Class Geopolitics of Tourism

The curricular unit "Geopolitics of Tourism" represents a vital component within the broader framework of tourism studies. Designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between tourism and geopolitics, this course delves into the multifaceted dynamics that shape global tourism patterns, destinations, and policies. The scope of "Geopolitics of Tourism" extends across diverse fields of action and intervention areas. Students will explore how geopolitical factors, such as international relations, cultural diplomacy, economic development, and political stability, influence the global tourism landscape. They will analyze the roles played by governments, international organizations, and transnational corporations in shaping tourism flows, infrastructures, and regulations. On the other side, they will also apply the geopolitical method of analysis to the study of tourism.

Introduction to geopolitics. Tourism and geopolitics: the political imaginary of territory, tourism and space. Advanced and critical study of Contact Theory. Tourism geography and geopolitics. Destination image and National Branding.
Geopolitical influences on tourism development: 10 rules of forecasting trends and effects of geopolitical developments. Geo-economics: the interaction between geopolitics, economy and tourism. New consumption spaces and cross-border mobility. Tourism, identity and geopolitics. Tourism and cultural diplomacy. Global international cooperation and tourism. Geopolitics of tourism
in the European Union. Geopolitics of tourism in the Portuguese speaking space. Terrorism, global security and tourism. Migration and tourism. Tourism in instances of war and post conflict. Tourism and peace. The power of the Web. Leadership and coordination of destination development: the different types and scope of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs).

The learning experience of the module will be based on the following teaching methodology:- Lectures and discussion of topics about 60% of the semester. This part of the learning experience is devoted essentially to the theoretical component, with the explanation of the main concepts of the discipline. For one or two of the session, guest speakers may be invited to talk about specific topics.- The remaining sessions are allocated to a practical component that consolidates the results of the acquisition of the theoretical notions. Students should investigate real or simulated situations and develop tourism development strategies and market trends forecasts based on geopolitical analysis.

The evaluation will consider the two flowing aspects

1) Formative assessment, based on reports and presentations in the practical part (10).

2) Analysis and discussion of case studies proposed in the lecture classes (10).
It will be necessary to reach at least 40% in each of the components.

Carbone, F. (2017). International Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy: A new conceptual approach towards global mutual understanding and peace through tourism. Tourism. An International Interdisciplinary Journal, 65(1), 61-74.

Gillen, J., & Mostafanezhad, M. (2019). Geopolitical encounters of tourism: A conceptual approach. Annals of Tourism Research, 75, 70-78.

Hall, D. (2017). Tourism and Geopolitics. Issues and Concepts from Central and Eastern Europe. Oxfordshire, Wallingford: CABI.