THM 417 Cultural Tourism – 6 ECTS, Spring 2023
Course Outline:
This course explores the intricate relationship between culture, heritage, and tourism within the context of the dynamic field of Cultural Tourism. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how culture and heritage serve as pivotal driving forces in the tourism industry. Through a comprehensive examination of theory and practical case studies, students will develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and promote cultural tourism destinations. Additionally, the course will address the ethical dilemmas that frequently arise in the management of cultural tourism.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completing this course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Course Topics:
Culture and its types: Exploring the foundations of culture, its dynamic processes, and the various forms it can take, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of cultural tourism.
Cultural tourism concept: Defining and examining the core concept of cultural tourism, uncovering its essential components and significance in the travel industry.
Features of cultural tourism: Analyzing the distinguishing features of cultural tourism and the unique experiences it offers to travelers, drawing from real-world examples.
Types of cultural tourism: Exploring diverse forms of cultural tourism, ranging from heritage tourism to creative tourism, with illuminating case studies.
Characteristics of cultural tourists: Investigating the traits and preferences that define cultural tourists, helping to tailor experiences to their expectations.
Motivations of cultural tourists: Gaining insights into the motivations that drive cultural tourists to explore heritage sites and cultural destinations, enhancing visitor satisfaction.
Heritage management and tourism integration: Understanding the intricate link between cultural heritage management and tourism management, and how they can coexist harmoniously.
Attractions and tourist Behavior: Studying the role of attractions in cultural tourism and the behavior patterns exhibited by cultural tourists, enabling effective site management.
Cultural heritage management: Delving into tangible and intangible heritage preservation, and examining tourism's transformative influence on intangible heritage.
World heritage sites: Exploring the World Heritage Convention, definitions, and criteria for world heritage status, and the implications of such recognition.
Managing cultural tourism businesses: Learning about ownership structures and operational management of cultural sites and businesses, ensuring sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Cultural tourism interpretation: Understanding the pivotal role of interpretation in cultural tourism, applying Tilden’s guiding principles to enhance visitor engagement.
Case study: Gaining real-world insights into cultural tourism in Azerbaijan.
Course Content:
THM 416 Cultural Heritage and Business Perspectives – 6ECTS, Fall 2023
This course delves into the intersection of cultural heritage and business, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how historical and archaeological assets can be leveraged for both economic growth and cultural development.
The first part of the course provides insight into archaeological and historical tourism, while the second part explores the various business opportunities within cultural heritage, all within the context of their multifaceted relationship with heritage preservation, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
Part I - Archaeological and Historical Tourism
Course Outline:
This comprehensive course delves into the fundamentals of tourism and how historical, archaeological, and cultural insights play a pivotal role in shaping its organization and evolution. Simultaneously, it offers a deep exploration of the historical, archaeological, and cultural treasures found within the various geographical landscapes, assessing their compatibility with and contribution to the tourism sector—a fundamental principle at the core of this course. — a core principle of this course.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completing this course, students will be proficient in the following skills and competencies:
Course Topics:
Introduction to the course: history and tourism: Providing an overview of how historical events and cultural heritage intersect with the tourism industry.
Historical, archaeological, and cultural anthropology foundations of tourism: Exploring the roots of tourism, this topic delves into the influence of history, archaeology, and cultural anthropology on the development of tourism as a field.
Prehistoric evidence in tourism potentials: Examining the allure of prehistoric sites, this topic investigates how ancient relics and archaeological discoveries can become tourism attractions.
Different religious monuments with opportunities in tourism: Exploring the tourism potential of various religious monuments and pilgrimage sites, highlighting their significance for travelers.
Museums with architectural potentials applying to tourism: Focusing on museums as architectural landmarks, this subject looks at how museum design and aesthetics contribute to their appeal to tourists.
War and defense processes and tourism: Investigating the connection between military history and tourism, this topic assesses how war-related sites and narratives can draw visitors.
Cultural-trade history potentials of tourism: Examining the economic and cultural impact of trade history on tourism, showcasing how commerce and cultural exchange have shaped travel destinations.
Course Content:
Part II - Cultural Heritage and Business Opportunities
Course Outline:
This course explores the intersection of cultural heritage and business opportunities, focusing on how cultural heritage can be leveraged for economic and social benefits. Students will gain insights into the various aspects of heritage tourism product development, marketing, market analysis, visitor management, and business planning. Through case studies, practical exercises, and discussions, students will learn how to harness the potential of cultural heritage assets to create sustainable and profitable ventures while preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of our collective past. They will be well-equipped to contribute to the sustainable development of cultural heritage assets and the growth of the heritage tourism industry.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Course Topics:
Heritage tourism product development: Focusing on creating and enhancing cultural heritage experiences and attractions that appeal to tourists.
Heritage marketing: Exploring how to effectively promote cultural heritage sites and experiences through strategic marketing techniques.
Market analysis and customer understanding: Delving into the research and analysis of market trends, visitor demographics, and preferences to better understand the target audience for heritage tourism.
Visitor management: Studying methods for efficiently managing visitor flow, safety, and satisfaction at heritage sites and destinations.
Marketing plan: Gaining insights into the development of a comprehensive marketing strategy tailored to promote cultural heritage offerings effectively.
Business plan: Focusing on the process of creating a business plan for heritage-related ventures, including financial planning, sustainability, and growth strategies.
Course Content: