Geography of tourism

a) Knowledge

• The student:
  • analyzes, explains, and evaluates dynamic and complex spatiotemporal connections between people, places, and environments, at a variety of scales;
  • explains and reports the characteristics of natural processes and phenomena on Earth;
  • identifies, classifies and compares the characteristics of the geographical terrain and human society, processes, natural and anthropogenic phenomena through the prism of location, local and regional specificity, interactions and spatial patterns;
  • analyzes the relationships between geographical elements using spatiality as a reference element: position, distance, direction, shape, dimensions, hierarchies, networks and spatial associations;
  • explain and justify the choice in their approaches of methods for producing geographic information, analysis (quantitative, qualitative and combined) depending on the purpose;
  • identifies, argues and quantitatively and qualitatively defines the study area in the field (or in a specially arranged space intended for research - laboratory) as well as the appropriate field means/techniques for collecting data and information;
  • describes, critically evaluates and visually presents geospatial data and information from geospatial intelligence projects (satellite images, government, private or research data and maps) in professional projects specific to the specialization;
  • describes and explains the functionality/settings of the technology specific to the specialization (software and applications related to the equipment), in order to obtain relevant data;
  • analyzes and explains elements of geographical nomenclature/geographical names to present the location and attributes of geographical elements and phenomena;
  • formulate geographical solutions to physical, social, and cultural environmental problems that require an understanding of science in the context of current policy, planning, sustainability, and societal diversity;
  • identifies the techniques, theories and methods used in the research and analysis of geographical phenomena;
  • has knowledge of the standards and ethics of scientific research;
  • carries out the processing of empirical data or data obtained in theoretical or field research using ICT methods and the analysis of the results;
  • understand the importance of spatial statistics and the ability to connect geographical knowledge acquired in fundamental and specialized courses with statistics for interpreting results in a geographical context, in order to make decisions and support geospatial projects;
  • interprets and presents quantitative research results in an accessible and relevant way;
  • illustrates the results of scientific research in the field of tourism among the academic community, as well as to the competent authorities and socio-economic actors involved in this sector of activity;
  • matches different geographic data sets in order to identify the evolution of elements involved in the tourism sector, such as the evolution of the number of tourists, changes in accommodation capacity, adaptation of tourism infrastructure;
  • eperforms precise quantitative analyses to extract relevant conclusions from geospatial data;
  • understands IT technology used in tourism and aimed at automating processes and services, such as reservation or payment systems;
  • associates software tools for managing and organizing information in different databases;
  • possesses complex knowledge in the field of tourism geography research;
  • illustrates and implements the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
  • defines and describes the main geographical notions, laws, processes and phenomena, explains their genesis and evolution, evaluates the consequences they have on natural and anthropogenic geographical systems;
  • identifies research methodologies to develop hypotheses, plan and conduct experiments, and generate relevant results;
  • recognizes the techniques and methods of public opinion polling;
  • rememberknows the theories and methods used in the research and analysis of geographical phenomena;
  • graphically and cartographically exposes, using GIS methods, processes, phenomena and general geographical and tourist realities in particular;
  • has practical knowledge related to the acquisition of geographic data from various sources;
  • recognizes standards and protocols for managing geographic data, as well as good practice in using, updating and supplementing them;
  • has knowledge of using specialized programs and platforms for collecting, managing and analyzing geographic data;
  • has the ability to synthesize empirical information, theoretical analysis, and field data expressed in the form of scientific research;
  • recognizes the appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing data in the field of tourism geography;
  • understand copyright law;
  • recognises the European Union's geographical indications system which protects products originating in certain regions and which have certain qualities or whose reputation is linked to the territory in which they are produced;
  • distinguishes and promotes Romanian products protected in the European Union;
  • explains the main geographical concepts, laws, processes and phenomena, understands their genesis and evolution;
  • understand the ways in which each component of the geographical environment is involved in the tourism industry;
  • interpret and present quantitative research results in an accessible and relevant way;
  • carries out the transfer of the evaluation of heritage resources and the tourism market into the sphere of concrete valorization through the design of tourist offers and products;
  • properly exposes the sources of information accessed;
  • interpret data collected from the field with pre-existing information, to obtain a comprehensive and coherent picture of the studied territory;
  • has knowledge of the legislation for accessing research grants;
  • recognizes specialized terms in an international language;
  • associates data that interpret the correlations between human activities and environmental effects, identifying sources of degradation and contributing to finding remedial solutions;
