Tourism

What knowledge will I acquire with this Degree?

Theoretical and practical knowledge of the various aspects related to management, understanding, and decision-making in the field of tourism. Specifically: 

• Understand the structure of international tourism markets, identifying the main sources of information, indicators, and global distribution systems (GDS) to analyze supply and demand in a global context. 

• Analyze and assess territorial tourism resources, understanding their distribution, characteristics, and development potential through territorial analysis methodologies, in order to plan sustainable experiences in different regions. 

• Interpret and leverage heritage and cultural resources, understanding their historical origins and current tourism value, with the goal of designing meaningful experiences that are respectful of the environment and local communities. 

• Master the theoretical and practical framework of tourism marketing, including market research, consumer behavior, and the strategic use of digital tools. 

• Know and apply grammatical structures and expressions specific to a second foreign language, focused on professional communication in international and multicultural tourism contexts. 

• Understand the operation of the hotel industry, including the types of accommodation and catering, their organizational and economic management, and the design of sustainable and inclusive strategies for these sectors. 

• Develop leadership, human resource management, and teamwork skills, understanding the importance of motivation, adaptation to change, and continuous improvement in tourism organizations. 

• Learn about key digital technologies and platforms in tourism intermediation, understanding their application in the management, marketing, and planning of smart and efficient tourism destinations. 

• Understand the fundamentals of accounting, economics, and financial management, applying economic and financial analysis and revenue management techniques to decision-making in tourism businesses. 

• Understand the fundamentals of tourism law and business management, including basic legal concepts, accounting regulations, contractual obligations, and key processes in business management and organization.

Where will I be able to work when I graduate?

The Bachelor's Degree in Tourism is designed to train professionals with a solid foundation in tourism destination management, defining tourism objectives, policies, and plans for public and private companies and institutions in a context of rapid transformation, with high demands for quality, competitiveness, and sustainability, and in an environment of growing internationalization.

Tourism graduates will be professionals with a solid background in the management of tourism activities and businesses, capable of promoting sustainable and responsible development in the sector. They will possess communication, multicultural, and technological skills that will allow them to adapt to a globalized and competitive environment. Below are the detailed graduate profiles with their descriptions and competencies:

1. Tourism Business Manager

Professional in charge of business administration and management in the tourism sector, responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising operations to ensure efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Competencies:

• Administrative and financial management of tourism companies.
• Strategic and operational planning.
• Implementation of management and marketing technologies.

2. Tourist Destination Manager

Professional who plans and coordinates the sustainable development of tourist destinations, optimizing resources and promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve competitiveness and the visitor experience.

Competencies:

• Sustainable destination planning and development.
• Coordination of tourism policies and strategies.
• Community and stakeholder relationship management.

3. Technician in Tourism Promotion and Marketing

Professional responsible for designing and executing marketing strategies to promote tourism destinations and services, using market analysis and digital tools to attract and satisfy customers.

Competencies:

• Design and execution of tourism promotion campaigns.
• Market analysis and consumer behavior.
• Use of digital tools and social networks for marketing. 

4. Tourism Consultant

Professional who offers specialized advice on the development and improvement of tourism projects, providing analysis, sustainability strategies, and innovative solutions to optimize management and competitiveness in the sector.

Competencies:

• Analysis and diagnosis of tourism projects.
• Development of improvement and sustainability strategies.
• Advice on tourism regulations and legislation.

5. Head of Events and Conferences

Professional in charge of planning, coordinating, and executing events and conferences, managing all logistical, budgetary, and operational aspects to ensure their success and participant satisfaction.

Competencies:

• Planning and organization of events and conferences.
• Logistics coordination and supplier management.
• Impact assessment and customer satisfaction.

6. Manager of tourism intermediation companies and travel agencies

Professionals who advise and sell tourism products and services, design personalized itineraries, manage reservations, and provide customer service to ensure satisfactory travel experiences.

Competencies:

• Consulting and sales of tourism products and services.
• Design of customized itineraries and tour packages.
• Reservation management and customer service.

