Study Guide

Objective

Having completed this study unit
· You know the basic theories related to sustainability and sustainable development.
· You can differentiate in theory and in practice sustainable, responsible and regenerative tourism and learn from
relevant best practices.
· You know the most common business models, earning logics as well as the key processes in the tourism sector from
the SME’s perspective.
· You can use the business model canvas as a tool to analyse tourism SMEs in practice.
· You can identify sustainable business opportunities and challenges within the local, regional, national and
international tourism operating environments from the tourism SME’s perspective.
· You familiarise yourself with sustainability communication and become aware of the pitfalls of greenwashing.

Competences:

Content

Content:
• basics of sustainability and sustainable development and related theories
• current issues and best practices within sustainable, responsible tourism and regenerative tourism
• basics of business models, earning logics and key processes of typical SMEs in the tourism sector
• learning from the best practices of sustainable/responsible/regenerative tourism business models and earning logics through company visits and sharing views with sustainable entrepreneurs
• sustainable business development tools e.g. SDGs, versatile certifications and STF Label
• opportunities and challenges of sustainable business development in the tourism industry from the perspective of SMEs
• basic elements of sustainability communication

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Satisfactory (2)
Poor (1)

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Very good (4)
Good (3)

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5)