Course Resources Archive

This module examines the positive and negative impacts (benefits and costs) that tourism activities have on host environments, economies and societies. It highlights the political and subjective nature of impact assessment interpretation as it has been applied within tourism development and management.

Through a diversity of case studies, the module considers the magnitude and significance of environmental, economic and socio-cultural impacts on tourism destinations and gives a critical introduction to impact research and assessment tools in the context of sustainable tourism. Topics include: Environmental impacts, socio-cultural impacts, economic impacts, impact evaluation tools, impact assessment methodologies and politics of decision- making.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Evaluate the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism on a specific location;
2. Assess the significance of managing tourism impacts in the context of sustainable tourism planning and management;
3. Have a critical understanding of the research methods and protocols used to undertake effective impact research;
4. Analyse the roles of different stakeholders in the decision-making process on managing tourism impacts;
5. Demonstrate their key skill development in the following areas: Communication and Literacy; Problem Solving; Independent Learning and Working

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.