![Een toeristische attractie](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_wide_desktop/public/2023-03/Master-Tourism-Destination-Management.jpg?h=55f03d26&itok=B0MUTei2) # Master Tourism Destination Management Master 1 year Full-time English Start 1 September 2026 - [Apply to BUas](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/application-procedure) **Do you want to explore how to shape the future of tourism destinations in a responsible, resilient and sustainable way? And would you like to study at four locations around the world? Then the Master Tourism Destination Management is perfect for you!** This programme will equip you as a young professional with the skills and competencies to tackle complex challenges and opportunities that tourism destinations are facing. You will become familiar with the different perspectives of a range of stakeholders, such as tourists, locals, businesses, governments and NGOs. You will also apply your learning in practice and conduct field research at four different locations around the world, experiencing the diversity and cross-cultural dynamics of tourism firsthand. 1. #### No. 1 in the Netherlands GRAS / Shanghai ranking 2. #### No. 76-100 Worldwide GRAS / Shanghai ranking 3. [#### No. 22 Worldwide QS World University Ranking ](https://www.buas.nl/en/node/7368 "Read") Story: Masters in Tourism ### BUas Stories Click, swipe and explore this programme. [](https://stories.buas.nl/2HQjqKH?embed=1) ## Come and meet us Walking around on campus is the best way to truly experience BUas. Sign up for one of the upcoming events or activities. [ ## Campus Tour Plan your visit ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/meet-us/campus-tour) [See all events ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/meet-us) ## What is Tourism Destination Management? ![Groepsfoto van studenten die landsvlaggen vasthouden](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-08/TDM%20slider%20fase%201_0.jpg?h=4521fff0&itok=7lFd6dzk) ### Phase 1 - Theory in Breda Classes, workshops, consultation sessions, individual assignments and group work ![Groepsfoto van studenten voor een Boeddhistische tempel](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-08/TDM%20slider%20fase%202_0.jpeg?h=84071268&itok=gp_DbZiK) ### Phase 2 - Field research Field research in groups in three different countries ![Afgestudeerde studenten gooien hun afstudeerhoed in de lucht](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-08/TDM%20slider%20fase%203_0.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=hEUK4kQs) ### Phase 3 - Final thesis Conducting your own research or writing your thesis for a client ![Een groepje studenten zit buiten bij de campus](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Studenten_op_stenen_buiten_campus.jpg?h=533e6936&itok=y09m9-_1) ### International A small-scale and international academic environment ![Twee jonge vrouwen kijken vanuit de deuropening van de trein over het perron](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Slider_item_bto_brede_bachelor.jpg?h=3ec75680&itok=p1Bte56n) ### Sustainable development Discovering how you can contribute to sustainable and resilient tourism ![Studenten zijn in gesprek op de brede trap op de campus](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Studenten%20op%20de%20trap.jpg?h=1086fa6a&itok=ZZo9-j0-) ### Different perspectives Learning to analyse and solve complex tourism issues [ ![Screenshot uit quiz](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2026-01/Masters%20Tourism_Quiz%20Interactives_900x1200pixels_DEF_ENG.png?h=309e12e8&itok=9deI1LOh) ](https://stories.buas.nl/KD2dd4e?embed=1) ## Would you like to deepen your knowledge of tourism? Discover if a master in Tourism is right for you with our quiz. - It only takes 3 minutes - Your result in seconds - Learn more about our Tourism master's programmes. [Start the quiz ](https://stories.buas.nl/KD2dd4e?embed=1) ## Course content - [Course content](#tab-course-content) - [Teaching method](#tab-teaching-method) - [Study load and coaching](#tab-study-load-and-coaching) - [Guest lectures, fieldwork and company visits ](#tab-guest-lectures-fieldwork-and-company-visits-) - [Specialisations](#tab-specialisations) - [Entrepreneurship](#tab-entrepreneurship) Tourism is a fast-growing and dynamic sector that offers many opportunities for study and research. The tourism sector brings economic benefits, growth and opportunities for people and businesses in destination areas. At the same time, it remains a challenge to match supply and demand effectively. Effective management of these kinds of changes and building resilient businesses and destinations requires knowledge and expertise that is closely intertwined with the destinations themselves. This master's programme starts in Breda, with an emphasis on theory. After that, you will visit three different tourist destinations. The focus is on tourism in practice under various circumstances, and you will work in international research teams of students. In the final phase, you will write a thesis in which you combine practice and theory and try to develop new insights. The programme lasts 12 months and consists of three phases: Phase 1 – Theory in BredaIn the first phase (five months), you will learn the necessary theory and develop professional skills. This will enable you to properly analyse the current situation and development opportunities of tourist destinations. You will study destination theories, models, trends and case studies, and you will do individual assignments. The first phase covers the following subjects: - Destination Stakeholders and Policy (6 ECTS credits) - Contemporary Marketing, Context and Trends (6 ECTS credits) - Destination