Course Descriptions

GST 5001 Planning for Sustainable Tourism Development

The course introduces the scope, nature and trends of tourism as well as the concept of sustainability and its application to the strategic planning for tourism. Tourism as a contemporary leisure experience is examined along with economic, political and social ramifications and implications for the future. Selected tourism resources and impacts of the activity on the host countries, both developed and developing, and environments will be discussed, followed by an examination of the principles of good practice in tourism. The strategic planning processes for sustainable tourism development will also be addressed and illustrated by a variety of local and international case studies.

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GST 5002 Cultural Heritage

This course analyses the nature and importance of cultural heritage as capital for tourism. Introductory lectures identify various types of heritage (tangible and intangible) and provide an understanding of the concept, scope and evolution of cultural-heritage tourism. Issues of cultural and artistic authenticity, identity production and marketing, and commodification of both tourists and the toured will further be examined. Case studies from Hong Kong and other parts of the world will be studied to identify specific socio-economic and cultural costs and benefits associated with this kind of tourism. The course will also explore approaches and policies of cultural heritage management and conservation to enable sustainable tourism development, with particular emphasis on the cases of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.

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GST 5003 Ecotourism Policy

This course is intended to expose students to the understanding of basic concepts, trends, philosophy and challenges of ecotourism. It will investigate and seek to understand policy implications of ecotourism development. While ecotourism is the fastest growing sector of the worldˇ¦s tourism industry, it is still not well understood. Where ecotourism is being conceived and practiced, there is often a dearth of knowledge in ecotourism policy aspects. The course will draw on examples of various tourism policy initiatives with approaches concerning the environment, local community, tourists, businesses and these affected by this type of tourism.

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GST 5004 Natural and Ecological Resources of Hong Kong

Many natural landscapes and landform features not only make up scenic attractions, but also may have spiritual, historical, recreational, and aesthetic values. Being aware of the general welfare of the people, UNESCO has proposed an international program on ˇ§Geoparksˇ¨ in recent years. These selected geological and geomorphological sites are considered to be of unique scientific value. In this course, students will learn about geotourism and geoparks, conservation of natural heritage, and management of world heritage sites. Local and foreign examples will be used to illustrate the above-mentioned ideas. This course aims to build basic knowledge about geotourism and skills for natural heritage management as well as to cultivate an appreciation of nature and an understanding of the importance of natural heritage protection.

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GST 5005 Resource and Environmental Management for Ecotourism

The course will cover the aspects of resource impacts of visitor activities to sites, seek to understand resource management practices at destinations and study and propose visitor management and education programs relevant to sustainable tourism. To fully understand global issues of protected areas, comparative issues on major planning and management aspects; and undertake impact assessment and monitoring.

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GST 5006 Ecotourism Practicum and Management

This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply basic knowledge learnt in the real world. It will help students develop environmentally friendly outdoor skills by developing concepts and techniques of communication and interpretation. The course will seek to equip students with skills to plan, develop and manage ecotourism sites and enterprises. A series of workshops, seminars and field trips and fieldwork will compliment the lectures.

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GST 5011 Seminar

This is an advanced form of learning relevant to a master degree program. It will be based on topical issues of discussion and research by experienced staff and invited speakers from relevant sustainable tourism industries. Topical issues will include but not limited to: practicing ecotourism in protected areas; Sustainability indicators; Ecotourism as a development tool; Setting up sustainable tourism businesses; certification of sustainable tourism and ecotourism; Ecotourism management plans; leadership in planning and managing ecotourism and sustainable tourism, etc.

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GST 5012 Dissertation

Students are required to carry out independent studies of selected topics in sustainable tourism under staff supervision. Evaluation will be based on project presentations and written reports.

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