Sustainable Tourism Management

0.5 unit
Prerequisite: THMT 1101
An introduction to various ways that tourism impacts ecologies and communities throughout the world. The
primary focus is on policies, designs, and strategies to mitigate the negative impacts and help tourism to
become a sustainable and positive aspect of community development. Environmental, economic, cultural and
social aspects of tourism will be considered.
Course Description
This course introduces the concepts and principles associated with sustainable tourism management,
emphasizing on various ways that tourism impacts ecologies and communities throughout the world. Topics to
be addressed include: concept, justification, and evolution of sustainable tourism; socio-cultural, economic, and
environmental dimensions of sustainable tourism; policies, designs, and strategies in relation to; principles
conductive to sustain tourism planning and community development.
Course Objectives
Students will be able to:
§ Understand the philosophy, scope and principles of sustainable development.
§ Summarize sustainability and its relevance to tourism.
§ Differentiate sustainable versus non-sustainable practices in tourism development.
§ Analyze the socio-cultural, environmental and economic impacts of tourism at the individual, community,
and greater society levels.
§ Identify strategies to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive impacts of tourism.
§ Demonstrate an awareness of good practice in sustainable tourism management.
Sustainable Tourism Management
THMT 2244 Winter 2020 (01)
§ Access the practical application of sustainable tourism principles.
§ Evaluate and explain the challenges and opportunities encountered in implementing sustainable tourism
management principles in such subsectors as accommodation, transportation, tour operations, F&B, and
etc.
Course Materials
Required Readings: PDF uploaded on the course website
Sustainable Tourism. Teaching for a Sustainable World (UNESCO – UNEP International Environmental
Education Programme) Retrieved December 2014 from
http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_c/mod16.html
Additional Recommended Readings:
Additional recommended readings will be posted on the Moodle for weekly module.
Websites:
§ Global Sustainable Tourism Council found at http://www.gstcouncil.org/
§ United Nations Foundations Promoting Sustainable Tourism found at http://www.unfoundation.org/whatwe-do/legacy-of-impact/sustainable-development/promoting-sustainable-tourism.html
§ Sustainable Tourism found at http://www.sustainabletourism.net/
§ Sustainable Tourism Online found at http://www.sustainabletourismonline.com/default.aspx
Course Format:
Class sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays will be conducted in the classroom. These class sessions will
include a combination of lectures, discussions, activities, case studies, and assignments. In the event of
unexpected circumstances, class session(s) may be conducted online. In such cases, you will be asked to follow
the instructions posted on the course Moodle page.
Moodle: This course requires the student to use the Moodle site for course information and assignments.
Course Evaluation
Assessment Summary:
The following table provides a summary of the specific assessment tools for this course, as well as the related
point value (percentage value) of the final grade. Details about each of the assessment tools are provided in the
‘Assessment Overview.’ Due dates for each of the assessment tools are outlined in the ‘Course Schedule.’
Assessment Tool Brief Description Pt. Value (% Value)
Exam 50 (50.0%)
• Mid Exam Mix of multiple choice, T/F, short answer and essay 20 (20.0%)
• Final Exam Mix of multiple choice, T/F, short answer and essay 30 (30.0%)
Attendance/ Activity/ Participation 10 (10.0%)
• Attendance & In Class
activities
Attendance and participation in class (discussions,
activities, etc.) 10 (10.0%)
Presentation/Research paper 40 (50.0%)
• Group Presentation Presentation 20 (20.0%)
• Research Paper Development 20 (20.0%)
TOTAL 100 (100.0%)
NOTE: To pass the course students must achieve an average of 50% on the midterm and final
exam.
§ All on-campus students must write their exams on-campus. Permission will not be granted for on-campus
students to write via distance.
EVALUTATION: The evaluation components will be discussed with students at the first class meeting
and may be changed as a result of that discussion.
NOTE for the late or missing submission:
§ Students requesting special consideration as a result of a conflict with a deadline for an assignment or an
examination must do so in advance of the relevant deadline
§ Make-ups will not be given for attendance/participation unless you either notify me prior to the class period
with proper documentation or contact me via email within 3 days of missing class with a valid excuse.
These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis (see the ‘Course Policies’).
§ Students are advised to notify the instructor for the last submission or missing submission in advance.
Please note that “I forgot” is not an acceptable excuse.
§ Failure to attend class on the date that attendance/participation is collected will result in a 0 for that class
session, if the conditions mentioned above are not satisfied.
