ISLA Santarém 520

Introduction to Tourism

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  The curricular unit Introduction to Tourism aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of tourism, exploring its historical evolution and different classifications. The course includes a detailed analysis of tourism demand and supply, as well as consumer behaviour and market dynamics. The economic, sociocultural, and environmental impacts of tourism are also examined, with a special focus on sustainability. As part of the Bachelor's Degree programme, this course seeks to equip students with analytical and critical skills for a reflective and strategic approach to the tourism sector. Through a combination of theoretical teaching and practical activities, students will develop essential skills for planning, destination management, and promoting sustainability, preparing them for future professional interventions in areas such as destination management and tourism promotion.
• ProgramaProgramme

  1. Conceptualising tourism 1.1 Fundamental concepts associated with tourism 1.2 The historical evolution of tourism 1.3. Classifications and types of tourism 1.4. The functional system of tourism and its multidisciplinary nature 2. Tourism demand 2.1 Definition and forms of tourist demand 2.2 Characteristics and determining factors 2.3 Motivations associated with tourist demand 2.4 Tourist consumption and the profile of the new tourist consumer 3. The tourist offer 3.1 Definition, characteristics and components 3.2 Tourist activities (businesses) 4. Sources of tourism information 4.1 Statistical sources 4.2 Indicators of tourism demand and supply 4.3 Statistical evaluation measures 5. The impacts of tourism 5.1 Economic impacts, social-cultural impacts and environmental impacts 5.2 Tourism and sustainability
• ObjectivosObjectives

  Objectives: O1. Understand and define the fundamental concepts associated with tourism, analyze the historical evolution of tourism and identify the multidisciplinary nature of tourism; O2. Know the forms, characteristics and factors of tourist demand; O3. Understand the concept of tourist offer and explore tourist activities and businesses; O4. Identify the importance of statistical sources and indicators to evaluate the tourism market. O5. Identify and analyze the impacts of tourism and discuss the concept of sustainable tourism. Skills and competencies: C1. Understand and define the fundamental concepts associated with tourism; C2. Understand the behavior, profile and motivations of consumers; C3 Recognize and analyze the impacts of tourism on tourist destinations and local communities and understand the importance of developing sustainable tourism; C4. Promote a critical and conscious approach to tourism challenges and opportunities.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Cunha, L. (2013). Economia e Política do Turismo. 3ª Edição. Lisboa: Lidel - Cunha, L., Abrantes, A. (2019). Introdução ao Turismo. 6ª Edição. Lisboa: Lidel. - Fletcher, J., Fyall, A.; Gilbert, D., Wanhill, S. (2018). Tourism – principles and practice. (6th ed.). London, England: Perason. - Page, S. P., & Connell, J. (2020). Tourism A Modern Synthesis (5th ed.). Andover, UK: Routledge - Sharpley, R., & Stone, P. R. (2018). Tourism and Development: Concepts and Issues. Channel View Publications.
• MetodologiaMethodology

  Presencial: 1. theoretical-practical teaching: Presentation of concepts and discussion of programme contents. 2. Laboratory practice: Technical visits to tourist destinations to observe and understand the tourist industry in situ; Field research in tourist destinations; Critical analysis of case studies related to the tourist phenomenon and classroom debates. 3. Simulated practice: The practical sessions will focus on Project and Problem-Based Learning (PBL), where real scenarios will be discussed and students will be encouraged to propose solutions and projects in groups, applying the fundamental concepts exposed and developing practical skills, Autonomous: 4. Consolidation of the content taught in class by researching additional information on the different topics covered and developing additional work related to solving concrete problems and group dynamics.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  7
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não
• AvaliaçãoEvaluation

  Descrição	Data limite	Ponderação
  Teste de Avaliação	19-01-2026	50%
  Trabalho Individual e Apresentação Oral	10-11-2025	20%
  Participação em Sala de Aula (Exercícios)	Ao longo do Semestre	20%
  Relatório Aula Aberta	Outubro	10%

  * A redação e apresentação deve seguir as normas de elaboração dos trabalhos académicos do ISLA Santarém.