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ISLA IPGT 520

Introduction to Tourism

Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Management
  • ApresentaçãoPresentation
    Introduction to Tourism provides an integrated overview of the foundations of tourism as an economic, social, and multidisciplinary phenomenon. It introduces students to the key concepts, classifications and structural elements of tourism, as well as its evolution, organisation and functioning as a system of relationships among different actors. As an introductory course unit, it establishes the conceptual foundations required to understand the different dimensions of tourism, which are further developed in subsequent course units. The combination of theoretical foundations, case analysis, interaction with professionals, and exposure to real tourism contexts fosters an initial critical and integrated understanding of tourism activity.
  • ProgramaProgramme
    1. Analysis of the tourism phenomenon: Definition and concepts; Classifications of tourism; Types of tourism; Measures and indices for analysis. 2. The evolution of societies and the evolution of tourism over the centuries. 3. Structure and organisation of tourism: The tourism system - Institutional, structural and organisational aspects of tourism in Portugal and worldwide. 4. The tourism market: concept and characterisation of the tourism market; Basic elements of the tourism market 4.1. Tourism supply: concept and classification; Tourism products; Accommodation, transport and entertainment; The private sector's role in the provision of tourism services; The institutional sector's role in the provision of tourism services. 4.2. Tourism demand: concept and formation of tourism demand; Tourism needs; Tourism consumption; Motivations for demand. 5. Economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism. 6. Future prospects in tourism: Trends in tourism development; Agents of change.   
  • ObjectivosObjectives
    By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:   O1 - Identify and distinguish the main concepts, classifications and types of tourism; O2 - Understand the evolution of tourism and its significance as an economic and social phenomenon; O3 - Identify the main structural elements of the tourism industry and understand the institutional organisation of tourism; O4- Analyse, at an introductory level, the tourism market, tourism demand and supply, and the main factors influencing them; O5- Critically analyse the main economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts associated with the development of tourism. O6- Analyse and put into perspective trends in the development of tourism and the agents of change.  
  • BibliografiaBibliography
    Cooper, C., & Ruhanen, L. (2026). Essentials of Tourism (5th ed.). SAGE. Holloway, J. C., & Humphreys, C. (2022). The Business of Tourism (12th ed.). SAGE. Page, S. J., & Connell, J. (2020). Tourism: A Modern Synthesis (5th ed.). Routledge. OECD. (2026). OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/3fd3cd75-en  
  • MetodologiaMethodology
    The course unit adopts an active, student-centred learning approach, combining conceptual foundations with the application of knowledge. Methods include flipped classroom, case analysis and discussion, problem-solving, collaborative work and peer learning. Theory-practice sessions focus on applying concepts to real tourism situations. Engagement with the tourism sector is promoted through seminars with professionals and study visits, aligned with the course contents and, whenever relevant, with the Academic and Professional Skills course unit. These methodologies foster autonomy, participation, critical thinking and students' ability to connect theoretical foundations with real contexts of tourism activity.
  • LínguaLanguage
    Português
  • TipoType
    Semestral
  • ECTS
    6
  • NaturezaNature
    Mandatory
  • EstágioInternship
    Não
  • AvaliaçãoEvaluation

    Descrição dos instrumentos de avaliação (individuais e de grupo) ¿ testes, trabalhos práticos, relatórios, projetos... respetivas datas de entrega/apresentação... e ponderação na nota final.

    Exemplo:

    Descrição

    Data limite

    Ponderação

    Teste escrito 

    a indicar

    60%

    Trabalho prático + Apresentação Oral e defesa do trabalho (*)

     

    a indicar

    30% + 10%

     

     

     

    (*) Ao longo do semestre os alunos serão solicitados a realizar vários trabalhos práticos que confluem para o trabalho final 

    NB:
    Nota mínima de 8 valores obrigatória em cada uma das componentes da avaliação
     

    Descrição Ponderação
    Exame escrito 60%
    Trabalho prático + Apresentação Oral e defesa - Obrigatório 40%
       

    NB:
    Nota mínima de 8 valores obrigatória em cada uma das componentes da avaliação

    Submissão do trabalho final no Moodle até às 23h59m do dia do Exame. A Nota do trabalho da época normal é validada para todas as Épocas de Exames

    É obrigatória a apresentação oral do trabalho na data marcada para a realização do Exame