Assessment Overview:
Attendance/Activity/Participation/:
Students are expected to attend class sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Depending on the specific class
session, attendance/participation may be collected in the form of either a sign-in sheet or discussions and
activities that review lecture and textbook materials.
§ Make-ups will not be given for any attendance/participation without notifying the instructor prior to the class
period, as well as providing proper documentation (see the ‘Course Policies’).
§ Failure to attend class on the date that attendance/participation is collected (without prior notification and
documentation) will result in a zero for that class session.
§ If an activity is given as a take home, it must be typed and submitted via the course website by the deadline
(deadline will be announced when the activity is announced to be taken home).
§ Students may be asked to watch videos related to class topics and write short reflection papers.
Group Presentation and Group Project:
For the research paper and presentation, students will work in small groups of up to 4 students. The purpose of
the project is to research a sustainable tourism management practice/plan for tourism industries and
communities and to make a visual presentation. The specific details of the group term project, including
requirements and the grading rubrics for the presentation and research paper, will be discussed in class and
posted on the course website.
§ Requirements (including online and hard copies) must be submitted prior to the start of class on the
assigned presentation date.
§ Failure to submit requirements by the deadline (without prior notification and documentation) will result in
the enforcement of a late penalty (see the ‘Course Policies’).
o Groups of students will research an approved hotel company, tour operator, winery, cruise
company, ski resort or resort. The presentation/paper will describe the sustainability issues of
this organization using concepts learned in the course and include Social/Cultural, Economic,
Political and Environmental concerns. The second part of the presentation/paper is to describe
strategies that would assist in solving some of the issues identified.
o This is a research paper and citations are expected to show the research…there should be a
minimum of 6 references and not all websites can be used nor Wikipedia.
o The paper will use APA formatting, and length should be 6 – 8 pages double spaced using 12 point
font. This does not include title page, or references or appendices. Peer evaluations will be used to
distribute the group marks.
o The presentations will take approx. 10 minutes and will describe the company’s operations, and the
social, economic, political, environmental and cultural concerns. Strategies will also be suggested
that would assist in solving some of these issues. Basically the presentation will describe the
research paper findings.
Grading Scale
The University’s grading system will be used for this course (for information about MSVU’s grades and grading
policies, please consult
http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/academiccalendars/undergradprograms/regulations/gradin
gexaminations.aspx). In accordance, a student’s overall performance in this course will be graded as follows:
Letter
Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D F
Point
Range 100-90 89-85 84-80 79-77 76-73 72-70 69-67 66-63 62-60 59-50 49-0
GPA
Points 4.5 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.0 0.0
Your instructor may change the course requirements (if this proves necessary and reasonable) as well as the
marking scheme with the consent of the Dean and with reasonable notice to students taking this course.
Feedback: All students, including those in labs and pass/fail courses, must receive written feedback from
instructors before the deadline for withdrawing without academic penalty. This requirement does not apply to
practica, co-ops and internships.
Bonus Points – Learning Passport
This course is eligible for the Learning Passport (LP). You may earn up to 3 bonus points by participating in
LP activities. Please note however that LP bonus points will NOT increase a student’s grade from an F to a
passing grade.
This initiative is designed to encourage you to learn by participating between January 14th and March 26th 2020
in select activities within the Business and Tourism Department, MSVU, and the broader community. Twentyminute information sessions will be held in January. Your passport must be submitted on or before March 26th
to be eligible for bonus points. A list of activities as well as any special requirements and instructions can be
found on the LP Moodle site.
Learning Passport dates: Fall Term: January 14th to March 26th
msvu.ca/LearningPassport
Please remember the following:
• Sign into the Learning Passport Moodle site for information regarding the program; some activities have
special requirements. Students must attend all LP events on-time in order to participate
• Students may complete a MAXIMUM OF TWO LP Activities OFFERED BY STUDENT SERVICES per “LP
term”. Student Services LP Activities include activities listed under “Study Skills Workshops” and “Career
Planning Services Events”. The exact same Study Skills Workshop or Career Planning Services LP Activity
cannot be completed within the same academic year.
• Students must complete Part I of the passport (that is the information related to the name, date and
description of the activity as well as their signature) before they ask the activity representative to sign Part
Course Policies
Use of Course Material:
As a student in this course you should observe the following:
• Course material to which you are granted access in this course is only to be used for this course.
