Module Details

Module Code: TOUR6027
Title: Tourism Environmental Studies
Long Title: Tourism Environmental Studies
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: This module examines the concept of sustainability in the context of the tourism industry at an international, national and local level. The students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and management tools to contribute to the greening of the tourism industry and promote sustainable practices throughout tourism operations and destinations.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine the principles of sustainability within the context of the tourism industry and develop critical awareness of the issues and challenges facing the tourism industry.
LO2 Evaluate the major threats facing the natural environment and the subsequent impacts these threats have on the tourism industry in particular climate change, water shortages, biodiversity, plastic pollution etc. and evaluate the environmental impact of tourism activities on the natural environment.
LO3 Identify and develop the skills to implement green practices in tourism operations and destinations such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction and recycling, responsible resource management and sustainable transportation options.
LO4 Evaluate the importance of environmental planning and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in tourism businesses and examine the process involved in implementing an EMS in a tourism business.
LO5 Evaluate the different Eco-certification programs that exist on both a global and national level.
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
Principles of Sustainable Tourism Development
Concepts of Sustainable tourism, Regenerative tourism and its development. The difference between eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, green tourism, natural tourism and other related concepts. The relationship between the natural environment and tourism and the subsequent development of sustainable tourism. VICE Model of sustainable Tourism. Factors that promote and hinder sustainable tourism. The importance of sustainable tourism in an environmental, economic and socio-cultural context. Instruments for achieving sustainable tourism – Measuring, Command & Control, Economic, Voluntary and Supporting Instruments.
Tourism and the Natural Environment
Importance of the natural environment to Tourism - Environmental threats and issues affecting the natural environment in particular climate change, biodiversity and water shortages on both a national and international level.
Climate Change
Understanding the concept of Climate change and its significance. Impact of Climate change on the tourism industry on both a global and national level. Tourism as a contributor to the problem of climate change. Mitigating the effects of Climate change. Carbon reduction strategies in Tourism. Understanding Carbon Footprint, Scope, 1, 2, & 3 carbon emissions, Carbon Offsetting, Emissions Trading Scheme, carbon credits, carbon neutrality and carbon zero.
Biodiversity and Tourism
The concept of biodiversity, biodiversity crisis, risks to biodiversity with particular reference to Ireland's biodiversity. The impact tourism has on biodiversity. Actions the tourism industry needs to take to protect biodiversity.
Measuring and Monitoring the impact of Tourism
Measuring carbon footprint, Carbon offsetting, Energy and Water conservation, Sustainability in Food and Managing food waste, Plastic waste management etc.
Certifications & Strategies for Sustainability
Strategies for sustainable tourism development in Ireland including Certifications-Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Sustainable Travel Ireland, Leave No Trace, the EU flower, the Green Hospitality Award, Blue Flag etc. Renewable Energy Usage in Ireland and in the future - solar, wind, hydro & wave, geothermal and biomass etc. The role of various government and voluntary agencies EPA, SEAI, An Taisce etc. Failte Ireland's Environmental Plan for Sustainable tourism development. Role of the Tidy Towns and community initiatives.
Environmental Planning in Tourism Operations
The benefits of an Environmental Management System (EMS ) in a tourism business. The five stages in the process of developing an EMS, Green teams, and the development of an Environment Plan for a tourism business.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Written report 2,500 – 3,000 words detailing the efforts undertaken by a tourism operation of their choice to implement sustainability in their business.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
In class exercises on calculating carbon footprint.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
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 In-class lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Sustainability metrics Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study 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 In Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Sustainability Metrics Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study 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
  • David A. Fennell and Chris Cooper. (2020), Sustainable Tourism - Principles, Contexts and Practices, First Edition. Channel View Publications, Bristol, [ISBN: 139781845417659].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Susan L. Slocum,Abena Aidoo,Kelly McMahon. (2020), The Business of Sustainable Tourism Development and Management, First Edition. Routledge, London and New York, [ISBN: 9781138492165].
  • Helen Kopina and John Blewitt. (2015), Sustainable Business: Key issues, Routledge, [ISBN: 9780415739528].
  • David L. Edgell, SR.. (2020), Managing Sustainable Tourism A legacy for the Future, Third Edition. Routledge, p.290, [ISBN: 9780367331382].
  • Marko Koscak and Tony O' Rourke. (2022), Ethical and Responsible Tourism: Managing Sustainability in Local Tourism Destinations, First Edition. Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9780367191467].
  • Daniel Scott, C. Michael Hall and Stefan Gossling.. (2012), Tourism and climate change, 1st. New York; Routledge, [ISBN: 9780415668859].
  • Simon Hudson. (2022), International Case Studies on Tourism Destination Management and Covid-19: Impacts and Responses, First Edition. Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9781032316253].
  • Mowforth, Martin. and Munt, Ian. (2016), Tourism and Sustainablility - Development, globalisation and new tourism in the Third World, 4th. Routledge, [ISBN: 9781138013261].
  • Andrew Holden. (2016), Environment and tourism, Third Edition. Routledge, London, p.280, [ISBN: 978131766408].
  • World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2012), Tourism in the Green Economy, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), [ISBN: 978-92-844-14].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Failte Ireland. (2024), Driving Sustainable Development 2024.
  • Epler Wood et al, Travel Foundation, Cornell University. (2019), The invisible Burden of Tourism – Destinations at Risk.
  • UNWTO-UNEP. (2005), Making Tourism More Sustainable – A Guide for Policy Makers,, [ISSN: 928072507].
  • ITIC. (2014), Protecting the Irish Environment and Landscape - a critical issue for Irish Tourism, August 2014.
  • EPA and Green Hospitality Ireland. (2012), Resource Efficiency in the hospitality Sector Case Studies.
  • Heritage Council and Inland Waterways edited by Kelly B., and Stack M.. (2009), Climate Change, Heritage and Tourism: Implications for Ireland's Coast and Inland Waterways, [ISSN: 1393-68 0].
  • Forfas. (2010), Adaptation to Climate Change: Issues for Business.
  • Routledge. Journal of Sustainable Tourism.
  • Science Direct, Elsevier. Journal of Tourism Management.
Other Resources