Tourism is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic industries contributing to GDP in many countries in the Global South and is a key source of employment, income generation and government revenue. This module examines how tourism places in the Global South have been created and are maintained. It discusses the rise and spatial diffusion of the global tourism industry and its main socio-economic and environmental impacts. The recent history of international tourism is introduced with a particular focus on the role of scale from the largest tourism transnational corporations operating at a global level through to small-scale tourism such as family-run guest houses or backpacker hostels. The module links to key contemporary issues such as globalisation, mobility, production and consumption, land use changes and environmental pressure. It discusses the major role played by tourism in the Global South where it is often seen by governments as a main driver of economic development and poverty alleviation.
Lecture 16, Seminar 16
2,000 words Report. Assessment Details: Written report worth 50%.
2-hours Exam, worth 50%.
Reassessment Method: Like for like.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Outline and analyse the relationship between the global tourism industry and economic development with a particular focus on the Global South.
Critically analyse the main socio-economic and environmental impacts of tourism.
Critically evaluate the concepts underlying tourism development in the Global South and questions over its sustainability .
Describe and explain how tourism environments and landscapes changes are the result of human activity and their spatial variations over time.
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