Global Tourism

Catalog description

Students will prepare for travel to a foreign country by learning about cultural expectations of the region in class before traveling to the selected region to explore their customs and culture, prime tourism attractions, and foods. Through a one-week study tour, students will be exposed to speakers and sites that represent the policies and development that have given rise to tourism development in such locations as Dubai, Croatia, Italy, and other countries of current interest. Some example emphases might be: Dubai with anticipated site visits to include the Palms projects, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Ski Dubai and new transportation projects. Cultural difference between traditional western models of management, policy and development will be compared to examples in the Middle East. The influence of Arab culture and Muslim practices on tourism and tourists in this region, and the economic impact of tourism growth in Dubai will be explored through guest speakers. In Croatia the re-invention of tourism in a country after a war, and the key role of tourism in economic development will be explored, along with local tourism and culture.