7. Responsible for complementary tourist service companies and tour guides

Professionals who accompany and guide tourists, providing detailed and contextual information about the places visited, their history, culture, and heritage, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and heritage of tourist destinations.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Group management and problem solving.

8. Hotel Manager

Professional responsible for the comprehensive management of a hotel, overseeing operations, human resources, finance, and customer service to ensure high quality, profitability, and guest satisfaction.

Competencies:

• Operational and administrative management of hotel establishments.
• Leadership and management of work teams.
• Development of quality and customer satisfaction strategies.

9. Sustainable Tourism Specialist

Professional with experience in promoting and managing tourism activities that respect the environment, local culture, and the economy, minimizing their negative impact and encouraging responsible and sustainable practices.

Competencies:

• Implementation of sustainable tourism practices.
• Environmental and social impact assessment.
• Promoting corporate social responsibility in the tourism sector. 

10. Entrepreneur in the Tourism Sector

A professional who identifies business opportunities in the tourism industry and leverages them to create and develop innovative initiatives, such as tourism companies, services, or products, with the goal of satisfying the needs and desires of travelers, generating economic benefits, and contributing to the development of the sector.

Competencies:

• Development of innovative ideas and business models.
• Resource management and financing.
• Marketing and market positioning strategies.

11. Revenue Manager

A professional responsible for optimizing the revenue of a tourism company, such as hotels, through strategic pricing, inventory, and distribution management.

Competencies:

• Data analysis
• Negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking

These career paths highlight the diverse employment opportunities available for tourism graduates, as well as the key competencies needed to successfully perform in each role.

Is this Degree official according to the regulations required by the European Higher Education Area?

Yes (final verification report is attached), the implementation of the degree will be done progressively, starting the first year in the academic year 2008-09.
The final verification report turned out FAVORABLE

Favorable report first modification

Favorable report second modification

Favorable report third modification

Favorable report fourth modification

Favorable report fifth modification

Favorable report sixth modification

 ANECA, in accordance with the provisions of article 25 of RD 1393/2007, of October 29, has proceeded to evaluate the study plan that leads to the aforementioned Official Degree in accordance with the Evaluation Protocol for the verification of Official Degrees.

The evaluation of the study plan has been carried out by the Evaluation Commission of the Branch of Knowledge of Social and Legal Sciences, made up of national and international experts from the academic field, professionals with the corresponding degree, and students. Experts from outside the Commission have also participated in said evaluation and the external experts have been selected and appointed according to the procedure that is included on the website of said agency within the VERIFICA programme.

SAID Evaluation Committee, in a collegiate manner, has assessed the study plan in accordance with the criteria included in the aforementioned Evaluation Protocol for verification.

In accordance with the procedure, a proposal for a provisional report was sent to the University, which has submitted the appropriate observations. Once the period of allegations to said report has ended, the Evaluation Commission, in a new session, issues a FAVORABLE evaluation report, considering that:

What subject areas will I address in this grade?

The main fields of study of the degree are:

• Human geography
• Economist
• Business Organization
• Marketing and Market Research
• Financial Economics and Accounting
• Philology
• History
• History of art
• Sociology
• Law School

Recommended Income Profile

• Bachelor of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Advanced Vocational Training Technician in modalities related to the following professional areas: Hospitality and Tourism, Administration, Commerce, and Marketing.

There are no additional access restrictions beyond those established in the university's general regulations. Furthermore, given the multidisciplinary nature of the Bachelor's Degree in Tourism, it is difficult to define a specific entry profile. However, it would be desirable for students pursuing this degree to possess a series of characteristics and skills, such as:

• Sociable and outgoing character
• Interest in the different cultures of the world
• Sensitivity for social issues.
• Interest in recreational activities
• Capacity for personal relationships
• business skills
• Capacity for teamwork
• Capacity for action and initiative
• Ease of communication
• Language proficiency is key, with it being advisable to enter the degree with an acceptable level of at least one foreign language.

