Tourism is responsible for the largest flow of people throughout the world, bringing together many different cultures and introducing people to many different natural environments. This course examines the global patterns (spatial characteristics) of tourism and the significance of planning in popular tourist regions. Topics include the nature, history, growth, and impacts of different types of tourism and tourists. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary tourism trends such as ecotourism, heritage tourism, urban tourism, coastal tourism, theme park tourism and gambling tourism. The problems and prospects for tourism will be examined through a consideration of a variety of countries and regions, both developed and developing. Global case studies will be used to further explain the types, consequences, and issues of tourism. Students will be exposed to the significant contribution which geographers have made to the field of tourism studies.

Format: A lecture-discussion class with field exercises. A variety of media is used including power point presentations, slides, video, web sites, and music.

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