Semester I · TM24/1C/FOT
Fundamentals of Tourism
A five-unit foundation course tracing tourism from its historical origins through travel motivation, industry structure, and the challenges shaping its future.
Course objectives
- Discuss the evolution of tourism through a historical approach
- Analyze core concepts in the tourism industry
- Assess knowledge on the origin of tourism
- Determine changing patterns of tourism in the modern era
- Identify the formation of tourism as an industry in global perspective
Modules
1History of Tourism
Chronological history of tourism · travellers & travelogues (Fahien, Hieun Tsang, Marco Polo, Ibn Batuta, Vasco da Gama, Magellan) · trade routes (Silk Route, Spice Route) · rise of international tourism, industrialisation, and globalization
15 hrs
Facets of Tourism
Defining tourism, tourist, visitor, and excursionist · components, nature, and characteristics of tourism · forms and alternative forms of tourism · tourism product concept and classification
15 hrs
Travel Motivators
Motivation of travel, types, and the motivation process · Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Dann’s push-and-pull theory, Gray’s travel motivation theory · destination vs. non-destination motivators · tourism trends
15 hrs
Scope of Tourism
Travel agencies, tour operators, tourist guides/interpreters · transport (airlines, railways, cruise, roadways) · accommodation, event management, and destination management companies
15 hrs
Challenges in Tourism
Economic & socio-cultural impacts (multiplier effect, leakage, commodification, demonstration effect) · political & environmental impacts (conservation, resource depletion) · sustainability, seasonality & overtourism
15 hrs