Credits: 4

Class Hours: 120

Course Objectives:

Tourism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon and is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. This course adopts a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of the geo-social phenomenon of tourism. It will examine tourism as a global industry and human activity that promotes and facilitates the understanding the historical and cultural values. Students will be given exposure to the major tourism attractions and markets located at different parts of the world. They will also be given introductory training in travel planning and itinerary preparation. While the overall objective of the course is to generate in the minds of learners a critical consciousness of global tourism, it could also become a small but important step in preparing the students for a rewarding career in the tourism industry.

Course Outline:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Tourism Development

This foundational chapter introduces the core concepts, historical evolution, and fundamental classifications of tourism, setting the stage for a critical and interdisciplinary examination of this global phenomenon.

1.1. Concept of Tourism

• 1.1.1. Defining Key Terms: A technical examination of "Visitor," "Tourist," and "Excursionist" based on international standards set by the UN and WTO to ensure comparable data.
• 1.1.2. The "Industry" Debate: A critical analysis of the proposition that tourism is not a single industry but a complex social phenomenon, exploring the arguments for and against this classification.
• 1.1.3. The Tourism System: Identifying the core, interdependent elements of tourism (attractions, accommodation, transport, intermediaries) and the motivations that drive travel.
• 1.1.4. Psychological Motivators: An exploration of the deep-seated human drivers for travel, including escapism, social status, and the powerful role of nostalgia in shaping tourist desires.

1.2. Tourism History & Evolution of Tourism

• 1.2.1. Ancient and Pre-Modern Travel: Examining travel in the Roman Empire and early travel in the Indian context, including the accounts of travelers like Fa-Hien and Ibn Battuta.
• 1.2.2. The Grand Tour: Analyzing the Grand Tour as an aristocratic tradition and a precursor to modern educational and cultural tourism.
• 1.2.3. The Industrial Revolution and the Birth of Mass Tourism: Understanding the role of pioneers like Thomas Cook and the impact of new transportation technologies in making travel accessible to the middle class.
• 1.2.4. The Twentieth-Century Phenomenon: Charting the rapid expansion of global tourism following the development of the commercial jet aircraft in the 1950s.

1.3. Types of Tourism

• 1.3.1. Fundamental Classifications: Differentiating tourism by geographical flow (Domestic, Internal, National, International, Inbound, Outbound).
• 1.3.2. Classification by Purpose and Product: A comprehensive overview of major tourism forms, including Leisure, Business (MICE), Cultural, Heritage, and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives).
• 1.3.3. Alternative vs. Mass Tourism: A comparative analysis of the philosophies, scale, and impacts of conventional mass tourism versus alternative forms, questioning whether "alternative tourism" offers a true solution to the problems of mass travel.

Chapter 2: Tourism Trend

This chapter analyzes the dynamic patterns of global tourism, examining major flows, the shifting balance between traditional and emerging markets, and the specific position of Bangladesh within this global landscape.

2.1. Tourism in the West vs. The East

• 2.1.1. Mature Markets of the West: Analyzing the characteristics of historically dominant tourism markets in Europe and North America.
• 2.1.2. Emerging Markets of the East: Charting the rapid growth and increasing influence of the Asia-Pacific region as both a major source market and a destination powerhouse.
• 2.1.3. Shifting Demographics and New Tourist Profiles: Examining the impact of global demographic trends, such as aging populations in developed nations and the emergence of the long-stay "nomad tourist".

2.2. Global Tourist Flow in Destinations

• 2.2.1. Mapping Global Flows: Identifying and analyzing the major arteries of international tourist movement and the factors influencing them.
• 2.2.2. Leading Destinations: A review of the world's top tourist-receiving countries and the factors contributing to their sustained success.
• 2.2.3. Future Trends: Analyzing forecasts for the key trends underpinning global tourism in the next decade, including technology, security, and changing consumer values.

2.3. Bangladesh's Position

• 2.3.1. Statistical Overview: An analysis of inbound, outbound, and domestic tourism statistics for Bangladesh.
• 2.3.2. Product and Market Analysis: Identifying key tourism products, attractions, and primary source markets for Bangladesh.
• 2.3.3. Strategic Assessment: Evaluating the challenges (e.g., infrastructure, marketing) and opportunities (e.g., unique cultural and natural heritage) for enhancing Bangladesh's position in the global tourism market.

Chapter 3: Tourism Demand and Supply

This section delves into the economic architecture of tourism, analyzing the forces of demand and supply, methods of measurement, and the profound economic and social impacts of tourism growth.

