Sustainability, Destinations and Regional Development

In this course, the applications of different destination development models are addressed. Models and theories of destination development are critically discussed and scrutinized from a scientific perspective, highlighting not least their compliance with principles of sustainable development. The course covers interrelationships of destination development and regional development, i.e. economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism in different geographical contexts. Theories and practices for policy and planning for tourism and regional development are addressed discussing issues related to sustainable development. **Module 1. Destination development, 7.5 credits** Here, destinations are in focus through the analysis and use of various destination development models. The theoretical foundations of the models are discussed as well as how they are applied in different geographical contexts. Also, the possibilities to forecast the development of destinations using the theories are discussed and critically assessed. **Module 2: Regional development, 7.5 credits** This section highlights the connection between tourism and regional development and the relationship between sustainable tourism development and sustainable regional development. The focus is on the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism as well as various theories about the interaction of tourism with local and regional development. Policy and planning theory for tourism and regional development are also covered. The module includes both theoretical approaches and more applied planning exercises.