Overview

Digital technologies have introduced a significant transformation to the tourism industry. This module will focus on how digital technologies have revolutionised tourism enterprises, products, experiences and destinations. Through interactive lectures and laboratories, the module will analyse the new roles, relationships, and business models that are currently emerging from the adoption of digital technologies in the tourism industry. Starting from a general overview of the latest trends in digital technologies and digitalisation in tourism and the phenomenon of smart tourism, the module will focus, but will not be not limited to, on the following: online distribution systems and intermediaries, Smart Destinations, digital B2C communication, technology as an enhancement of the tourism experience (augmented and virtual reality), the role and function of mobile technologies and mobile apps in tourism, the relationship between digital technologies and sustainable tourism.

Assessment Strategy

-excellent -A- to A+ (70%+): Outstanding performance. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. -good -B- to B+ (60-69%): Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. -satisfying -C- to C+ (50-59%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. -threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%): No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the interaction between tourism resources, infrastructures, products, and stakeholders.

• Assess digital technologies for the development of sustainable tourism practices.

• Discuss the impact that recent developments in key areas of IT in the tourism context have on the economy, society and everyday life.

• Evaluate how different digital and technological innovations can successfully impact tourism businesses.

• Evaluate the importance that digital technologies have for the development of satisfying tourism experiences.