Class Community-Based Tourism Design

The curricular unit ‘Designing and Structuring Community-Based Tourism Products’ explores the potential of tourism as a tool for sustainable development and the empowerment of local communities. Focusing on active community participation, this unit aims to enable students to create authentic tourism experiences that value local culture, traditions and natural resources. Through a theoretical-practical approach, students will learn to identify opportunities, plan and manage tourism products that promote social cohesion and environmental sustainability. The integration of case studies, field visits and collaborative projects will provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges and best practices in community tourism. This unit prepares students to face the complexities of sustainable tourism, contributing to the strategic development of tourist destinations in Portugal.

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Understand the Fundamental Concepts of Community Tourism Analysing the Dynamics of Community Participation Develop sustainable tourism products Apply Participatory Planning Methodologies Structuring Tourism Business Models Implement Marketing Strategies Evaluate Tourism Impacts Developing Management Skills Fostering Innovation and Sustainability Drawing up Tourism Development Plans

Innovative methodologies to support teaching and learning include Project-Based Learning, which promotes practical and collaborative skills, and Gamification, which increases student motivation. Flipped classes encourage active learning, while Collaborative Learning strengthens social skills. The use of Educational Technology facilitates access to resources and continuity of learning, and Case Studies develop students' analytical and decision-making skills, making the educational process more dynamic and effective.

Assefa, T. K. (2022). Opportunities and Challenges for the Development of Sustainable Tourism to the Local Communities. Journal of Tourism & Hospitality. 11:498. https://doi.org/10.35248/2167-0269.22.11.498 Dias, Á, González-Rodríguez, M. R., & Patuleia, M. (2021b). Developing poor communities through creative tourism. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 19, 509–529. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2020.1775623 Du Cros, H., & McKercher, B. (2020). Cultural tourism. Routledge. Lee, T. H., & Jan, F. H. (2019). Can community-based tourism contribute to sustainable development? Evidence from residents’ perceptions of the sustainability. Tourism Management, 70, 368-380. Mason, P. (2020). Tourism impacts, planning and management. Routledge.