• Material that you submit as part of the requirements of this course cannot be used to complete the
requirements of another course, without the expressed permission of the instructor of the second
course. This constitutes cheating as stated in the Academic Calendar.
• Students do not have permission to upload course material to any external websites or share with
others, unless expressly permitted to do so by the instructor. If you require further clarification about
using materials from this course in other contexts, please contact the instructor.
• Under no circumstances are students permitted to provide anyone not registered in this course with
access to the Mount Online course site established for the course.
• Only students registered in this Mount Online course site are permitted to view, download, upload,
comment or otherwise participate in this course site.
Notes:
• Regular attendance is expected of students at all classes.
• Be punctual with regards to class attendance and deadlines.
• Be prepared to participate in class. Students are required to read all assigned materials prior to class.
• Actively participate in class. Active participation includes asking thoughtful questions, contributing
knowledge and ideas relevant to the topic, volunteering answers to questions, and sharing examples or
relevant material from other readings, classes, and media sources.
• Be courteous and respectful to your peers, guest speakers, and the instructor.
• If students disrupt the class, they will be asked to leave. Disruptive behavior includes:
o Using a cell phone for any reason (see ‘Technology Policies’).
o Using a laptop or tablet for any reason other than taking notes or working on in-class
activities (see ‘Technology Policies’).
o Participating in side conversations that are irrelevant to the class subject.
o Reading or working on materials irrelevant to the class subject (e.g., assignments for
another class).
o Leaving the classroom early and arriving late, especially habitually and without a
legitimate excuse.
• Students requesting special consideration as a result of a conflict with a deadline for an assignment or
an examination must do so in advance of the relevant deadline.
• Students who have a disability and who require academic accommodations must register with
Accessibility Services as early as possible in order to receive accommodations.

accessibilityservices

• Requests for accommodation of specific religious or spiritual observance must be presented in writing
to the instructor within the first two weeks of class.
• University regulations on plagiarism and cheating and other academic offenses will be strictly enforced.
These regulations including applicable procedures and penalties are detailed in the University Calendar
and are posted on department notice boards and on the website at www.msvu.ca
on the Current Students page under Academic Offenses.
• Correct use of language is one of the criteria included in the evaluation of all written assignments.
• Students who conduct research involving human participants must have their research reviewed in
accordance with the MSVU Policies and Procedures for Ethics Review of Research Involving humans
before starting the research. Check with your course professor or Chair of the department about proper
procedure.
• If a faculty member wishes to change a course outline after the start of classes, this can only be done
with reasonable notice to the class. After the deadline to register/add a course, changes to the timing,
number, and weighting of assignments and examinations need the approval of the Dean.
• All students, including those in labs and pass/fail courses, must receive written feedback from
instructors before the deadline for withdrawing without academic penalty. This requirement does not
apply to practica, co-ops and internships.
• No tests or examinations worth more than 20% of the course grade shall be held in the last two weeks
of classes in the Fall/Winter semesters
HELPFUL MSVU ONLINE RESOURCES FOR YOU:
• Mount website: http://www.msvu.ca
IT Services:
• Website: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/itservices/default.aspx
• helpdesk@msvu.ca
• 902-457-6538 during normal business hours
• 902-457-6788 during evenings and weekends
• 902-457-6601 from the computer lab phones
• Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 8:00pm, EMF Lower Level
• Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, EMF Lower Level
Teaching and Learning Platform:
• Moodle: https://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/tlcol/MoodleCollaborate/default.aspx
• Moodle login: http://moodlelive.msvu.ca
• Moodle Student Guide: http://moodlelive.msvu.ca/mod/resource/view.php?id=34234
Online Learning support:
• General Inquiries onlinelearning@msvu.ca
• Mount Online Support online@msvu.ca
• Phone 902-457-6511
• Toll-Free 1-800-665-3838
• Student email: https://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/itservices/outlookwebaccess.aspx
Assisi Information Centre: (902) 457-6788
• Parking/Security: https://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/safety-security/parking/default.aspx
Undergraduate Academic Calendar: http://www.msvu.ca/calendar/undergraduate.asp
Library: http://www.msvu.ca/library
Writing Resource Centre:
http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/academicadvisingsupport/writingresourcecentre/default.aspx
Student Services: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/default.aspx
Class Cancellation Line: (902) 457-6566 and website:
http://www2.msvu.ca/classcancellation/Pages/index.aspx
Mount students registered in the Business or Tourism Programs are considered members of the Halifax
Chamber of Commerce and have access to information and great offers, including but not limited to:
• Join one (or many!) of our 100+ events and make connections to the business community. These
businesses are the companies that will be looking to hire students, like yourself, in the future!
