MAN-20169 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Special Interest Tourism (SIT) has emerged as an important and viable form of tourism that offers the tourism industry opportunities to differentiate their products and services and offer something that is unique and difficult to copy. Instead of focusing on the ubiquitous 3Ss of Mass Tourism (sun, sea and sand), SIT instead centres on activities, experiences and interests. In this module you will understand the key motivations for Special Interest Tourism and explore the management issues associated with the design and development of ethical, responsible and sustainable Special Interest Tourism products and services.

Special Interest Tourism has grown in popularity over the years as tourists and visitors seek holidays and activities that offer something different to the sun, sea and sand type of vacations. As a result, numerous travel providers and destination management organisations have developed products and services tailored to the needs of people requiring more customised and targeted offerings. This module provides students with knowledge and understanding of the different types of Special Interest Tourism, the impacts of Special Interest Tourism on the physical environment, the socio-cultural environment and the economy, and an insight into the management challenges faced by tourism professionals in developing and delivering sustainable and ethical products and services.

Intended Learning Outcomes

compare and contrast ‘Special Interest Tourism’ with ‘Mass Tourism’.: 1,2
articulate the main drivers for the development of Special Interest Tourism.: 1
demonstrate critical insights into the motivations and behaviour of consumers across different Special Interest Tourism products and services.: 1,2
evaluate the impact of Special Interest Tourism on the physical environment, the socio-cultural environment and the economy.: 1
make management recommendations to address issues and problems associated with Special Interest Tourism products and services.: 2
present information and data in a relevant format for industry: 1,2

Study hours

24 x 2 hour sessions that combine lecture style and seminar/workshop content
100 hours assessment preparation
75 hours reading and class preparations
77 individual study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment