Understanding Tourism

Tourism is arguably the world's largest industries and has been considered as an economic development option by many developing countries. However, it is debatable whether income generated through tourism can bring marginalized communities increased economic independence and life standards. This course aims to use tourism as a lens to explore key issues of globalization and socio-economic development and how tourism, a global phenomenon, influences local people's lives. Course objectives are to 1) introduce the concepts relevant to tourism and globalization; 2) apply theoretical frameworks to the analysis of contemporary issues of the globalization of tourism, and the complex relationships that link local, regional, national and international processes and patterns of tourism development; 3) explore the dynamic relationship between the forces of globalization, transnational tourism corporations, and the state and civil society in the context of tourism; and 4) assess critically the economic, political and social ramifications of the systemic sources of power and inequality which are reflected in and sustained by international tourism.