Objectives 

The URJC University Degree in Tourism provides graduates with theoretical and practical training for management and planning at the level of organizations (companies and institutions), activities, destinations, products, and resources. Its objectives are defined by the characteristics and conditions of the activity and the dynamic nature of a constantly evolving sector, in a context of rapid transformation and demands for quality, competitiveness, and sustainability, as well as increasing internationalization. The main educational objectives of the degree are detailed below:

1. Acquisition of Fundamental Knowledge.

• Provide a solid theoretical and practical foundation in the fundamental principles
• of tourism, covering historical, cultural, economic and environmental aspects.
• Promote understanding of the structure and functioning of the tourism sector, as well as the interrelationships between its different components.

2. Development of Professional Skills.

• Develop skills in the management of tourism businesses and destinations, including planning, organization, direction, and control of tourism activities.
• Provide training in the use of technological and information tools applied to tourism, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the sector.

3. Promotion of Transversal Competencies.

• Promote effective communication skills, both oral and written, in various languages, emphasizing the importance of English and other languages ​​relevant to tourism.
• Promote teamwork and leadership by promoting project management and conflict resolution skills.

4. Promotion of Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

• Instill principles of sustainability and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism and its impact on the environment and local communities.
• Promote respect for and appreciation of cultural and natural diversity, fostering the development of inclusive and accessible tourism.

5. Preparation for the Labor Market.

• Facilitate the employment of graduates through internships and collaborations with companies and institutions in the tourism sector.
• Provide the knowledge and skills necessary for entrepreneurship and the creation of new tourism initiatives, stimulating creativity and innovation.

6. Comprehensive Training as Citizens.

• Ensure comprehensive training that combines professional development with humanistic and ethical instruction, preparing students to be responsible citizens committed to their environment.
• Promote critical thinking and analytical skills, fostering a proactive and reflective attitude toward the challenges facing the tourism sector and society in general.

These educational objectives must be aligned with the disciplines that comprise the curriculum, ensuring consistency between the academic content, the skills to be developed, and the objectives of the degree. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a dynamic and adaptive approach that responds to the changing needs of the tourism market and student expectations.

Competences 

In the Study Plan of the Degree in Tourism, the definition of the training objectives in the form of academic and professional competences, in which the student must be trained and how to achieve them, has been taken into account. The defined competences will be worked on by the whole degree, for this, a detailed analysis of the competences in all the subjects of the Degree has been carried out.

In the White Book of the Degree in Tourism (Aneca, 2004) 23 generic competences and 32 specific competences are defined, defined as the set of knowledge and scientific, technical and cultural resources that are required to train the student in the different areas of tourism-related work. Among these competencies are:

GENERAL COMPETENCIES

• CG1 Adaptation to new situations
• CG2 Autonomous learning
• CG3 Capacity for analysis and synthesis
• CG4 Information management capacity
• CG5 Capacity for organization and planning
• CG6 Ethical commitment
• CG7 Oral and written communication in the native language
• CG8 Knowledge of other cultures and customs
• CG9 Knowledge of a foreign language
• CG10 Computer skills related to the field of study
• CG11 Creativity
• CG12 Skills in interpersonal relationships
• CG13 Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit
• CG14 Leadership
• CG15 Motivation for quality
• CG16 Critical Reasoning
• CG17 Recognition of diversity and multiculturalism
• CG18 Troubleshooting
• CG19 Sensitivity towards environmental issues
• CG20 Decision making
• CG21 Teamwork
• GC22 Work in an international context
• CG23 Work in an interdisciplinary team

