Description

A presentation of the resort industry and the unique issues and problems of resort management and operations. Provides an overview of technology used in the resort industry as well as career paths and market trends. Examines the challenging requirements for hiring and managing of seasonal, talent-specific, and remote employee.

Objectives

1. Define the use and development of technology in key tasks and responsibilities of the resort operations and the future possibilities of the expanding technological footprint.
2. Outline career paths in the various resort types along with the corresponding trainings, education, and management skills necessary for long-term success.
3. Identify historical aspects of various resort types and related operational, developmental, and management issues, coordinating these to varying guest profiles.
4. Contrast the management differences between a resort property and a “regular” hotel, providing a comprehensive look at how today’s industry classifies, develops, markets, and manages these various properties.
5. Compare new market trends, inclusive of the increasing popularity of timeshares, cruise ships, specialty resorts and casinos – and tried-and-true businesses like ski areas, golf resorts, and spas.
6. Explain the differing financial challenges for owners and operators, seasonality, the competition for recreation and retirement dollars, and the importance of developing facilities from an environmentally conscious and business-smart perspective maintaining the integrity of the natural basis.
7. Propose adaptations for future trends, including an assessment of recent world events and their impacts on tourism safety and security in the region, future trends in terms of cultural tourists, their modes of travel, local customs, lodging, itineraries, major attractions, related sales strategies.
8. Distinguish the social, cultural, mythical, environmental, organizational, and political dimensions of private and secluded resort properties addressing tourism development issues, including sustainability, ecotourism, heritage tourism, community participation, and the management/staffing implications involved with seasonality, hiring, training, and locating personnel for remote sites.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at bookstore@AU.EDU.GL