Development, Finance and Organisation (6 ECTS credits) - Context Related Research (4 ECTS credits) - Cross Cultural Studies (3 ECTS credits) - Research Process & Methods (3 ECTS credits) - Team Performance and Creative Leadership (2 ECTS credits) Below you will find some subjects explained: - In **Destination Development, Finance and Organisation** you will learn about the economic impact of tourism, how projects and events in the sector are financed, and how project management works. - In **Team Performance and Creative Leadership** you will learn how to best communicate across cultures. You will learn how to use skills and tools in a team, understand group dynamics, and act accordingly. - In **Destination Stakeholders and Policy** you will learn how to map out the relationships and interests of various stakeholders. You will delve into their dilemmas and how they relate to current developments in tourism. Ultimately, you will develop a tourism vision and a master plan. Phase 2 – Field researchIn the second phase (three months), you will work on assignments at three destinations worldwide, each of which is in a different stage of development. The assignments are created by lecturers and stakeholders involved in the specific area, and each team works from a different (stakeholder) perspective. You will gain the intercultural experience needed to effectively research the future of the area with your team. We select destinations that are dynamic, have good contacts with businesses and government authorities, and offer cultural diversity. The final destinations are determined after the start of the programme. Previous destinations have included Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Chambéry (France), Malta and Singapore. You will travel with your class to these three destinations, where you will stay for approximately one month. The lecturers will put together the project groups, and you will arrange your own accommodation with your group. [Read the students’ field research reports here.](https://tourism.buas.nl/overview/tdm) Phase 3 – Final thesisYour thesis demonstrates your research skills and insight into Tourism Destination Management, both professionally and academically. It is an individual assignment, supervised by one of our lecturers. Which topic will you choose? Writing a thesis takes time and energy, so it helps if you are motivated and interested in your topic. Getting new ideas while writing? Lecturers are always available to discuss them with you. In phase 1 of the master's programme, you will already come up with a topic and start your research proposal. Your thesis must have an international tourism topic and be written in English, unless another language is more appropriate. Some recent thesis examples are: - Strengthening Bridges – how a Dutch tour operator can improve collaboration with its Indonesian partners - Development and Application of Smart City Practices in Rural Destinations – how can regenerative tourism possibly occur? - Experiences and motives behind tourists’ choices of destinations with paranormal activity – a case study of Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania. - [More examples can be found here. ](https://tourism.buas.nl/master-tourism-destination-management-theses) **Cooperation with an external client** You can write your thesis for an external client, such as an industry partner of BUas, or for an international tourism organisation of your choice. This gives your research a practical, professional dimension. You can also tailor your research to one of the [research theme and professorships](https://www.buas.nl/en/research/professorships) within BUas. Many students choose to conduct independent research and travel to a tourist destination to explore and further develop their topic. **Where will you work on your thesis?** During this final phase of your master's programme, you can work on your research and thesis anywhere in the world. The oral final exam will take place in the Netherlands. The majority of students graduate at the end of August, making this a full-time 12-month programme. [To video presentation](https://buas.webinargeek.com/on-demand-webinar-master-tourism-destination-management) We offer a small-scale, international study environment with 30 to 50 students per year, approximately 50% of whom are international. You will start with one class and split up for workshops and group work in phase 1. In phase 2, you will work in small groups under the supervision of two supervisors, partly on location and partly online. At the end of each destination, you will submit a report and give a group presentation. In phase 3, you will work independently and receive online guidance and feedback from your supervisor. Your final product will be a thesis and an oral defence. There are no interim examinations. You earn credits by creating portfolios, writing reports and giving presentations. Sometimes you will visit a company or be given an assignment on site. The professional master’s programme in Tourism Destination Management is a one-year, full-time programme consisting of 40 hours per week, with a total study load of 60 ECTS credits. One ECTS credits equals about 28 study hours per week. The programme lasts 12 months, from the end of August to the end of August the following year. You will be in daily contact with lecturers, guest lecturers, academics and professionals from the tourism sector. The operations manager is also always available to help you with day-to-day matters. A typical weekEvery week is organised differently. The number of days with classes varies from week to week. Below is an example of an average week. **Monday** - 09:30-10:30 Introduction lecture on CCS (Cross-Cultural Studies) - 11:00-12:00 Guest lecture on CRR (Context-Related Research) - 12:00-12:30 Lunch - 12:30-14:30 Working on group assignments with classmates\* - 14:30-16:00 Workshop on CMCT (Contemporary Marketing Context and Trends) **Tuesday** - 14:00-15:00 Lecture on CRR (Context-Related Research) - 15:00-17:00 Consultation session on CMCT (Contemporary Marketing Context and Trends) **Wednesday** - 9:30-11:30 Workshop on CCS (Cross-Cultural Studies) - 11:30-13:30 Seminar on CMCT - 13:30-14:00 Lunch - 14:00-15:00 Lecture on CCR (Context-Related Research) - 17:00-19:00 Monthly master’s drinks on campus together with the students of other BUas master’s programmes **Thursday** - 9:30-12:00 Presentations on CMCT (Contemporary Marketing Context and Trends) - 12:00-13:00 Lunch and free time - 13:30-15:30 Guest lecture (Context-Related Research) - 15:30-17:00 Working on group assignments with classmates\* **Friday** Working on assignments from home \*These times are scheduled by the students themselves; you are free to decide with your group when to work on your assignment. **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](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/study-at-buas). During this master’s, you will regularly receive guest lectures from industry professionals. Some examples from previous years are: - Dr Andrew Mzembe about sustainable innovation management in tourism - George Arbuckle about aviation and sustainability - Prof. Claudio Milano about urban tourism and (im)possibilities in times of crisis During phase 1, you will spend a day on location for some courses, for example doing research in Amsterdam. In addition, for the Destination Stakeholders and Policy course, you will spend two days visiting various companies in Rotterdam. For this professional (hbo) master's programme, you will study in the Netherlands and at three different locations worldwide. This will allow you to gain a lot of intercultural experience and learn a great deal about tourist destinations in various stages of development. Previous destinations have included Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Chambéry (France), Malta and Singapore. The master’s programme in Tourism Destination Management offers three different tracks. In addition to Tourism Destination Management, you can also choose two other master's specialisations: - In [Tourism and Hospitality Innovations](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-and-hospitality-innovations), you will focus on sustainable outdoor hospitality management and prepare yourself for a future as an entrepreneur or manager in the outdoor hospitality industry. A multiple degree programme in Breda, Girona and Rijeka. - [Urban Tourism and Mobility](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-urban-tourism-and-mobility) focuses on urban tourism and urban planning, the challenges of overtourism and congestion, urban placemaking, and urban and interurban sustainable mobility choices. Start in Breda, followed by 3 months of field research in European cities. After completing this master's programme, you will be awarded the MA Tourism Destination Management. If you have any questions about the different specialisations or how to apply for one of them, please contact us at [master-tdm@buas.nl. ](mailto:master-tdm@buas.nl) 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. Would you like to graduate with your own company? You can do that at any academy, although a selection procedure may apply. 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](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/study-at-buas/entrepreneurship). ## What makes this study programme unique ![Logo van BUas Tourism](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2024-12/BUas%20icon%20op%20Oranje%20vierkant_Tourism.png?h=d27d320c&itok=vSsaiffX) ![Groepsfoto van afgestudeerde studenten TDM](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/TDM%20-%20graduation%20ceremony%20groepsfoto%20%281%29.png?h=50669ac2&itok=dpwLixL2) ### Thesis examples Get inspired by theses of former Tourism Destination Management students. [Check out the examples ](https://tourism.buas.nl/master-tourism-destination-management-theses) ![Logo van BUas Tourism](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2024-12/BUas%20icon%20op%20Oranje%20vierkant_Tourism.png?h=d27d320c&itok=vSsaiffX) ![Groepsfoto van studenten op reis voor veldwerk](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/Penang%20banner%20%281%29.jpg?h=8ebf964f&itok=XR5yU1WY) ### Greetings from Penang! Students went to Penang in phase 2 to conduct research [Read more ](https://tourism.buas.nl/greetings-penang-our-tdm-students) ## Admission & application [What are the admission requirements? ](#accordion-what-are-the-admission-requirements-) You are eligible if you hold a **bachelor’s degree** (or equivalent) such as a BA, BSc, BBA, or Bcom in a relevant field. Examples include tourism, 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](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/admission-requirements) to you. [Information about admission requirements](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/admission-requirements) [What does this study programme cost?](#accordion-what-does-this-study-programme-cost) For academic year 2026-2027 the statutory tuition fee for master's programmes is €2,694. In addition, you should take extra costs for software, excursions, etc. into account. [Information about study costs](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/study-costs) [How can I apply?](#accordion-how-can-i-apply) If you meet the [admission requirements](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/admission-requirements), you