INNOVATUR: IO2 – A textbook on Introduction to Sustainable and Smart Tourism

The textbook will be elaborated by a group of authors from PUEB and USN to be used in the future as a supporting material for teaching activities of disciplines in the field of smart and sustainable tourism for undergraduate students.

A comprehensive outline of the textbook is being provided in attachment to this project proposal (see the file with workplan and GANNT that also contains the list of academic staff of both universities and their involvement in each intellectual output).

Topics to be addressed in the textbook include:

  • Introduction with some guidelines on how lecturers can use the textbook with the book of case studies in their teaching activities to maximize their benefits in learning outcomes. (WP 2a)
  • Overview of tourism sector challenges and trends in tourism development in the world with some highlighted examples of trends observed in the Czech Republic and in Norway.
  • Economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts of tourism.
  • Concepts, principles and challenges of sustainable development in tourism, including ecotourism.
  • Sustainable tourism policy framework
  • Governance and Partnerships for sustainable tourism
  • The entrepreneurship factor in sustainable tourism development (a particular attention will be given to entrepreneurship in rural areas involving social inclusion).
  • Stakeholder management approach for achieving sustainable ecotourism
  • Economic analysis of sustainable tourism.
  • The importance and contribution of smart technologies (ICT tools) for the effective operation of sustainable tourism.
  • Sustainable supply chain management in tourism, including accommodation, transport and tourism activities.
  • Change management and innovation for sustainable tourism from the understanding of trends in tourism consumer behavior and the availability of smart technologies. Some examples will be used to illustrate.

Expected impact and transferability potential:

The textbook will be designed to be used by lecturers involved in various disciplines in this field. It is expected to contribute as an inspirational drive for change in the scope of currently offered disciplines for undergraduate students in the field of tourism and even beyond that, i.e. to drive for a change with the inclusion of new disciplines in the undergraduate study programs of both universities related to this field. It will also serve as an inspiration for change in postgraduate study level.