3.1. Country-wise Tourist Arrivals and Foreign Exchange Earnings

• 3.1.1. Key Economic Metrics: Analyzing tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings as primary indicators of tourism's economic scale.
• 3.1.2. The Measurement Challenge: Understanding the historical and ongoing difficulties in achieving reliable, internationally comparable tourism data due to definitional inconsistencies.
• 3.1.3. Top Tourist Importing Countries: Identifying the world's top tourist-spending nations and their primary destinations.

3.2. Economic Aspects of Tourism & Trend of Global Tourism

• 3.2.1. The Multiplier Effect: Explaining how initial tourist spending circulates through a host economy, generating secondary economic activity.
• 3.2.2. Positive and Negative Economic Impacts: A balanced overview of tourism's economic effects, including employment generation, inflation, and leakage of foreign exchange.
• 3.2.3. The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA): Introduction to the UN-approved system for measuring tourism's true contribution to a nation's GDP.

3.3. Impact of Mass Tourism & Urbanization

• 3.3.1. Carrying Capacity and Growth Management: Critically examining the concept of "carrying capacity" and the shift towards more practical "growth management" strategies to address overtourism.
• 3.3.2. Socio-Cultural Impacts: Analyzing the effects on host-guest relations and the "demonstration effect" in communities experiencing mass tourism.

3.4. Tourism State Beyond 2050 & Bangladesh's Position

• 3.4.1. Future Trajectories: Forecasting the key technological, environmental, and social trends that will shape the future of global tourism.
• 3.4.2. Economic Contribution in Bangladesh: Evaluating the economic impact of tourism in Bangladesh using key metrics and assessing the capacity of its tourism supply.

Chapter 4: Travel Procedures

This chapter provides practical, vocational training in the essential procedures and regulations governing international travel, equipping students with the knowledge needed for travel planning and facilitation.

4.1. Departure Documenting Travel

• 4.1.1. Passports and Visas: Understanding different types of visas, application processes, and entry requirements.
• 4.1.2. Health and Safety Documentation: Overview of required vaccinations, health precautions, and the importance of travel insurance and advisories.

4.2. Airport Procedures and Formalities

• 4.2.1. The Departure Process: A step-by-step guide to check-in, security screening, and boarding.
• 4.2.2. The Arrival Process: Navigating immigration, baggage claim, and customs upon arrival.
• 4.2.3. Transit Procedures: Formalities for connecting flights in international airports.

4.3. Custom and Immigration Laws

• 4.3.1. Immigration Control: The process of entry and exit, including passport control and landing cards.
• 4.3.2. Customs Procedures: Rules regarding duty-free allowances, and the declaration of goods.
• 4.3.3. Regional Legal Framework: A specific examination of the customs and immigration laws of SAARC countries as a case study.

Chapter 5: Global Tourism Industry Sector

This section maps the complex structure of the global tourism industry, examining the roles and functions of its key commercial and governmental components.

5.1. Hotels and Hotel Chains

• 5.1.1. The Accommodation Sector: Classifying different forms of tourist lodging and analyzing the business models of major international hotel corporations.
• 5.1.2. The Rise of Consortia: Examining how independent hotels collaborate through marketing and purchasing consortia to compete with large chains.

5.2. Global Tour Operators and Specialization

• 5.2.1. The Shift from Competition to Collaboration: Analyzing the paradigm shift from fragmented, competitive business models to strategic collaborations and alliances (e.g., airline alliances).
• 5.2.2. Market Segmentation and Targeting: Exploring how operators specialize by targeting specific market segments based on psychographics and travel styles.

5.3. Government Organizations Involved in Tourism

• 5.3.1. International Bodies: The role of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in global tourism governance.
• 5.3.2. National and State Organizations: The functions of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) in policy, promotion, and regulation, including the Ministry of Tourism and ITDC in India.
• 5.3.3. The Role of Government Incentives: A critical evaluation of the financial and non-financial incentives used by governments to attract tourism investment.

Chapter 6: Tourism's Environmental Dichotomy

This chapter critically examines the complex relationship between tourism and the environment, exploring both its potential as a tool for conservation and its capacity for degradation.

6.1. Ecotourism

• 6.1.1. Defining Ecotourism: Differentiating it from "alternative tourism" and nature-based tourism, with a focus on its core principles of sustainability and community benefit.
• 6.1.2. A Critical Perspective: Examining the debate on whether ecotourism is a pious hope or a "Trojan Horse" for commercial exploitation.