can apply for this study programme. Application is open until 1**5 August**, but we strongly recommend applying before **1 July** to avoid delays due to the summer holidays. [More information about applying](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/application-procedure) ## What others say about this programme [tourism.buas.nl ](https://tourism.buas.nl/overview/tdm) ![Portretfoto van Rami Isaac](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/card_testimonial_avatar/public/2023-11/Rami-Isaac_MTDM.jpg?h=038a9462&itok=KLB79-NB) ### Learn, grow and reach milestones The most significant part of the course I teach is that it guides students in critical thinking and makes them aware of what’s going on in the world and in all kinds of tourism destinations. Its goal is to build problem-solving … Read more skills in a methodical manner. I teach students to welcome difficulties, learn from mistakes, and perceive mistakes as chances for progress. It gives me great joy to watch students learn, grow, and reach their milestones. Rami Isaac Lecturer Master Tourism Destination Management ![Portretfoto van Julia Teclova](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/card_testimonial_avatar/public/Julia%20Teclova_TDM.jpg?h=28878a1e&itok=dJTZdlwO) ### Maximising the positives, minimising the negatives “I knew that after finishing my studies, I wanted to return to my home country and actively participate in the functioning of tourism in our capital city. One of the biggest challenges… Read more in my work is fulfilling the tourism strategy and values of the city – maximising the positives of tourism and minimising the negatives associated with it. The master’s was an excellent preparation for the intricacies of destination management, introducing me to trends that are embraced by most of the leading European tourist cities. My focus on marketing was significantly bolstered by the course on Contemporary Marketing, Context & Trends, which I found incredibly engaging and which outlined the direction I wanted to take within tourism.” Julie Teclová Marketing Specialist for Prague City Tourism ![Portretfoto van Joost Bouwmeester](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/card_testimonial_avatar/public/bouwmeester_TDM_0.png?h=0406f142&itok=SOVcWafu) ### You learn to use your talents better I work as a Product Manager at Silverjet Vacations, we specialise in luxury holidays. I am responsible for the hotels in Asia and Malta. I select, inspect, negotiate and ensure proper marketing in collaboration with all hotels. During this … Read more master’s, you also work with people with different backgrounds and qualities. You learn to use your talents better, recognise your weaknesses and overall it makes you flexible. You also learn to approach stakeholders for interviews, developing strong networking skills. Very useful in my work environment, literally! I once stood on top of a mountain in the French Alps with my feet in the snow for an interview. Joost Bouwmeester Product Manager at Silverjet Vacations [Read more about experiences from students and alumni](https://tourism.buas.nl/overview/tdm "More experiences from students and alumni") ![Student Master Tourism Destination Management](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/3_4_large/public/2025-10/Foto%20Giannis%20VRIJ%20%281%29.png?h=6d33658b&itok=xbPeG3wq) ## Your future starts here - **The job market needs you** Explore your career options - **Choose your path** Discover the possibilities - **Learn from the best** Graduates share their experiences [After your studies ](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-tourism-destination-management/after-your-master) ### Discover the campus Would you like to see our campus? Have a virtual look and discover the building where you’ll be studying and what more the campus has to offer. [ Have a look at the video ](https://stories.buas.nl/jEr1K9U) ![Header Tourism Management ](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2022-09/gianandrea-villa-RcuqOjxTY2w-unsplash.jpg?h=790be497&itok=-YJaW8Ot) ### Get inspired! Read more about projects, research and insights in the field of Tourism. [ To tourism.buas.nl ](https://tourism.buas.nl?utm_source=buas&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=outbound_link_buas) ![Twee studenten kijken samen op een laptop](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-07/2022%20-%20Cover%20Masters%20-%20PVR%20-website.jpg?h=671a8648&itok=xkF2v8a2) ### Help with choosing your study programme Do you want to continue after your bachelor's or further develop your professional skills and are you looking for a master's? Discover, compare and choose your master's programme at BUas. [ Discover our master's programmes ](https://www.buas.nl/en/study-in-the-netherlands/masters) ## Also see - [Year schedule](https://www.buas.nl/en/year-schedule) - [Why study at BUas? ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/study-at-buas) - [Educational vision](https://www.buas.nl/en/why-buas/educational-vision) - [Location](https://www.buas.nl/en/about-us/campus/frontier-building) - [National and international rankings](https://www.buas.nl/en/why-buas/ranking) - [Download our brochure](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/meet-us/download-or-order-brochure) [More info? Assistance in choosing a study programme ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students) window.unibuddySettings = { uni_id: 'breda-university-of-applied-sciences', colour: '00406B', filterKey: 'degreeId', filterValue: '5fa9332bb85072054da8ca97', domain: 'https://popcard.unibuddy.co/', title: 'Unibuddy Popcard', align: 'right', ubLang: 'en-GB', ubCookieConsent: 'necessary', };