Master Tourism Destination Management

The programme is structured into three phases. The first phase in Breda, with a clear emphasis on theory, is considered to be the preparation for the second and third phase. The second phase takes place at three different types of tourism destinations. It has a focus on the tourism practice under different circumstances and you will work in international student research teams. In the final phase, you will write your final thesis in which practice and theory should be brought together, striving towards new insights, theories or generalisations.

The programme covers 12 months and it comprises three phases:

Phase 1 - Theory in Breda

During the first phase, you will gain theoretical knowledge and develop your professional skills. This enables you to effectively analyse the current situation and available potential for development strategies at various tourism destinations. Destination theories, models, developments and practical cases will be studied. Courses are given by lecturers, along with an interesting team of visiting lecturers from international organisations and universities. You will interact on a daily basis with this specialist team of academics and tourism professionals.

The first phase covers the following subjects:

• Contemporary Marketing, Context and Trends (6 ECTS credits)
• Destination Stakeholders and Policy (6 ECTS credits)  
• Context Related Research (4 ECTS credits)
• Cross Cultural Studies (3 ECTS credits)
• Research Process & Methods (3 ECTS credits)
• Destination Development, Finance and Organisation (6 ECTS credits)
• Team Performance and Creative Leadership (2 ECTS credits)

Phase 2 - Field research

In the second phase you will carry out assignments at three different locations. These assignments are created by lecturers in cooperation with stakeholders involved in developments of tourist destinations in the region. We try to select destinations:

• with which our staff are very familiar;  
• that have many contacts with businesses, government institutions and universities of applied sciences;
• that are familiar with developments and dynamics;
• have a lot of variety in culture.

Phase 3 - Final thesis

By writing a final thesis during the last phase of the programme, you will apply your research skills and demonstrate a true understanding of tourism destination management from a professional and academic point of view. You are required to demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation. The final thesis uses concepts, insights and practical abilities to develop a better understanding of the subject under investigation. A final thesis is an individual assignment, carefully supervised by one of our lecturers.

Subjects
Writing a final thesis is a major commitment in terms of time and energy. The subject, as a consequence, often personally motivates and interests the student and (new) ideas of students can be openly discussed with our staff. In principle the thesis subject should be a topic or an issue in an international tourism context. Students have to ensure, however, that the research idea is both appropriate and feasible. The final thesis should be written in English, unless another language is really more appropriate. Some examples of recent theses:

• Belgium, one country, three visions: comparative study of the websites of the three regional tourism promotion agencies
• Strengthening bridges - How a Dutch tour operator can improve its collaboration with their Indonesian partners
• 360-degree videos as a promotion tool to encourage tourists to choose nature conservation travels
• Ski touring on groomed slopes -  Integration strategies considering influences on critical success factors of Austrian ski destinations and their management
• Potentials of wine tourism in Rhodes
• Key motivational influencers to choose a destination for a tropical island wedding
• Experiences and motives behind tourists' choice of destinations with paranormal activity - a case study of Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania

Cooperation with an external commissioner
You can opt for writing your thesis in close cooperation with an external commissioner. This enables you to closely cooperate with an international tourism organisation, thus adding an extra and professional dimension to the research project. However, many students write an independent research thesis and travel to a tourism destination to study their subject in-depth.

Research location
Conducting research and writing a final thesis in this third phase can be done anywhere in the world. The final (oral) exam takes place in the Netherlands.

The Master Tourism Destination Management is a one-year, full-time programme. The total study load is 60 ECTS credits. To give you an idea: 1 ECTS credit equals approximately 28 hours of study a week.

We offer you a small-scale study environment. The number of students involved in this master's programme differs every year between 30 and 45 up to 50 students. Whenever possible the class will be split up for workshops, consultancy sessions and other group work. For questions on the content of the programme, lecturers can be easily reached. In addition, the master's coordinator is available to help with day-to-day issues. If you wish to discuss personal problems that may be affecting your life as a student, you can turn to the student counsellor.