Heritage & Cultural Tourism

Understanding the relationship between heritage, culture and tourism is increasingly important for professionals involved in developing authentic visitor experiences and sustainable tourism destinations. This course explores how heritage and cultural tourism shape destinations, influence visitor experiences and contribute to tourism development, drawing on international case studies and contemporary debates.

Participants will examine the social, historical and cultural factors that influence heritage and cultural tourism, critically evaluating how heritage assets and cultural identities are interpreted, managed and promoted. Through the application of international examples, the course develops practical insights that can inform tourism planning, destination development and professional practice within the visitor economy.

To view the module descriptor (TOUR09033), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for professionals who want to develop their understanding of heritage and cultural tourism and apply this knowledge within tourism, destination management and related sectors. It is particularly relevant for:

• Tourism and visitor economy professionals involved in destination planning, development or management
• Heritage and cultural sector professionals responsible for interpreting, managing or promoting heritage assets and visitor experiences
• Professionals working in museums, galleries, historic attractions, cultural organisations or visitor attractions
• Destination marketing and tourism development practitioners seeking to enhance cultural and heritage tourism initiatives
• Individuals with responsibilities for developing sustainable tourism products, experiences or destination strategies
• Professionals wishing to broaden their understanding of the relationship between heritage, culture and tourism within an international context

 

Why take this course?

Heritage and cultural tourism play an increasingly important role in shaping destination identity, supporting local economies and creating meaningful visitor experiences. As destinations seek to balance tourism growth with the protection of cultural and natural assets, there is growing demand for professionals who can understand the complex relationships between heritage, culture and tourism.

This course explores the historical, social and cultural factors that influence heritage and cultural tourism, helping participants critically evaluate how tourism products are developed, interpreted and experienced. Drawing on international case studies, you will examine contemporary issues affecting the sector and consider how heritage and cultural resources can be managed responsibly within an increasingly globalised tourism environment.

Whether you work in tourism, heritage or destination development, this course will strengthen your understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with heritage and cultural tourism, supporting informed decision-making and professional practice.

 

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of heritage and culture in shaping tourism destinations and visitor experiences
• Evaluate the development of heritage and cultural tourism within both natural and built environments
• Assess the historical, social and cultural factors that influence heritage tourism in contemporary societies
• Critically evaluate the relationships between heritage, culture and tourism, considering the opportunities and challenges they present
• Analyse international case studies to compare different approaches to developing and managing heritage and cultural tourism
• Apply your understanding of heritage and cultural tourism to inform professional practice within destination development, tourism management and the wider visitor economy

 

How you will learn

This course combines scheduled teaching with independent learning, enabling you to explore contemporary issues in heritage and cultural tourism through a blend of lectures, tutorials and guided study. Learning is designed to encourage critical discussion, independent analysis and the application of concepts to international tourism contexts.

Throughout the course, you will learn through:

• Lectures introducing key concepts, theories and contemporary debates.
• Tutorials that encourage discussion, analysis and the exploration of international case studies.
• Guided reading and digital learning resources available through the University's virtual learning environment.
• Independent study and reflective learning to deepen your understanding of heritage and cultural tourism.
• Tutor support to help you consolidate learning and prepare for assessment.

The course comprises approximately 200 hours of learning, combining scheduled teaching, guided learning, self-directed study and assessment. This flexible delivery model enables participants to progress their learning while balancing professional and personal commitments.

 

Course content

The course explores the relationships between heritage, culture and tourism, examining how these influences shape destinations, visitor experiences and tourism development. Through international case studies and critical discussion, participants will develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to evaluate contemporary issues within heritage and cultural tourism.

• Understanding Heritage, Culture and Tourism

Explore the core concepts and relationships that underpin heritage and cultural tourism, establishing a foundation for understanding this important tourism niche.

• Heritage, Identity and Place

Examine how heritage, culture and identity influence the development, interpretation and promotion of tourism destinations within different social and historical contexts.

• Heritage Tourism in Natural and Built Environments

Evaluate how natural landscapes, historic sites and cultural assets contribute to tourism experiences, destination development and visitor engagement.

• International Perspectives and Contemporary Debates

Analyse international case studies to explore the opportunities, challenges and tensions associated with heritage and cultural tourism in an increasingly globalised world.

• Sustainable Heritage and Cultural Tourism Practice

Consider how heritage and cultural resources can be managed, interpreted and developed responsibly to support sustainable tourism, protect cultural significance and enhance visitor experiences.

 

Assessment

Assessment is designed to help you apply your understanding of heritage and cultural tourism to contemporary tourism issues and demonstrate your ability to evaluate complex relationships between heritage, culture and destination development. The two assessment components complement one another by combining the analysis of real-world tourism contexts with critical evaluation of wider themes and debates.

You will complete:

• A case study presentation, where you will analyse a heritage or cultural tourism example, applying course concepts to evaluate its development, management and significance.
• An individual essay, enabling you to explore a key issue in greater depth, critically examining the role of heritage and culture within tourism and drawing on relevant evidence and international perspectives.

Together, these assessments develop your ability to analyse tourism issues critically, communicate evidence-based arguments and apply informed perspectives to professional practice within the heritage and cultural tourism sector.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Apply heritage and cultural tourism concepts to international case studies and contemporary tourism issues
• Critically evaluate how heritage, culture and tourism interact within different social, historical and geographical contexts
• Reflect on current challenges and opportunities affecting heritage and cultural tourism in professional practice
• Develop evidence-based perspectives through discussion, independent research and critical analysis

You will leave with:

• A broader understanding of the role of heritage and culture in shaping tourism destinations and visitor experiences
• Greater confidence in evaluating heritage and cultural tourism from local, national and international perspectives
• Enhanced analytical and critical thinking skills that can be applied across tourism, heritage and destination management
• Transferable knowledge that supports informed decision-making and professional practice within the visitor economy

 

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

The course is suitable for professionals who wish to develop their understanding of heritage and cultural tourism and its role within the visitor economy. It may be particularly relevant for those working in tourism, heritage, culture or destination management, although prior experience in these areas is not essential.

Participants should be prepared to undertake independent study and engage with learning at SCQF Level 9, including critical analysis, discussion and the application of learning to contemporary heritage and cultural tourism contexts.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 9.

These credits may contribute towards further undergraduate study at the University of the West of Scotland, where appropriate and in accordance with University regulations.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

Heritage and cultural tourism continues to play a significant role in destination development, visitor engagement and the sustainable management of cultural and natural assets. Organisations across the tourism, heritage and cultural sectors increasingly require professionals who can critically evaluate the relationships between heritage, culture and tourism while responding to changing visitor expectations and the opportunities and challenges of a globalised tourism environment.

This course reflects current professional practice by developing participants' understanding of the social, cultural and historical factors that shape heritage and cultural tourism. Drawing on international case studies, participants will examine contemporary issues affecting the sector and develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to contribute to the responsible development, management and promotion of heritage and cultural tourism experiences.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.