6.2. Threats and Benefits to Biodiversity

• 6.2.1. Negative Environmental Impacts: Examining the threats of tourism growth, including habitat encroachment, pollution, and depletion of natural resources.
• 6.2.2. Positive Environmental Impacts: Assessing how tourism can provide direct funding for conservation and raise environmental awareness.

6.3. Conservation, Protected Areas, and Impact on Local Community

• 6.3.1. Tourism and Sustainable Development: Defining the principles of sustainable tourism and the need to balance economic viability, environmental integrity, and social equity.
• 6.3.2. Stakeholder Involvement: The critical importance of involving local communities, government, and NGOs in the planning process to ensure balanced and sustainable outcomes.
• 6.3.3. Ethical Considerations: Exploring the moral dilemmas in sustainable tourism, such as the equitable distribution of benefits and respect for cultural norms.

Chapter 7: Dark Tourism

This chapter explores the niche phenomenon of travel to sites associated with death and tragedy, examining its motivations, typologies, and significant ethical challenges.

7.1. Sufferings of Prisoners of War and Concentration Camps

• 7.1.1. Conceptualizing Dark Tourism: Defining the spectrum of travel to sites of "thanatopsis" or tragedy.
• 7.1.2. Case Studies: Examining tourism to sites such as Auschwitz-Birkenau and former battlefields.

7.2. Slavery Sites & Sites of Crimes Against Humanity

• 7.2.1. Heritage of Pain: Analyzing tourism to former slave trading posts and plantations.
• 7.2.2. Memorialization and Tourism: Case studies of sites related to genocide and political atrocities.

7.3. Marketing of Dark Tourism

• 7.3.1. The Role of Nostalgia and Memory: Understanding the psychological motivation for visiting tragic historical sites.
• 7.3.2. Ethical Challenges: Debating the moral implications of commodifying tragedy and the importance of respectful interpretation.

Chapter 8: Spiritual Tourism

This section investigates the powerful and enduring human motivation to travel for spiritual and religious purposes, from ancient pilgrimages to modern wellness quests.

8.1. Routes to Salvation: Pilgrimages (Religious and Spiritual)

• 8.1.1. Defining Pilgrim Tourism: Differentiating between traditional religious pilgrimage and modern, secular spiritual quests.
• 8.1.2. Major Global Pilgrimage Routes: Analyzing globally significant pilgrimages (e.g., The Hajj, Camino de Santiago).
• 8.1.3. Case Study: Major Pilgrimage Circuits in India (e.g., Varanasi, Tirupati, Ajmer).

8.2. Related Festivals and Traditions

• 8.2.1. The Role of Religious Festivals: How events like Kumbh Mela drive mass tourism.
• 8.2.2. Ritual and the Tourist Experience: How participation in or observation of traditions shapes the spiritual journey.
• 8.2.3. The Search for Hope and Salvation: Positioning spiritual travel as a response to the human need for meaning in a globalized world.

Chapter 9: Other Forms of Global Tourism

This final chapter explores several significant and growing niche forms of tourism, highlighting the increasing specialization and diversification of the global tourism market.

9.1. Gastro-tourism

• 9.1.1. Food as a Destination Driver: Analyzing how cuisine, culinary heritage, and local produce attract tourists.
• 9.1.2. Developing Culinary Products: Case studies of food festivals, wine trails, and cooking classes as tourist attractions.

9.2. Medical Tourism

• 9.2.1. Defining Medical and Wellness Tourism: Differentiating between travel for necessary medical procedures and travel for enhancing personal well-being.
• 9.2.2. Global Hubs: Identifying leading destinations for medical and wellness tourism.

9.3. Adventure Tourism

• 9.3.1. The Adventure Spectrum: Differentiating between "hard" and "soft" adventure activities.
• 9.3.2. Case Studies: Major destinations for activities like trekking in the Himalayas or water sports in Goa.

9.4. Sports Tourism

• 9.4.1. Active vs. Passive Sports Tourism: Distinguishing between travel to participate in sports and travel to spectate at major events.
• 9.4.2. Economic and Social Impact: Analyzing the scale and impact of mega-events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Text Books:

• William F. Theobald (Ed.). Global Tourism 3rd Edition). Elsevier Inc. (Transferred to Taylor & Francis as of 2011)
• William F. Theobald. Global Tourism (Latest Edition). Amazon.com
• BS Badan and Harish Bhatt. Global Tourism. Common Wealth Publishers, New Delhi, India

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