  • identifies the impact of tourism on the natural, social and anthropogenic environment;
  • recunderstand the basic principles of cartography and the role of maps in representing geospatial data with accuracy and relevance;
  • summarizes field data using specific methods and equipment, creates related databases and manages them through ICT techniques;
  • interprets geospatial data collected from the field, ensuring appropriate completion and structuring;
  • recognizes and understands the existing types and forms of tourism and their evolution trends;
  • recognizes the characteristics of tourism heritage resources and the methodology and methods for their evaluation and valorization;
  • understanding the tourism market, its operating mechanisms and the factors that influence it;
  • conducts tourism market prospecting, identifies and analyzes geographical potential for tourism purposes;
  • recognizes and understands the characteristics of tourism products, their management and their marketing techniques;
  • identifies methods and techniques for analyzing and promoting national and international tourist heritage;
  • identifies the documents and procedures necessary for planning, organizing and completing tourism activities and actions;
  • has knowledge of certain indicators for evaluating the tourist potential of an area and the graphic expression of their analysis;
  • recognizes the theoretical, methodological and practical aspects specific to tourism and socio-economic activities in various geographical areas using a language specific to the field, but adequate in communicating with different professional environments;
  • makes use of specialized knowledge in explaining and interpreting new situations, in broader contexts associated with the field of tourism and regional development;
  • understands the logical sequence of stages in carrying out tourist activities and actions;
  • identifies and promotes tourism products and the management of events with tourism impact.

b) Thebility

• The student:
  • selects, organizes and assembles data and information related to the multivalent anthropogenic impact on the environment, the demographic, social, political and economic characteristics of human societies, in a geographical, spatial context, for professional projects, studies, reports, consultancy;
  • selects, organizes and assembles data and information related to the characteristics of natural processes that control the formation and maintenance of natural systems and landscapes of the Earth: relief, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere;
  • applies geographical principles from location, local/regional specificity, to networks and spatial patterns in professional projects, to develop reports, studies, maps;
  • practices advanced ways of applying geographical thinking principles in a spatial context such as: visualizing interrelationships, evaluating changes from one scale to another, changing perspective by rotating or adding new angles, recognizing and integrating images about places, orientation in space, in real and digital environments;
  • apply geographic analysis methods in professional and research projects. For example: geo-statistics, prospecting, analysis of survey results with geolocated data, case studies, content analysis;
  • uses means and applies relevant/significant field and laboratory techniques at a wide range of scales, from micro to global, and throughout the duration of the field activity, to produce data, following the specific stages: (1) prepares data production tools and documents the routes approached (working maps, GPS, total stations, mobile weather stations, various sensors, kits, prospecting and survey sheets, etc., depending on specialization; (2) carries out field travel; (3) collects and stores field data;
  • analyzes geospatial data and information to describe, evaluate and visually present physical, natural and anthropogenic features, as well as activities on Earth that can be geographically referenced. For example: images and cartographic representations resulting from satellite sources, LIDAR, UAV (drones), GPS, sensors for air, water, soil parameters, etc., from demographic, statistical, commercial databases, or any other discrete data that can be located;
  • uses a combination of data and information analysis and visualization tools, such as: GIS, GPS, GDS (digital graphics), statistics (e.g. Excel, SPSS, R), spatial and statistical databases, global distribution systems in tourism, new media for documenting and illustrating specialized reports;
  • uses standard geographical names (names of areas, regions, localities, large cities, suburbs, small towns or settlements, or any other geographical or topographical element of public or historical interest) in an appropriate toponymic/specialized context, in professional projects;
  • uses nuanced concepts related to contemporary world problems to provide geographical solutions at various spatio-temporal scales and for directions such as: sustainability, resilience, geopolitics, sustainable development targets;
  • applies the principles of multi- and interdisciplinarity in approaching the field of tourism geography;
  • integrates complex knowledge of geography with applications in the geography of tourism and its perspectives at both national and international levels;
  • applies quantitative methods and techniques of geographical analysis in identifying and solving spatial problems related to the environment;
  • has the ability to set up and coordinate research teams;
  • builds the capacity to implement the project results scientifically and on the labor market;
  • develops the ability to use statistical analysis programs and tools to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses on geographical and tourism data;
  • develops the ability to use method and complex techniques for evaluating natural and built heritage resources in order to optimally capitalize on them in current socio-economic and political conditions;
