Identifying the importance of digital and social media marketing for visitor attractions. Implementing sustainable practices at visitor attractions.
Interpretation and Storytelling at Visitor Attractions.
Definition and description of different types of interpretation. Advantages and disadvantages of different forms of interpretation. Principles of effective interpretation. The importance of interpretation at the four stages of a visit. Using the 4 P’s People, purpose, project and place planning interpretation. Guidelines for planning interpretation. Understand the importance of storytelling as an important medium in delivering interpretation at visitor attractions.
The success and failures of Visitor Attractions.
Using case studies identify the elements that lead to the success and failures of Visitor Attractions. Identify and address the challenges faced by Visitor Attractions.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Comparative analysis of two tourism attractions visited as part of a field trip. Final submission approx. 2,500-3,000 word count.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
End of Semester Final Exam
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 room based lecture. Compulsory attendance on field trip to compare and contrast two visitor attractions. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study/Reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class room based lecture. Compulsory attendance on field trip to compare and contrast two visitor attractions. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study/Reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Fyall, A. et al. (2022), Managing Visitor Attractions, 3rd Ed. Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9780367486136].
  • Peter Robinson,Michael Lück,Stephen L. J. Smith. (2020), Tourism, 2nd Ed. 9, Cabi, [ISBN: 9781789241495].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • John Fletcher,Alan Fyall,David Gilbert,Stephen Wanhill. (2017), Tourism: Principles and Practice, 6th Ed. 13, Pearson UK, [ISBN: 9781292172361].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources