Een trap leidt naar drie vakantiewoningen van Moc Chau Island

Tourism and Hospitality Innovations

Master Sustainable Outdoor Hospitality Management

Master
1,5 year
Full-time
English
Start 1 September 2026

Three countries. Three universities. Three master’s degrees. No other master’s programme in outdoor hospitality offers that.

You’ll kick-start your studies in Breda (semester 1) with a solid theoretical foundation, with destination management as the central theme. In Croatia (semester 2), you’ll delve into the practical aspects of sustainable business management. In Spain (semester 3), you’ll explore strategy and management in greater depth. In between, you’ll spend two months working as a trainee at a company in the sector.

You’ll graduate with a Master of Arts (BUas), a Master of Economics (University of Rijeka) and a Master of Science (Universitat de Girona). In Breda, this specialisation is part of the Master Tourism Destination Management

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  • What is Tourism and Hospitality Innovations?

    Study overview

    During the first five months (semester 1) on the BUas campus, you will explore current theories, trends, and case studies related to tourism destinations, while developing your professional skills. During this phase, the theoretical component is delivered jointly to students in Tourism Destination Management and the specialisations of Tourism and Hospitality Innovations and Urban Tourism and Mobility.

    In semester 2, you will go to Opatija, in Croatia. You will dive into the sustainable management of camping resorts and visit companies in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. You will gain insight into business challenges in park design, sustainable reporting, human resource management and strategic management.  

    After this semester you spend two months working as a trainee in the hospitality industry at one of the companies working with the master's globally. This offers the opportunity to work in high season and study in low season. At the same time, you will write a development plan for an outdoor hospitality destination. Examples of destinations of current students include Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands and even Rwanda!  

    In semester 3, you will go to the University of Girona (Spain) to further develop your academic and business skills. In the final months, you will write a thesis.  

    An overview of all courses can be found below. Send an e-mail to [email protected] if you would like to receive the full description of all courses. 

    Semester 1 – Breda University of Applied Sciences

    This semester is about the 'Context of Tourism and Outdoor Hospitality’. You will take part in various study modules through lectures, workshops, excursions and guest lectures. Every week, you will attend compulsory classes on these modules: 

    • Contemporary Marketing, Context and Trends (6 ECTS)
    • Destination Stakeholders Management (6 ECTS)
    • Destination Development, Finance & Organisation (6 ECTS)
    • Team Performance & Creative Leadership (2 ECTS)
    • Cross Cultural Studies (3 ECTS)
    • Research Process & Methods (3 ECTS)
    • Context Related Research (4 ECTS)  
    Semester 2 – University of Rijeka

    Then the second semester starts. Between February and the end of May, you will take courses in ‘Business Operations and Management’. You will travel to the seaside resort of Opatija, Croatia, a top location in outdoor hospitality. The courses focus on developing business concepts in outdoor hospitality, featuring excursions, assignments and a project for a camping resort client. you will take compulsory classes on: 

    • Financial Reporting (3 ECTS credits)
    • Sustainable Management in Outdoor Hospitality (9 ECTS credits)
    • Customer Relationship and Sales Management (6 ECTS credits)
    • Management and Operations (9 ECTS credits)
    • Outdoor Hospitality Innovation (3 ECTS credits) 

    Check out student Merel’s experience in Croatia here.

    Traineeship

    Starting in June, as part of the Business Operations module, you will embark on a two-month traineeship. You will work at a company of your choice in the leisure sector, such as a campsite or eco-lodge. In addition, you will undertake a consultancy project for an outdoor hospitality tourism destination.  

    • Company Traineeship (12 ECTS credits)
    • Destination Transformation Project (6 ECTS credits) 

    Read more about the experience of one of our students. 

    Semester 3 – University of Girona

    The third semester between September and the Christmas break will take you to Girona, Spain. This semester is dedicated to honing your skills in critical analysis, strategic thinking and planning. A significant focus is placed on cultivating a critical mindset towards developing sustainable camping strategies. Every week you will take compulsory classes on these modules: 

    • Destination Economic Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Sustainable Development of Tourism (3 ECTS credits)
    • Quantitative Research Methods (3 ECTS credits)
    • Tourism Science and Research (3 ECTS credits)
    • Management Skills (3 ECTS credits)
    • Revenue and Yield Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Experience Design (3 ECTS credits)
    • Strategic Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Food and Beverage Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Financial Management of Tourism Products (3 ECTS credits) 

    Thesis

    After completing the courses in Girona, you will work on your thesis on a relevant topic related to tourism and outdoor hospitality businesses between January and the end of March. Your thesis is worth 12 ECTS credits.   


    To video presentation

    We offer you a small-scale, international study environment. The number of students in this master’s programme varies each year between 5 and 10, with approximately 80% being international students. In the first semester you will partially attend classes with the students of the Master Tourism Destination Management. In Girona, you will have joint classes with the students of the Master Tourism Management & Planning programme.  

    During this master’s, you will earn study credits by taking examinations, submitting portfolios and reports, and giving presentations. Some courses may involve company visits or on-site assignments.   

    The Tourism and Hospitality Innovations is a full-time programme that lasts 20 months. The total study load is 120 ECTS credits. To give you an idea: 1 ECTS credit equals about 28 to 30 hours of study per week. You can combine your studies with working at campsites or other outdoor hospitality businesses during the peak season. 

    You will have daily contact with a specialist team of lecturers, guest lecturers, academics and professionals from the outdoor hospitality sector. Each of the three universities also has an operational coordinator available for you to help you with day-to-day matters. 

    A typical week

    Below, you will find an example of a typical week. Keep in mind that this schedule may vary each week, and this example serves as an indication.   

    Monday 

    • 10.00-12.00: Working on Contemporary Marketing, Context and Trends (CMCT) in groups 

    Tuesday 

    • 08.30 – 09.30: Working on Qualitative Research Process Methods (QRPM) in groups
    • 09.30 – 13.30: QRPM class
    • 13.30- 14.00: Lunch
    • 14.00 – 16.00: CMCT lecture 

    Wednesday 

    • 14.30 – 16.30: CMCT lecture
    • 16.30 – 17.30: CMCT consultation hour 

    Thursday 

    • 09.00 – 11.00: Working on CMCT in groups
    • 11.00 – 12.00: Guest lecture on Destination Stakeholders Management (DSM) 

    Friday 

    • 10.00 – 12.30: Working on CMCT in groups
    • 13.00 – 15.00: CMCT Workshop 


    Student well-being
    BUas encourages and helps you to make the most of yourself, whatever your circumstances. Maybe you have a chronic illness, are a family carer, a competitive athlete, or juggle your studies with running your own business? Our study coaches, student counsellors and student psychologists are here to help. Do you need extra support or advice? Or extra facilities? Then take a look at the options here.

    When you apply for this master's programme, you will choose – before you start your studies – whether you want to attend the core programme or one of the two specialisations.

    The Master in Tourism Destination Management is the core programme. The first part of the programme consists of a shared five-month introductory study phase in Breda, during which students from all tracks follow a common curriculum. In some courses, the focus shifts to different aspects during company visits or assignments, depending on your specialisation. After this initial phase, you will further specialise in your chosen field:

    • Tourism and Hospitality Innovations: Here, you will focus on accommodation within sustainable out-door hospitality management, preparing you for a future as an entrepreneur or manager in the out-door hospitality industry. 
    • Tourism Destination Management: In this specialisation, you will learn how to research and shape the future of tourism destinations in a responsible, resilient, and sustainable way. 
    • Urban Tourism Mobility: This specialisation focuses on urban tourism and city planning, the challeng-es of overtourism and visitor pressure, urban placemaking, and sustainable urban and interurban mobility choices.    

    Students who choose the Tourism Hospitality Innovations master’s specialisation graduate with a Master of Arts (MA) in Tourism Destination Management, with a specialisation in Tourism Hospitality Innovations. At the University of Rijeka, you will be awarded the title of Master of Economics, and at La Universitat de Girona, the title of Master of Science. Do you have any questions about the specialisations? Send an email to [email protected].

    During this master’s, you will regularly receive guest lectures from industry professionals, or you will go on company visits. Some examples are:   

    • Company visits: Camping de Leistert, Beekse Bergen, Camping Las Dunas
    • Guest lecturers: Ramon van Reine (ACSI), Uwe Frers (PINCAMP), Richard Otten (self-employed in tourism, recreation and leisure) 

     

     

    At BUas, you develop your entrepreneurial skills in all programmes. You can also join BUas Startup Support (BUSS), where you attend networking meetings and receive guidance from a startup coach. Whether you are already generating revenue or just have an initial idea, BUas Startup Support will help you.  

    Read more about starting your own business. 

    Course content

    During the first five months (semester 1) on the BUas campus, you will explore current theories, trends, and case studies related to tourism destinations, while developing your professional skills. During this phase, the theoretical component is delivered jointly to students in Tourism Destination Management and the specialisations of Tourism and Hospitality Innovations and Urban Tourism and Mobility.

    In semester 2, you will go to Opatija, in Croatia. You will dive into the sustainable management of camping resorts and visit companies in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. You will gain insight into business challenges in park design, sustainable reporting, human resource management and strategic management.  

    After this semester you spend two months working as a trainee in the hospitality industry at one of the companies working with the master's globally. This offers the opportunity to work in high season and study in low season. At the same time, you will write a development plan for an outdoor hospitality destination. Examples of destinations of current students include Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands and even Rwanda!  

    In semester 3, you will go to the University of Girona (Spain) to further develop your academic and business skills. In the final months, you will write a thesis.  

    An overview of all courses can be found below. Send an e-mail to [email protected] if you would like to receive the full description of all courses. 

    Semester 1 – Breda University of Applied Sciences

    This semester is about the 'Context of Tourism and Outdoor Hospitality’. You will take part in various study modules through lectures, workshops, excursions and guest lectures. Every week, you will attend compulsory classes on these modules: 

    • Contemporary Marketing, Context and Trends (6 ECTS)
    • Destination Stakeholders Management (6 ECTS)
    • Destination Development, Finance & Organisation (6 ECTS)
    • Team Performance & Creative Leadership (2 ECTS)
    • Cross Cultural Studies (3 ECTS)
    • Research Process & Methods (3 ECTS)
    • Context Related Research (4 ECTS)  
    Semester 2 – University of Rijeka

    Then the second semester starts. Between February and the end of May, you will take courses in ‘Business Operations and Management’. You will travel to the seaside resort of Opatija, Croatia, a top location in outdoor hospitality. The courses focus on developing business concepts in outdoor hospitality, featuring excursions, assignments and a project for a camping resort client. you will take compulsory classes on: 

    • Financial Reporting (3 ECTS credits)
    • Sustainable Management in Outdoor Hospitality (9 ECTS credits)
    • Customer Relationship and Sales Management (6 ECTS credits)
    • Management and Operations (9 ECTS credits)
    • Outdoor Hospitality Innovation (3 ECTS credits) 

    Check out student Merel’s experience in Croatia here.

    Traineeship

    Starting in June, as part of the Business Operations module, you will embark on a two-month traineeship. You will work at a company of your choice in the leisure sector, such as a campsite or eco-lodge. In addition, you will undertake a consultancy project for an outdoor hospitality tourism destination.  

    • Company Traineeship (12 ECTS credits)
    • Destination Transformation Project (6 ECTS credits) 

    Read more about the experience of one of our students. 

    Semester 3 – University of Girona

    The third semester between September and the Christmas break will take you to Girona, Spain. This semester is dedicated to honing your skills in critical analysis, strategic thinking and planning. A significant focus is placed on cultivating a critical mindset towards developing sustainable camping strategies. Every week you will take compulsory classes on these modules: 

    • Destination Economic Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Sustainable Development of Tourism (3 ECTS credits)
    • Quantitative Research Methods (3 ECTS credits)
    • Tourism Science and Research (3 ECTS credits)
    • Management Skills (3 ECTS credits)
    • Revenue and Yield Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Experience Design (3 ECTS credits)
    • Strategic Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Food and Beverage Management (3 ECTS credits)
    • Financial Management of Tourism Products (3 ECTS credits) 

    Thesis

    After completing the courses in Girona, you will work on your thesis on a relevant topic related to tourism and outdoor hospitality businesses between January and the end of March. Your thesis is worth 12 ECTS credits.   


    To video presentation

    Teaching method

    We offer you a small-scale, international study environment. The number of students in this master’s programme varies each year between 5 and 10, with approximately 80% being international students. In the first semester you will partially attend classes with the students of the Master Tourism Destination Management. In Girona, you will have joint classes with the students of the Master Tourism Management & Planning programme.  

    During this master’s, you will earn study credits by taking examinations, submitting portfolios and reports, and giving presentations. Some courses may involve company visits or on-site assignments.   

    Study load and coaching

    The [nhtv:strMSOHM] is a full-time programme that lasts 20 months. The total study load is 120 ECTS credits. To give you an idea: 1 ECTS credit equals about 28 to 30 hours of study per week. You can combine your studies with working at campsites or other outdoor hospitality businesses during the peak season. 

    You will have daily contact with a specialist team of lecturers, guest lecturers, academics and professionals from the outdoor hospitality sector. Each of the three universities also has an operational coordinator available for you to help you with day-to-day matters. 

    A typical week

    Below, you will find an example of a typical week. Keep in mind that this schedule may vary each week, and this example serves as an indication.   

    Monday 

    • 10.00-12.00: Working on Contemporary Marketing, Context and Trends (CMCT) in groups 

    Tuesday 

    • 08.30 – 09.30: Working on Qualitative Research Process Methods (QRPM) in groups
    • 09.30 – 13.30: QRPM class
    • 13.30- 14.00: Lunch
    • 14.00 – 16.00: CMCT lecture 

    Wednesday 

    • 14.30 – 16.30: CMCT lecture
    • 16.30 – 17.30: CMCT consultation hour 

    Thursday 

    • 09.00 – 11.00: Working on CMCT in groups
    • 11.00 – 12.00: Guest lecture on Destination Stakeholders Management (DSM) 

    Friday 

    • 10.00 – 12.30: Working on CMCT in groups
    • 13.00 – 15.00: CMCT Workshop 


    Student well-being
    BUas encourages and helps you to make the most of yourself, whatever your circumstances. Maybe you have a chronic illness, are a family carer, a competitive athlete, or juggle your studies with running your own business? Our study coaches, student counsellors and student psychologists are here to help. Do you need extra support or advice? Or extra facilities? Then take a look at the options here.

    Specialisations

    When you apply for this master's programme, you will choose – before you start your studies – whether you want to attend the core programme or one of the two specialisations.

    The Master in Tourism Destination Management is the core programme. The first part of the programme consists of a shared five-month introductory study phase in Breda, during which students from all tracks follow a common curriculum. In some courses, the focus shifts to different aspects during company visits or assignments, depending on your specialisation. After this initial phase, you will further specialise in your chosen field:

    • Tourism and Hospitality Innovations: Here, you will focus on accommodation within sustainable out-door hospitality management, preparing you for a future as an entrepreneur or manager in the out-door hospitality industry. 
    • Tourism Destination Management: In this specialisation, you will learn how to research and shape the future of tourism destinations in a responsible, resilient, and sustainable way. 
    • Urban Tourism Mobility: This specialisation focuses on urban tourism and city planning, the challeng-es of overtourism and visitor pressure, urban placemaking, and sustainable urban and interurban mobility choices.    

    Students who choose the Tourism Hospitality Innovations master’s specialisation graduate with a Master of Arts (MA) in Tourism Destination Management, with a specialisation in Tourism Hospitality Innovations. At the University of Rijeka, you will be awarded the title of Master of Economics, and at La Universitat de Girona, the title of Master of Science. Do you have any questions about the specialisations? Send an email to [email protected].

    Guest lectures and company visits

    During this master’s, you will regularly receive guest lectures from industry professionals, or you will go on company visits. Some examples are:   

    • Company visits: Camping de Leistert, Beekse Bergen, Camping Las Dunas
    • Guest lecturers: Ramon van Reine (ACSI), Uwe Frers (PINCAMP), Richard Otten (self-employed in tourism, recreation and leisure) 

     

     

    Entrepreneurship

    At BUas, you develop your entrepreneurial skills in all programmes. You can also join BUas Startup Support (BUSS), where you attend networking meetings and receive guidance from a startup coach. Whether you are already generating revenue or just have an initial idea, BUas Startup Support will help you.  

    Read more about starting your own business. 

    Study at three locations in Europe

    Admission & application

    What are the admission requirements?

    You are eligible if you hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as tourism, travel, hotel management, international business, management, economics, law, e-commerce, urban development, geography, social sciences, or finance. If you do not meet these requirements, you can have a look at the options available to you

    Information about admission requirements

    What does this study programme cost?

    The costs of this study programme are made up of amounts that you pay to the various universities of applied sciences involved. In addition, you should take extra costs for software, excursions, etc. into account.

    Information about study costs

    How can I apply?

    If you meet the admission requirements, you can apply for this study programme. Application is open until 15 August, but we strongly recommend applying before 1 July to avoid delays due to the summer holidays. 

    More information about applying

    What others say about this programme

    Portretfoto van Eva

    What working with other cultures has brought me

    The highlight of my studies was the people I met and the travelling I did during the projects at the three different universities. There, I learnt not only how to work with people from other cultures, but also how to understand their perspective : how they view hospitality, communication and collaboration. And the great thing is: that continues to help me progress in my work to this day. That international experience is incredibly valuable and still forms the basis of how I interact with clients and colleagues on a daily basis. 

    Eva

    Graduate, Project Assistent at AGEG Tourism for Sustainability

    Portretfoto van Jos van der Sterren

    It gives me real satisfaction to help students

    “It gives me real satisfaction to help students with their field research and traineeship, precisely because these projects allow them to operate out of their comfort zone, in multiple cultures, where they have to keep their eyes wide open to understand the context. I take students along into that complex reality and how to develop a tourism business in a sustainable manner. We simply have to treat the earth and the people we meet with respect if we don’t want to kill tourism’s appeal and potential!” 

    Jos van der Sterren

    Teacher & researcher at BUas

    Portretfoto van Danica

    A great opportunity

    I believe this new master’s programme is a great opportunity as it combines multiple studies, and sustainability is a key topic in the industry. The staff were very helpful and supportive during the application process, and their passion and devotion to contribute to the improvement of the outdoor hospitality industry assured me that this is the right fit for me.

    Danica Bošnjak

    Student

    Student ad tourism & leisure

    Where do you want to be working?

    • Discover what our graduates are doing
      Our graduates work at companies such as AGEG Tourism for Sustainability, VillaVibes Singlereizen & events and the Department of Tourism and Culture Abu Dhabi - or have chosen to start their own business.
    • The job market needs you
      You couid, for example, get started as a Product Coordinator or a Sales & Marketing Account Executive.
    • Learn from the best
      Graduates share their experiences.