  • develops the ability to organize and carry out field activities to collect geographic data using different methods and devices with GPS technology;
  • prepares the ability to collect information from the field using appropriate methods and specific equipment; 
  • develops the capacity to process collected geospatial data and then create related databases and manage them through ICT techniques;
  • generates the selection and processing of data procured from various sources and their use for scientific and educational purposes;
  • initiates the analysis and interpretation of geostatistical data obtained from various sources in order to develop the tourism phenomenon and its related infrastructure;
  • develops solutions based on the results of data analysis and information from different sources and having heterogeneous characteristics;
  • initiates the ability to discover trends in geographic data, create evolutionary scenarios of geographic processes and phenomena based on this data, and analyze possible consequences at the local and regional level;
  • develops the ability to use methods and programs to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses on geospatial data, identifying patterns, trends and correlations;
  • develops the ability to select and integrate tourism data into reports, to highlight important information and relevant trends;
  • integrates tourism data into inter- and transdisciplinary studies;
  • initiates and develops the ability to carry out research activities in interdisciplinary environments and teams of national and international specialists;
  • implements the transposition of scientific research results in the field of tourism geography among specialists in related fields; 
  • develops complex technical or professional activities or projects, by assuming responsibility for making decisions in unpredictable work or study situations;
  • integrates research themes in partnership;
  • uses open source software to reduce labor costs and help avoid customer service issues;
  • develops athe ability to handle open source software to perform spatial analysis and create detailed thematic maps;
  • prepares reports and research documents to communicate the results obtained;
  • generates the ability to make research results known in order to develop professional networks in the tourism sector;
  • develops the ability to organize scientific and/or cultural events (conferences, congresses, debates, workshops) with a tourism theme;
  • executes the publication of the results obtained in prestigious scientific journals;
  • prepares research activities responsibly and respecting the principles of academic ethics;
  • develops the capacity to monitor the quality of tourism services and products;
  • uses research methods from social sciences to complement the analysis carried out through geographical research methods;
  • interprets the results obtained from the application of opinion polls and interviews;
  • generates the transmission of the results obtained both among members of the academic community and those in the socio-economic and political-administrative environment;
  • develops the capacity to evaluate research projects with implications for tourism;
  • develops the ability to review relevant scientific publications in the geography of tourism;
  • integrates the assessment of the impact and socio-economic relevance of research undertaken in tourism geography;
  • applies the transformation of alphanumeric data into digital data;
  • uses geographic information systems to solve geographical problems and support tourism actions and processes;
  • form athe ability to manipulate GIS results to perform spatial analyses and create thematic maps in the field of tourism geography;
  • develops the creation of sustainable tourism development policies and strategies;
  • integrates best available practices (BAT) within the field of tourism geography;
  • discover and promote examples of good practices in the field of tourism;
  • initiates the implementation of research results within the development policies carried out by local and national administration;
  • develops the capacity to ensure the quality of geographic data in order to maintain their integrity and consistency;
  • generates easy and non-discriminatory access to available public data sets;
  • develops athe ability to identify trends in geospatial data, modeling geographic processes and phenomena based on these data and analyzing possible consequences at different levels;
  • initiates the creation of brands for various tourist destinations;
  • develops the public domain of primary scientific research data through platforms dedicated to tourism; 
  • appropriately uses databases and computer programs for managing bibliographic references;
  • implements open publication of research results;
  • develops the ability to use open educational resources, such as information sessions or training courses;
  • uses the concepts of tourism geography appropriately;
  • produces the correlation of elements specific to tourism geography with those of other geographical subdomains, as well as related domains;
  • executes the argumentation of solutions based on the corroboration of information from various sources, of a didactic, scientific and popularization nature in the field of geography and tourism; 
  • promotes national and international heritage through communication techniques specific to the tourism field;
  • develops the ability to involve the public in making certain decisions;
  • initiates and promotes inter- and transdisciplinary studies, thus supporting innovation in the field of tourism;
  • develops the capacity to use internal and external knowledge flows in order to accelerate internal innovation and to expand the tourism market in the external use of innovation;
  • supports scientific research, development, innovation and technological transfer through collective creation in the field of tourism geography, as well as the valorization and dissemination of their results;
  • applies geographical analysis methods and techniques in identifying and solving spatial problems related to the environment and sustainable development. 