• Discounts from our many Benefit Providers including Home & Auto insurance with TD Insurance.
• Access to our Member Directory, a great way to connect with local businesses.
• M2M Marketplace offers.
Technology Policies
Microsoft Office Products – this course is built on the use of Microsoft Office Products. Should you elect to
use a different product, it is your responsibility to convert it to the prescribed format.
Online access is the student’s responsibility. Please contact the IT&S Help Desk (http:// helpdesk@msvu.ca ) if
you have a technological problem (e.g., trouble accessing the MOODLE). Any requests for a make-up due to
technological issues must be emailed to the instructor within 24 hours and must be accompanied by the
confirmation email from the helpdesk when the problem was reported.
The use of laptops and tablets for taking notes and working on in-class activities is permitted in this course.
Laptops and tablets may not be used for any other reason, including checking social media or messaging with
friends. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in dismissal from class.
The use of cell phones for any reason is not permitted in this course. Cell phones should not be placed on a
desk or a student’s lap. Cell phones must be turned to silent. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in dismissal
from class.
As the instructor teaches other courses, email correspondence with the instructor should include the course
prefix and number in the subject line. Please follow rules of professional common courtesy in all correspondence.
Please do your homework before sending an email. Based on experience, most questions can be answered by
reviewing the syllabus, course materials, and emails from the instructor to the class.
Attendance & Late Assignment Policies
Students must complete and pass all assignments and final exam. Students can only be excused from
scheduled quizzes and exams by a signed medical excuse. Students are expected to participate at all classes
and will be evaluated accordingly.
Students with prior knowledge of an excused absence must make arrangements to submit assignments prior to
the due date. Documentation must be provided to the instructor for an excused absence. Excused absences
include, but are not limited to, personal illness, family illness or death, jury duty, religious holiday, and official
University activities. Absences will be excused at the instructor’s discretion.
A penalty will be enforced if a student fails to submit an assignment by the deadline (without prior notification
and documentation). The equivalent of 15% will be deducted from the assignment grade immediately after an
assignment becomes late. After 24 hours, an additional 10% will be deducted per day past the due date. There
are no exceptions to this policy.
Course Schedule
The course schedule is tentative and subject to change. The course schedule for class sessions on Mondays
and Wednesdays may be changed in an effort to reflect the progress of the class. Changes to the schedule will
be announced in class and on Moodle. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of announced schedule
changes.
Week Date Topic Notes
W1 Mon 6 Jan
Wed 8 Jan
Course Introduction
Understanding Sustainable Development
Review of course outline and
requirement
W2 Mon 13 Jan
Wed 15 Jan
Principle of Sustainable Tourism
-Definition and Concept
W3 Mon 20 Jan
Wed 22 Jan
Impacts of Tourism on Economy, Environment,
Society and Culture
Tourism in the Green Economy
W4 Mon 27 Jan
Wed 29 Jan
Culture and Religion
No Class: Caritas Day
W5 Mon 3 Feb
Wed 5 Feb
Indigenous Knowledge
Women and Sustainable Development
W6 Mon 10 Feb
Wed 12 Feb
Mid Term Review
Mid-Term
Review Monday 10 Feb
Mid-Term Wednesday 12 Feb
W7 Mon 17 Feb
Wed 19 Feb
READING WEEK-NO CLASS
W8 Mon 24 Feb
Wed 26 Feb
Populations and Development
W9 Mon 2 Mar
Wed 4 Mar
World Hunger
*Self-directed study Instructions will be given prior to
class
W10 Mon 9 Mar
Wed 11 Mar
*Self-directed study
Sustainable Agriculture
Instructions will be given prior to
class
W11 Mon 16 Mar
Wed 18 Mar
Sustainable Communities
Globalization
W12 Mon 23 Mar
Wed 25 Mar
Climate Change
W13 Mon 30 Mar
Wed 1 April
Presentation
Presentation
Group term projects due:
Research paper due PRIOR to class,
30 March
W14 Mon 6 Apr
Wed 8 Apr
Review for Final Exam
Final Exam will be held within the final exam
period (April 14 – 24)
*Self-directed study: instructions will be given prior to class