Responsible Tourism and Ethics (BRL201)

The course entails a thorough exploration of topics crucial for the responsible management of tourism. Topics including the positive and negative consequencs of tourism, current industry trends, ethical principles and conflicts are comprehensively being covered. The exploration extends to both natural environments and local cultures in connection with these issues and challenges. The course also explores various management techniques used to minimize the challenges that may arise as a result of tourism.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

BRL201

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

This course takes a critical and contemporary approach to studying tourism development, demand, and management, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities beyond individual businesses and recognizing broader ethical implications within the tourism industry. Students will explore how tourism can serve as a driver for sustainable development through its potential to impact various facets of society, including economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions. Key topics included; Equitable distribution of benefits for local communities; Cultural sensitivity in tourism, promoting respect and preservation of local cultures and traditions; Conservation of natural resources, through exploring practices that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.

From a management perspective, the course introduces fundamental strategies for addressing industry challenges, exploring for example corporate social responsibility principles as essential components of informed decision-making and responsible development. This foundational understanding of CSR and ESG will help students recognize the critical role these ethical frameworks play in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.

Examples of important topics in the course:

  • the main principles of responsible tourism
  • the magnitude of tourism impacts and challenges such as cultural conflicts linked to global tourism
  • management strategies and tools in sustainable tourism
  • the influence of environmental and human rights organisations on tourism behavior

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of this course, the candidate:

• Will have knowledge about the broader concepts of responsible tourism.

• Will develop a comprehensive understanding of the effects of tourism on people, nature and communities as well as global challenges facing the tourism industry.

• Will have knowledge of the role of corporate responsibility frameworks, such as CSR and ESG, as strategies for addressing ethical, social, and environmental issues in the tourism industry.

Skills

Upon completion of this course, the candidate:

• Will be able to use relevant concepts, techniques, and other materials to assess methods to develop tourism in a more responsible direction.

• Will have the ability to critically discuss and reflect upon responsible tourism and its core principles in relation to other concepts of tourism.

• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of corporate responsibility initiatives in promoting responsible tourism

General competence

Upon completion of this course, the candidate will be able to:

• Foster awareness of responsible tourism practices and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry both locally and globally.

• Engage in informed analysis and discussion on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism industry, considering the responsibilities of different stakeholders.

• Apply theoretical knowledge to analyse and propose solutions for challenges within the tourism industry, both orally and in writing.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Written group assignment with Poster evaluation

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam in groups 4/5 Letter grades
Poster evaluation 1/5 4 Hours Letter grades

The home exam is to be completed in groups of up to 3 students.A mandatory oral academic poster presentation is required to obtain the final course grade. Further instructions on the presentation will be provided at the start of the semester.The digital poster will be submitted and assessed on a grading scale of A-F.

Coursework requirements

Attendance, Oral presentation

At the end of the semester, each group will present their project in a digital poster session. The presentation, delivered in a pitch format, is compulsory for all group members.

Throughout the semester, there will be mandatory workshops and seminars, including guest lectures, requiring a minimum attendance of 75%. Further details will be provided at the start of the semester.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Åsa Helen Grahn

Course teacher:

Trude Furunes

Head of Department:

Trude Furunes

Method of work

Lectures, guest lectures, home exam and presentations will be in English.

In this course, interactive online modules will be used, including quizzes, interactive case studies, and multimedia content (e.g., videos, podcasts, scenarios/simulations) that students can engage with at their own pace. In addition, live sessions (webinars and online workshops) will provide real-time engagement with the instructor or guest speakers.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Globally Responsible Tourism (BRL390_2) 10

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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