SPECIFIC COMPETENCES

• CE1 Know and value the economic dimension of tourism
• CE2 Analyze the impacts generated by tourism
• CE3 Use information and communication technologies in the different areas of tourism
• CE4 Analyze, synthesize and critically summarize the economic-patrimonial information of tourist organizations
• CE5 Understand the dynamic and evolutionary nature of tourism and the new leisure society
• CE6 Understand the functioning of destinations, tourism structures and their business sectors worldwide
• CE7 Understand the legal framework that regulates tourist activities
• CE8 Understand the characteristics of cultural heritage management
• CE9 Understand the principles of tourism: its spatial, social, cultural, legal, political, labor and economic dimensions
• CE10 Understand a public plan and the opportunities that arise for the private sector
• CE11 Communicate orally and in writing in a second foreign language
• CE12 Communicate orally and in writing in a third foreign language
• CE13 Know the operating procedure of the field of accommodation
• CE14 Know the operating procedure of the field of restoration
• CE15 Know the main tourist political-administrative structures
• CE16 Know the main initiatives to value cultural heritage
• CE17 Know the objectives, strategy and public instruments of planning
• CE18 Know the operating procedures of brokerage companies
• CE19 Convert an empirical problem into an object of investigation and draw conclusions
• CE20 Define objectives, strategies and commercial policies
• CE21 Detect needs for technical planning of tourist infrastructures and facilities
• CE22 Manage the different types of tourism organizations
• CE23 Evaluate the tourist potentials and the prospective analysis of their exploitation
• CE24 Manage the tourist territory in accordance with the principles of sustainability
• CE25 Manage the financial resources of a tourism company
• CE26 Identify and manage spaces and tourist destinations
• CE27 Manage communication techniques
• CE28 Plan and manage the human resources of tourism organizations
• CE29 Recognize the main tourist agents
• CE30 Have a strong customer service orientation
• CE31 Work in English as a foreign language
• CE32 Work in different sociocultural environments

Minimum stay requirements 

• The permanence of the students in the Degree studies will be a maximum of eight years for full-time students. Part-time students may request an extension of up to two more years from the Rector.
• In Bachelor's degrees lasting more than 240 credits (4 years), the maximum of the previous section will be increased by one more year for every 60 ECTS credits that are added to the 240 ECTS.
• Students must pass a minimum of two subjects in the first year. Students studying part-time must pass at least one subject in their first academic year.
• Students who are studying any official Bachelor's degree at the Rey Juan Carlos University may make a maximum of four registrations to pass each of the subjects of the study plan, without counting previous cancellations of the same.

For more information see: Permanence regulations

Minimum number of ECTS credits by type of enrollment and course

Full-time students:

Part-time students:

Internal quality assurance system

Manual of the Internal Quality Assurance System

Composition of the commission

Composition of the Commission

Results report

Once the follow-up has been carried out, the quantitative information on the results obtained in the follow-up of said Degree is shown, differentiated by academic year.

Report by course:

• 2023/2024
• 2022/2023
• 2021/2022
• 2020/2021
• 2019/2020
• 2018/2019
• 2017/2018
• 2016/2017
• 2015/2016
• 2014/2015
• 2013/2014
• 2012/2013
• 2011/2012
• 2010/2011
• 2009/2010
• 2008/2009

General information collection plan

• Indicators 2013/14
• Indicators 2014/15
• Indicators 2015/16
• Indicators 2016/17
• Indicators 2017/18
• Indicators 2018/19
• Indicators 2019/20
• Indicators 2020/21
• Indicators 2021/22
• Indicators 2022/23
• Indicators 2023/24

Improvement actions

The Quality Assurance System of the Rey Juan Carlos University establishes that the degree's Quality Assurance Commission will annually analyze the information derived from the degree's indicators and prepare a report that will include improvement plans if the results so indicate.

• Improvement actions 2023/2024
• Improvement actions 2022/2023
• Improvement actions 2021/2022
• Improvement actions 2020/2021
• Improvement actions 2019/2020
• Improvement actions 2018/2019
• Improvement actions 2017/2018
• Improvement actions 2016/2017
• Improvement actions 2015/2016
• Improvement actions 2014/2015
• Improvement actions 2013/2014
• Improvement actions 2012/2013
• Improvement actions 2011/2012
• Improvement actions 2010/2011

Renewal of accreditation

The renewal of the accreditation represents the culmination of the implementation process of the official Bachelor's and Master's degrees registered in the Register of Universities, Centers and Degrees (RUCT). The renewal of the accreditation of official bachelor's and master's degrees is organized in three phases: self-assessment report, external visit and final assessment.

In the first phase, the university describes and assesses the status of the degree with respect to the established criteria and guidelines. The result is the Self-Assessment Report (IA) that is presented. The second and third phases are carried out by a group of evaluators external to the evaluated title.

• Final Report Accreditation Renewal 2022
• Improvement plan 2022

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