SMART Tourism and Responsible Travel
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
Free when subscribed to FutureLearn
- Start Date(s): On demand
- Duration: 3 weeks, 2 hours a week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Beginning with a focus on the controversies that surround travel, you’ll learn why some regard travel as unsustainable on environmental grounds. You’ll then contrast this by examining the benefits of tourism when governed responsibly. Using case studies that reflect both sides of the argument, you’ll gain insights into how your travel choices can impact a destination, and how you can address these opportunities and challenges on an individual basis.
Digital and smart technology has transformed travel, from the planning process to the activities experienced once at a destination. You’ll learn how new and emerging technology such as apps, VR, and AR are revolutionising the travel and tourism industries in exciting and innovative ways. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to adapt your future travel behaviours, understanding which technologies will help drive responsible travel.
Responsible travel decisions affect everything from transport to accommodation choices. You’ll investigate how technology can help travellers make responsible decisions using meaningful data and information. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to offset negative travel consequences, where possible, by using technology-driven decision making that benefits your destination and its people.
Upon completing the short course, take the next step in your learning journey by exploring our online microcredential.
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Following this course, you could go on to study a stackable microcredential and build towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Management practice. -
NBS has been ranked in the Top 80 in the Financial Times Open Executive Education rankings 2024.
What you’ll study
By the end of the course, you'll understand the growing concerns about the environmental impact of international air travel and be able to address criticism related to its social, economic, and environmental effects. You'll also learn the role of responsible travel in reducing negative impacts while maximising benefits, with the support of digital technologies. Additionally, you'll be equipped to make responsible travel decisions regarding transport, activities, destinations, and accommodation.
So what's the problem with tourism anyway?
- Introduction
- The scale and scope of the issue
- The anti-tourism debate
- Tourists behaving badly
Can we do things differently?
- The counter-argument
- Tourism benefits everyone, everywhere, or does it?
- Tourism as a force for good?
- The practices of a responsible traveller
How data makes a difference
- Information informs behaviour
- The role of SMART tourism
- Cases in SMART tourism
- Time to change!
- Next steps
Entry requirements
This course is designed for anyone with a personal or professional interest in travelling responsibly. You don't need any prior experience or knowledge.
Fees and funding
This course is free when you sign up on the FutureLearn platform and complete the course within the 3 week specified period.
How to apply
This course is available via the FutureLearn platform — find out more and book your place.