Tourism Management
The main goal of the program is to expand and specialize students’ knowledge about the organization and management of tourism activities and to prepare specialists who are able to independently develop a comprehensive concept for a tourism product. The emphasis of the program is on modern forms, methods and means of management in the field of tourism in the context of globalization and rapidly changing technological environment.
Education format: Distance learning
Study duration: 1,5 (3 semesters)
Language: Bulgarian
ECTS credits: 90 ECTS
The Master’s program in “Tourism Management” shares the priorities and reflects the strategic goals and objectives of IBS, related to educational and research activities. The program complies with the regulatory framework and the requirements of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) for training in the Master’s degree program, with the Higher Education Act, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and IBS policies.
The program is implemented and administered through developed curriculum and syllabi, aimed at acquiring knowledge and skills and building personal and professional competencies, in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Bulgaria, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Framework of Qualifications in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
The “Tourism Management” program includes precise and up-to-date practice-oriented modules of disciplines. They are selected in accordance with modern national needs and European requirements in the field of tourism, building on the knowledge of students, logically presented and appropriately distributed in three semesters.
The implementation of quality education is provided by highly qualified teachers and specialists, which guarantees successful realization on the labor market of graduates of the master’s program in accordance with the goals and mission of IBS to create competitive specialists at the international level. In the learning process, interactive methods are widely used, combined with multimedia presentations, discussions, term papers, case studies, etc. We offer a supportive academic environment that tolerates equality. We provide opportunities for students to join teams to work on projects for scientific and practical research.
Compulsory courses
- Strategic Management of Tourism Activities
- Marketing in Tourism in a Digital Environment
- Innovation and Quality Management in Tourism
- Project Management in Tourism
- Research Project – Part I
- Management of /Local/ Tourist Destination
- Environmental Protection Policy in Tourism
- Research Project – Part II
- Public Policy and Tourism Development
- Master’s Seminar
Elective courses
- Sustainable Tourism Management / Public-Private Partnership in Tourism
Facultative courses
- Any course offered by other master’s programs
Master’s Thesis
Theoretical:
- The principles, characteristics, and patterns of development of the tourism industry;
- Management of the entire process of building, developing, and offering a tourist product;
- Marketing of a tourist destination;
- Public financing of projects in the field of tourism;
- Quality management of the tourist product.
Practical:
- Strategic business planning and management of a tourist destination;
- Development of projects and business plans for the creation and sustainable development of a tourist product;
- Organization and management of the activities of tourist sites and their product;
- Participation in the formulation and implementation of tourism policies;
- Preparation of strategic and program documents in the field of tourism.
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- Manager in hotels and hotel chains;
- Manager in tour operator and travel agency firms;
- Expert in organizations in the field of tour guiding and tourist animation;
- Analyst and consultant in organizations engaged in the preservation and development of tourist attractions – museums, nature parks, protected areas, amusement parks;
- Expert in municipal and state administration;
- Leader or expert in the development of projects related to tourism at national and regional levels;
- Expert in non-governmental organizations related to tourism;
- Owner of a tourism business.
Successful graduates of the program receive a higher education diploma with a “Master” degree and a European diploma supplement, valid and recognized worldwide.
Successful graduates in MA program “Business Finance” can continue their studies in a PhD program.