  • develops the ability to identify national and international partners;
  • develops the ability to conduct and coordinate research internships at national or foreign partner institutions;
  • improves personal academic performance in order to increase individual scientific visibility, but also that of the affiliated institution;
  • generates the dissemination of scientific research results in prestigious academic publications, as well as participation in domestic and international academic events;
  • develops advanced skills for solving complex problems in the field of tourism geography;
  • leads mixed working groups that integrate representatives from the academic, political-administrative, and tourism entrepreneurship environments;
  • develops the capacity to provide expertise for the establishment and operation of local action groups (LAGs) active in the field of tourism;
  • uses digital technology and resources effectively;
  • plans the writing and editing of scientific materials that address various current topics relevant to the field of tourism geography;
  • develops the ability to obtain correct information from various bibliographic sources;
  • initiates the ability to analyze geographic data to support scientific investigations;
  • develops the ability to formulate research hypotheses and validate or invalidate them through various studies;
  • uutilizes research methodologies to develop hypotheses, plan and conduct experiments, and generate relevant scientific results;
  • correctly and concretely integrate the results of scientific research, drafting viable proposals for the development of the tourism market;
  • develops the ability to demonstrate critical and analytical thinking, autonomy in solving tasks and the ability to meet imposed deadlines;
  • generates the analysis, synthesis and compilation of the multitude of complex information available in the field of tourism geography;
  • iidentifies relevant geographic information and its presentation in appropriate reports to support decision-making processes and geospatial analyses; 
  • develops the ability to identify possible sources of funding for research in the field of tourism geography;
  • develops the capacity to prepare documents requesting research funding;
  • develops the capacity to implement research grants;
  • generates the ability to communicate in a foreign language;
  • develops the ability to access specialized literature in an internationally spoken language;
  • develops the ability to write scientific papers in a foreign language;
  • initiates the ability to create and guide research teams;
  • develops and coordinates young researchers;
  • develops the ability to work with people with special needs;
  • develops the ability to develop strategies aimed at minimizing the harmful effects of tourism activities on the environment;
  • uses various cartographic methods to scientifically analyze the elements of the natural and human framework and the interference between them;
  • uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and the application of GIS in the creation of thematic maps that conveys clear and effective information;
  • develops the ability to transpose old tourist maps into digital format and update their content. 
  • generates the planning, organization, operationalization and field management of tourism activities and actions;
  • develops the ability to interact directly on the ground with representatives from the tourism industry;
  • develops the ability to carry out various analyses, forecasts, impact studies relating to the tourism phenomenon in general;
  • generates the ability to work in the hospitality and travel industry directly with the public and in the segment of organization, planning and management of activities and operations specific to this industry;
  • develops the capacity to analyze geographical components in feasibility studies for tourism investments;
  • discover the most suitable tourism products of an area and the development of new tourism destinations; 
  • generates the capacity to develop sustainable tourist destinations;
  • uses the concepts and working methods specific to the field in an integrated manner, in situations that require the issuance of solutions to theoretical and practical problems;
  • initiates and properly manages the different types of geographic databases that will later serve to create thematic cartographic materials;
  • develops the ability to use statistical software and geographic data processing programs;
  • uses nuanced and pertinent evaluation criteria and methods to formulate value judgments and substantiate constructive decisions in tourism activities and those involving regional development;
  • executes professional and/or research projects using various qualitative and quantitative methods specific to the field of tourism;
  • develops the ability to involve tourism activities in sustainable development actions;
  • initiates and encourages citizen participation in decision-making by local authorities;
  • prepares public administration representatives to understand the needs and opinions of citizens; 
  • mediates the establishment and organization of local initiative groups and organizations;
  • develops the capacity for efficient management of geospatial data and forecasting the evolution of geographical processes and phenomena based on their processing;
  • generates the ability to highlight the impact of tourism activities at local, regional and even international levels;
  • applies the interconnection of methods and techniques from various fields related to geography and develops the ability to perform SWOT analyses;
  • discover alternative solutions to resolve problematic situations;
  • develops the capacity to organize scientific events, but also socio-economic events open to the general public, such as thematic conferences and congresses, exhibitions, tourism fairs;
  • develops verbal and nonverbal communication skills and assumes roles or functions leading the activity of professional groups or institutions;
  • leads the connection of specialists from various fields of activity and creates working groups;
  • develops the ability to connect tourism entrepreneurs with members of the local and academic community;
  • generates the capacity to implement and promote tourist destination geobranding;
  • leads the implementation of regenerative tourism projects;
  • develops the capacity to develop tourism projects and the ability to obtain funding for their implementation at the local level;
  • applies activating methods of teaching lesson content for the active involvement of students;
  • improves lesson planning by coherently structuring content;
  • uses digital resources to facilitate understanding and exploration of geographical topics;
  • develops the ability to teach interactive lessons;
  • uses the computer to present and exemplify geographical processes and phenomena;
  • identifies moments in the lesson when it is necessary to integrate examples from everyday life to understand geographical components or processes/phenomena;
  • improves the ability to make comparisons and develop a critical spirit, by illustrating examples during teaching activities;
  • forms the ability to identify points weaknesses of students and to adapt teaching strategies to meet individual needs;
  • experiment with providing constant feedback to stimulate student motivation and engagement in learning;
  • develops the identification of persistent gaps in understanding of geographical content;
  • generates evaluation of school progress along the way and by requesting examples to ensure that the geographical content has been correctly understood. 

