89952 - World History of Tourism

Learning outcomes

The course aims at providing students with an up-to-date understanding of the main aspects and trends of tourism with an emphasis on the social and economic dimensions. The distinguishing feature of the course is the long-run perspective in analysing phenomena. At the end of course, students will be able to: (a) understand the main concepts used to explain the historical development of tourism in the global economy and the factors influencing its growth; (b) recognize the ethical, social and cultural issues concerning tourism development; (c) select and apply the appropriate tools and methods to analyse historical facts; (d) identify and analyse historical developments relevant to a deeper understanding of current issues; (e) discuss and communicate topics in a clear and competent manner.

Course contents

The following topics will be covered:

1. From Ancient Time to Industrial Revolution
(Ancient economy; Tourism in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome; Medieval economy; The age of pilgrimage; The revival of urban economy; The age of Luxury consumption; Tourism during the Renaissance: Spa resorts and Grand Tour)

2. The Industrial Revolution
(The first globalisation; The emergence of US economic leadership; The consumer revolution and the politics of consumption; The invention of leisure and the emergence of worktime differences among industrialized countries; The emergence of modern tourism in Europe, and the United States)

3. Tourism in the XXth century

(The world economy in the XXth century; The disintegration of world economy in the interwar period; The rebuilding of European economy after WW2;  The economic development of Asian countries; The travails of African countries; From élite tourism to mass tourism; Tourism in a globalized world: economic development and the three waves of globalization; The age of mass tourism in Europe and in the United States Has tourism been an engine of growth?; Soviet Union. Tourism in a planned economy; Is tourism an engine of growth? The Asian, South American, African and Oceania countries' experiences; China in a globalized world. Tourism development in Asia; Strengths and weaknesses of tourism in Africa)

4. The tourism evolution in Italy. Some case studies in the global contest.

(Lido di Venezia and the élite tourism; Rimini and the mass tourism; The Costa Smeralda and the planned development; Different path of mountain resorts development: the Trentino Alto Adige and Abruzzo; The case of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

5. Current trends and prospects in historical perspective 

(The history tour operators; The hotels history; The environmental, economic, and social sustainability of tourism)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material and additional readings will be uploaded on the "Virtuale" platform.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Assessment methods

Written examination

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Sbetti