Details - Tematika

Touristic destination management (MATUBAN-TDESTMAN-1)

Basic data

Name and type of the study programme

Tourism and catering, undergraduate program

Curriculum

2024

Classes / consultation hours

2 + 1 + 0 (L+S+Labs)

Credits

5 credits

Theory – Practice

Theory: 67%, Practice: 33%

Recommended semester

Semester 4

Study mode

full-time

Prerequisites

Evaluation type

Mid-term evaluation

Course category

Compulsory

Language

English

Instructors

Responsible instructor

Dávid Lóránt Dénes Dr.

Responsible department

Gazdaságtudományi Kar

Instructor(s)

Dávid Lóránt Dénes Dr.

Checked by

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Course objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, tools, and challenges of tourism destination management (TDM), as well as opportunities for practical implementation and international examples.

Course content

Lectures

1. Introduction to course requirements. Formation of student pairs. Introduction to Tourism Destination Management (TDM). Concept and types of destinations. Role and significance of destination management. Development of TDM in Hungary and international examples. 2. Elements of a tourism destination: attractions, infrastructure, accommodation, transport, services. Classification of attractions and development opportunities. 3. TDM organizations and their operation. The role of TDM organizations in tourism management. TDM models: Hungarian and international examples. Organizational structure and financing. 4. Strategic planning in destinations. The planning process in TDM. Situation analysis, SWOT analysis. Defining objectives and priorities. 5. Marketing communication in destinations. Destination branding and image development. Marketing tools: online and offline. Role of digital marketing in promoting destinations. 6. Sustainability in destination management. Definition and importance of sustainable tourism. Development and management of green destinations. Examples of sustainable destinations. 7. Mid-term test. Topic: Quality management in tourism destinations. Quality assurance in tourism. Measuring and improving guest satisfaction. Certification systems (e.g., Green Certificates). 8. Innovation and technology in TDM. Innovative tools in destination management (e.g., smart tourism). Big Data and analytics in decision-making. Role of digital platforms. 9. Crisis management and risk management. Preparing destinations for crises. Risk analysis and strategic responses. Lessons learned from COVID-19. 10. Involvement of local communities in TDM. Community-based tourism. Participation of local residents and entrepreneurs in planning. Conflict management among stakeholders. 11. International trends and future outlook. Global tourism trends. Maintaining destination competitiveness. Future challenges and opportunities. 12. Mid-term test and presentations.

Seminars

Based on the theoretical knowledge presented above, and supplementing it.

Acquired competences

Knowledge

- Knows the rules and ethical standards of cooperation in projects, teams, and organizations. - Understands the functioning of the tourism sector, related industries, and domestic and international tourism markets, their actors, characteristics, and interrelations. - Knows the types of tourism enterprises (accommodation, catering, leisure facilities) and the principles and management methods of their operation and market activities.

Skills

- Able to identify, structure, and analyze facts and basic interrelations using theories and methods learned. Can draw independent conclusions, provide critical remarks, prepare decision-supporting proposals, and make decisions even in routine or partially unknown contexts. - Able to communicate conclusions and the underlying knowledge clearly to both professional and non-professional audiences. - Able to organize and manage the market activities of tourism enterprises. - Able to plan, organize, manage, and supervise partially or entirely the activities of tourism and hospitality businesses.

Attitude

- Shows problem sensitivity and proactive behavior to ensure quality work. In project and group work, acts constructively, cooperatively, and with initiative. - Receptive to new information, professional knowledge, and methodologies. Open to new tasks and responsibilities requiring independence and cooperation. Strives to improve knowledge and professional relationships. - Open to understanding changes affecting tourism and hospitality, as well as the specific organization, and to applying new professional knowledge and methods. - Strives to share professional results and proposals with those interested in the development of tourism and hospitality

Autonomy and responsibilities

- Takes responsibility for analyses, conclusions, and decisions. - Consciously assumes and communicates the ethical standards of the profession. - Ready to independently monitor changes in the social, economic, technological, and legal environment of tourism, follow relevant policies, and draw responsible conclusions.

Additional professional competences

Not relevant.

Requirements, evaluation and grading

Mid-term study requirements

Mode of assessment (coll. / pract. grade. / other ): grades (1-5) ): practical grade Additional (specific) methods to be used in knowledge testing (if any): 1. There are two mid-term tests during the semester. Each test must be passed separately with at least 51%. 2. At the end of the semester, students working in pairs must prepare a presentation and briefly present their results related to an agreed destination management activity. The presentation consists of several subtasks. These subtasks and possible solutions are distributed and presented during the seminars. To successfully complete the seminar work, all subtasks must be presented together at the end of the semester. In the designated seminar sessions (last two weeks of the term), pairs must deliver a 15–20-minute presentation on their results. Evaluation system (100 points total): • Mid-term tests: 25 + 25 points • Final presentation: 50 points Grading scale: • 86–100%: Excellent (5) • 76–85%: Good (4) • 61–75%: Satisfactory (3) • 50–60%: Pass (2) • Below 50%: Fail (1)

Generative AI usage

2nd position: Use of GAI tools is permitted in a limited manner (e.g., for literature search support or specific tools). In this case, the course instructor is responsible for defining where and how GAI tools may be used in assignments. The course description must specify in detail how GAI tools may be used during the course.

Study aids, laboratory background

Not relevant, mandatory and recommended reading is required.

Readings

Compulsory readings

- STEVEN PIKE Destination Marketing: Essentials. Routledge, 2021. - CHRIS RYAN: Advanced Introduction to Tourism Destination Management. University of Waikato. 2020