c) Autonomy and responsibility

The student:

• uses and produces geographic data and information to conduct research, optimization or to develop new concepts, knowledge, theories and operational methods or specific products (diagnosis and prognosis, tourism, territorial planning, strategies, sustainable development, spatial analysis, environmental and risk analysis, etc.).
• analyzes and models natural processes in the physical-geographical sphere from a systemic perspective in professional projects, studies, reports, consultancy;
• assembles and correlates information from texts, databases, maps with that from the field using the principles of geographical analysis for use in the academic and socio-economic environment;
• trains, develops and tests the elements of geospatial thinking and gradual, multiscalar orientation, in the field, in real and digital environments;
• organizes, adapts and executes observation/monitoring, documentation, primary and secondary analysis activities, applying geographical analysis methods in studies, reports, presentations, in professional and civic contexts;
• organizes and executes field activities in specialized projects or in an interdisciplinary context (community development, sustainability, strategic planning, socio-cultural);
• applies geospatial analysis techniques with geospatial intelligence data and information in specialized projects or in a broader context;
• applies geographic principles in configuring settings (geolocation, creation of specific attribute tables, general cartographic visualization principles, working with strata/layers in data correlation), for applications and equipment for collecting, processing, and visualizing data, with the aim of producing, correlating, and interpreting specialized information;
• independently uses standard geographical names included in the geographical nomenclature specific to the contents of university and pre-university education, in specialized studies as well as in an interdisciplinary context;
• integrates geographical solutions to physical, social, cultural, etc. environmental problems that require an understanding of science in the current global socio-economic context;
• organizes techniques for effective work in a multidisciplinary team;
• shares diversities of opinion;
• acquires a collegial attitude;
• coordinates professional teams;
• plans efficient and responsible work strategies, based on the principles, norms and values ​​of the code of ethics and professional integrity;
• acquires an ethical attitude towards the group;
• adheres to the norms of academic and professional ethics;
• manages technical or professional activities or projects by taking responsibility for decision-making in specific work or study situations and taking responsibility for managing the professional development of individuals and groups;
• efficiently manage the resources used in a research project and adequately coordinate the various phases of its development;
• coordinates research groups with similar interests and promotes national and international collaborations in the common area of ​​study;
• manages the professional development of individuals and groups;
• shares respect for diversity and multiculturalism; 
• monitors specialists and researchers in conducting analyses and studies on the development of new tourism products and services;
• manages the self-assessment of the need for continuous professional training for the purpose of insertion and adaptability to the demands of the labor market;
• acquires the ability to improve their professional skills by accessing additional training courses;
• tests some models of good practices for personal professional development; 
• monitors professional skills through continuous learning activities;
• defend the balance gender in scientific research;
• acquires the ability to apply gender mainstreaming;
• studies the identification of solutions for eliminating gender gaps;
• shares empathy towards members of the LGPT community; 
• proposes taking responsibility for managing the professional development of individuals and groups;
• shares concern for protecting the environment and the sustainable development of human communities; 
• studies the application of efficient and responsible work strategies, based on the principles, norms and values ​​of professional ethics;
• decides on the application of effective work techniques in trans- and multidisciplinary teams, ethical attitude towards the group and acceptance of diversity of opinion;
• manages ethnic, intercultural and interfaith understanding;
• practice ddeveloping social interaction and positive interpersonal relationships between students by analyzing geographical topics in teams;
• the students' confidence in their own abilities and skills increases;
• coordinates the development of the capacity to identify and analyze problems, as well as to propose solutions to solve them;
• justifies a deeper understanding of geographical topics by exchanging ideas within the work team.