Class Introduction to Tourism

Introduction to Tourism provides an integrated overview of the foundations of tourism as an economic, social, and multidisciplinary phenomenon. It introduces students to the key concepts, classifications and structural elements of tourism, as well as its evolution, organisation and functioning as a system of relationships among different actors. As an introductory course unit, it establishes the conceptual foundations required to understand the different dimensions of tourism, which are further developed in subsequent course units. The combination of theoretical foundations, case analysis, interaction with professionals, and exposure to real tourism contexts fosters an initial critical and integrated understanding of tourism activity.

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1. Tourism concepts, classifications and types Leisure time, leisure, recreation and tourism; key concepts; visitor, tourist and same-day visitor; tourism classifications and types. 2. Tourism as a system Structure, components, actors and interrelationships; the multidisciplinary nature of tourism. 3. Origins and evolution of tourism Main stages in the evolution of tourism; mass tourism and internationalisation; evolution of tourism in Portugal. 4. Structural elements of tourism activity Tourism demand and supply; accommodation; transport; information technologies; economic, sociocultural and environmental impacts. 5. Institutional organisation of tourism Political and administrative organisation of tourism in Portugal; central, regional and local organisation; main strategic orientations of Portuguese tourism.  

The course unit adopts an active, student-centred learning approach, combining conceptual foundations with the application of knowledge. Methods include flipped classroom, case analysis and discussion, problem-solving, collaborative work and peer learning. Theory-practice sessions focus on applying concepts to real tourism situations. Engagement with the tourism sector is promoted through seminars with professionals and study visits, aligned with the course contents and, whenever relevant, with the Academic and Professional Skills course unit. These methodologies foster autonomy, participation, critical thinking and students' ability to connect theoretical foundations with real contexts of tourism activity.

Cooper, C., & Ruhanen, L. (2026). Essentials of Tourism (5th ed.). SAGE. Holloway, J. C., & Humphreys, C. (2022). The Business of Tourism (12th ed.). SAGE. Page, S. J., & Connell, J. (2020). Tourism: A Modern Synthesis (5th ed.). Routledge. OECD. (2026). OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/3fd3cd75-en