Sustainability, Destinations and Regional Development 15 credits

About the course

In this course, the applications of different destination development models are addressed. Models and theories of destination development are critically discussed and scrutinized from a scientific perspective, highlighting not least their compliance with principles of sustainable development. The course covers interrelationships of destination development and regional development, i.e. economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism in different geographical contexts. Theories and practices for policy and planning for tourism and regional development are addressed discussing issues related to sustainable development.

Module 1. Destination development, 7.5 credits

Here, destinations are in focus through the analysis and use of various destination development models. The theoretical foundations of the models are discussed as well as how they are applied in different geographical contexts. Also, the possibilities to forecast the development of destinations using the theories are discussed and critically assessed.

Module 2: Regional development, 7.5 credits

This section highlights the connection between tourism and regional development and the relationship between sustainable tourism development and sustainable regional development. The focus is on the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism as well as various theories about the interaction of tourism with local and regional development. Policy and planning theory for tourism and regional development are also covered. The module includes both theoretical approaches and more applied planning exercises.

Module 1. Destination development, 7.5 credits

Module 2: Regional development, 7.5 credits

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Spring 2026
- Sustainability, Destinations and Regional Development
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Spring 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Apply
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  19 January 2026
  
  Ends
  23 March 2026
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-29118
  
  Eligibility Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in human geography or equivalently. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Online applications are now open. Application deadline is 15 October 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 24,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 24,150
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Sustainability, Destinations and Regional Development
  
  International admissions round
  
  Spring 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  19 January 2026
  
  Ends
  23 March 2026
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-F2916
  
  Eligibility Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in human geography or equivalently. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 August 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 24,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 24,150
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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