Graduate Diploma in
Sustainable Economic Development via Tourism

Course Descriptions

Economic Development and Tourism Management

Provides a market-oriented, strategic planning framework to address a broad range of tourism and regional economic and development issues that relate to tourism industry development and growth. The interplay of private, public, and government organizations is discussed as they relate to the development of a comprehensive tourism plan. The combination of theory and practice will prepare students to analyze tourism markets, assess area, regional, and national weaknesses and strengths as well as the security, infrastructure/logistics, marketing, and costs associated with tourism. Topics include: importance of tourism to the economy; developing the tourism strategy; ecotourism; research and analysis; positioning and marketing; funding tourism; and developing new attractions. (MET AD 600; 4 credits)

Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism

Cultural Tourism in the 21st century is more than the traditional passive activities of visiting a museum, hearing a concert, or strolling down a historic street. It has become an active, dynamic branch of tourism in which half of all tourists have stated that they want some cultural activities during their vacation. In this course we will introduce various themes of cultural tourism, including the relationship between the tourist industry and the Cultural Heritage Manager; conservation and preservation vs. utilization of a cultural asset; authenticity vs. commodification; stakeholders and their rights and obligations; tangible and intangible tourist assets; the role of government, private industry, and the non-profit sectors in tourism planning; and sustainable economic development. We will examine these themes in different areas of cultural tourism including the art industry, historical sites, cultural landmarks, special events and festivals, theme parks, and gastronomy. (MET AD 603; 4 credits)

Infrastructure and Logistical Planning for Tourism Development

This course provides an in-depth examination of the role of infrastructure and logistics in economic and tourism development. Students are exposed to national and international examples of infrastructure and logistics models as they relate to the successful, or unsuccessful, attempts to initiate economic/tourism development, growth, and/or maintenance. The problems and challenges facing private firms and governments as they attempt to integrate economic development and growth into an existing culture and environment are presented. The role of national, regional, and local infrastructures is discussed as they relate to an integrated economic development plan. The use, types, and importance of infrastructure is presented, as are methods to develop models to assess needs and resource allocation. (MET AD 683; 4 credits)

Planning and Operating New Ventures

Includes opportunity assessment and feasibility analysis, concept development, budgeting and financial operations, financial and human resource management, legal and organizational issues, role of boards and external advisors that lead to the writing of a business plan. (MET AD 740; 4 credits)

Eco-Tourism

This course examines the emerging area of eco-tourism in both developing and developed nations. The issues discussed involve the purpose of eco-tourism, importance to GDP, infrastructure demands, return on investment, and the possible financial strains and returns to local areas. The course provides a thorough examination of potential benefits as well as liabilities of eco-tourism to the region, indigenous population, and nation as well as who can gain and who can lose from such undertakings. (MET AD 758; 4 credits)

Understanding and Managing Heritage Tourism

Under Development.

Prerequisites

Before entering the program, students are expected to have a working knowledge of spreadsheet software (Excel preferred) and have received the equivalent of a B or better in Financial Accounting. Students may complete the Accounting prerequisite by successfully completing the General Accepted Accounting Practices for the United States workbook. Preparation workbooks are available to students four weeks prior to starting the program.