The aim of this module is to introduce and evaluate the conceptual roots, evolution, principles and practice of sustainability and sustainable development. In so doing, it provides a theoretical and practical framework for exploring the relationship between tourism, development and sustainability and the means of managing and developing tourism within a sustainability context. Thus, this module explores issues surrounding sustainable development in the visitor attractions of both developed and less-developed countries, and identifies the bases for effective governance.



Throughout the module attempts to engage with the sustainable development agenda within the cities context are examined using examples drawn from: urban lifestyles, health, water and sanitation and climate change.



Range and depth of material to be covered

The context:

Tourism, international development and the environment

- tourism as an agent of development

- socio-environmental consequences



Tourism as development

- understanding development – philosophies and processes

- development paradigms – from economic growth to sustainable development

- post-development



Sustainability and sustainable development

- the roots of sustainability - The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

- principles of sustainable development

- contemporary approaches to sustainable development



Tourism and sustainability in practice

- policies and processes

- planning for sustainable tourism

- ecotourism / community tourism/ pro-poor tourism/ The role of non-governmental organisations

- responsible tourism and accreditation schemes

- consuming tourism



Tourism and sustainability: critiques, contemporary challenges and futures

The module will incorporate a two/three-hour envelope of time to be distributed as appropriate upon a formal and constructive approach to achieve the learning outcomes.



Studies will utilise a variety of teaching and learning methods designed to enhance knowledge and academic ability with analytical thinking. Generally, however, a less formal approach to lectures will be adopted, whereby students will be expected to contribute to discussions and, in so doing, independently express / develop their own position on issues related to sustainable development.



As part of their learning process, students will also be required to make brief (10 to 15 minute) non-assessed presentations based upon the research undertaken for their second assignment. A tutorial programme will support personal learning, as is appropriate at this level of study. This aims to address the individual needs and personal support towards student achievement throughout the module programme. Tutorials will occur prior and post assessment.

Assessment –

Individuals today have an increased access to better healthcare, decent work, and education than ever before however inequalities and climate change are threatening to undo the gains. Investment in inclusive and sustainable economies can unleash significant opportunities for shared prosperity and the political, technological and financial solutions are within reach although greater leadership and rapid, unprecedented changes are needed to align these levers of change with sustainable development objectives. To raise awareness of the need for sustainable development, the blog provides an alternative format to communicate and analyse the wider public debate regarding urban sustainability and urban governance; the case study is a research method to gain a better understanding of the subject and process and involves in-depth research into sustainable development, in order to understand its functionality and successes.



A1 – Task:

Guidelines

Design an individual article (that will form part of a class webpage, eg. SWAY) that evaluates a destinations tourism’s developmental policy and contribution within a sustainability context.



Assessment Learning Outcomes: 1



A2 – Task:

Guidelines

Choosing a particular visitor attraction construct a case study that introduces the visitor attraction, identifies a particular problem/goal surrounding sustainability and then present justified and pragmatic solutions that identify the expected benefits of making these changes. The aim and ambition of the case study is to educate and inspire.



Assessment Learning Outcomes: 2

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in urban environmental issues, sustainability and urban governance.

Knowledge and Understanding


2. Evaluate a particular visitor attraction and their environmental impact within a sustainability context

Knowledge and understanding, Application, Analysis, Communication

The Library

Guest Speakers

Internet

Market Reports

Bulkeley, H. & Betsill, M. (2005) Cities and Climate Change: Urban Sustainability and Global Environmental Governance. Routledge, London.

Cater, E. and Lowman, G. (1994) Ecotourism: A Sustainable Option? Chichester: John Wiley & Son

Devas, N. (2004) Urban Governance, Voice and Poverty in the Developing World.
Earthscan, London Dresner, S. (2000) The Principles of Sustainability. London: Earthscan

Elliott, J. (1999) An Introduction to Sustainability, 4t Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

Evans, Bob Joas, Marko Sundback, Susan (2005) Governing Sustainable Cities Earthscan, London Fennell, D. (2007) Ecotourism, 3rd Edition. Abingdon: Routledge

Fennell, D. and Dowling, R. (2003) Ecotourism Policy and Planning. Wallingford: CABI Publishing

Hall, C.M. and Lew, A. (1998) Sustainable Tourism: a Geographical Perspective. Harlow: Longman.

Hickman, L. (2007) The Final Call: In search of the True Cost of Our Holidays. London: Transworld.

Holden, A. (2007) Tourism an Environment, 2nd Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

Honey, M. (2008) Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? Washington, DC: Island Publications.

Mowforth, M. and Munt, I. (2009) Tourism and Sustainability: Development, Globalisation and New Tourism in the Third World, 3rd Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

Porritt, J. (2007) Capitalism as if the World Matters. London: Earthscan.

Reid, D. (2003) Tourism, Globalisation and Development: Responsible Tourism Planning. London: Pluto Press

Ritchie, J. and Crouch, G. (2005) The Competitive Destination: A sustainable tourism perspective. Wallingford: CABI Publishing.

Rogers, P., Jala, K. and Boyd, J. (2008) An Introduction to Sustainable Development, London: Earthscan

Sharpley, R. and Telfer, J. (2015) Tourism and Development: Concepts and Issues, 2nd Edition. Clevedon: Channel View Publications.

Sharpley,R. (2009) Tourism, Development & Environment: Beyond Sustainability? London: Earthscan.



Telfer, J. and Sharpley, R. (2015) Tourism and Development in the Developing World, 2nd Edition London: Routledge.

UNEP/WTO (2005) Making Tourism more Sustainable: A Guide for Policy Makers. Paris/Madrid: United Nations Environment Programme / World Tourism Organisation.

Wahab, S. and Pigram, J. (1997) Tourism, Development and Growth: The Challenge of Sustainability. London: Routledge

Wearing, S. and Neill, J. (2009) Ecotourism: impacts, potentials, possibilities. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann

Wheeler Stephen M. and Beatley, Timothy (eds.) (2004) The Sustainable Urban Development Reader. Routledge, London.

The module places emphasis on the often-symbiotic relationship between urbanisation, consumer demand and the environment, and places mitigation harm at the heart of sustainability agendas.