MBA in International Tourism Management

This MBA prepares students to lead the development of responsible, sustainable tourism that benefits communities and economies. Designed for an international cohort, the program responds to the complexity of today’s global tourism industry—which is one of the world’s largest employers—by strengthening managerial skills and promoting practices that are socially and environmentally mindful.

Built for students who already hold a business-related first degree, the curriculum delivers targeted management competences for international tourism practice. Core areas of study include international and global tourism management, strategic and operational marketing for tourism markets, and an awareness of the social and environmental contexts in which tourism operates. The course also covers specialised management topics such as project and process management, quality management, and e-tourism management.

A practical project is embedded in the project management module, giving students hands-on experience at a national or international destination and helping bridge theory and real-world tourism operations. Graduates emerge with the qualifications needed to work across different sectors of the international tourism industry and to contribute to sustainable tourism development.

Requirements (summary)

• A first academic degree in a business-related field
• Proficiency in English (programme taught in English)
• Willingness to participate in the practical project module, which may take place at a national or international destination

Overview

This full-time MBA is delivered in intensive block modules and is structured across three semesters. The first semester builds foundational and specialist knowledge in tourism systems, economics, intercultural leadership, international finance, corporate social responsibility, and tourism marketing through paired submodules. The second semester focuses on the legal, fiscal and strategic dimensions of international tourism, plus project management theory and an applied project that includes a tourism case study and field research. The programme concludes in the third semester with an independent thesis and an oral defence.

The curriculum is designed for students aiming for managerial roles in the global tourism sector. Through a mix of conceptual courses, practical casework and field research, you will develop industry-specific marketing and finance skills, cross-cultural leadership and HR competencies, legal and tax awareness for international operations, and the ability to design and implement strategic and project-based solutions—while engaging with sustainability and ethical considerations relevant to contemporary tourism.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Introduction: The Phenomenon of Tourism and Its Systems; Tourism Economics and Industries
  • Understand tourism as a system and the economic dynamics shaping tourism industries.
• Intercultural Management: Culture and Cross-Cultural Management; Human Resources and Diversity Management
  • Build skills in managing cultural differences, diverse teams and HR practices in international contexts.
• International Financial Management: Global Finance; International Accounting
  • Gain competence in financial decision‑making and accounting practices across borders.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Business Ethics; Sustainable Development
  • Learn to integrate ethical reasoning and sustainability principles into tourism management.
• Tourism Marketing: Specifics of Tourism Marketing; Marketing Operations
  • Master marketing approaches tailored to tourism products and operational marketing activities.
• International Legal and Tax Framework: International Business Law; International Taxation Systems
  • Acquire knowledge of legal and tax frameworks affecting international tourism businesses.
• Strategic Planning: Marketing Research; Development and Implementation of Strategy
  • Develop strategic planning skills supported by market research methods.
• International Project Management: Project Management Concepts; Demand in Tourism
  • Understand project management fundamentals and how to assess tourism demand.
• Applied Project Management: Tourism case study; Field research
  • Apply theory to real-world tourism cases and conduct applied field research.
• Electives (choose one): Contemporary Issues in Tourism; Sceptical Analysis; International Politics and Relations in Tourism; E‑Business in Tourism
  • Opportunity to deepen knowledge in a specialised area of contemporary relevance.
• Thesis and oral defence
  • Demonstrate independent research capability and defend your findings orally.

Program structure and requirements

• Full-time enrolment, organised in block (intensive) modules.
• Semester 1: Core introductory and management modules with paired submodules (A and B).
• Semester 2: Advanced legal, strategic and project management modules; includes an applied project with case study and field research.
• Electives: students must select one elective from the four listed options.
• Semester 3: Completion of a written thesis followed by an oral defence.

Graduates acquire management competencies tailored to international tourism practice, enabling roles in tourism operators, destination management organisations, hospitality groups, travel technology firms, consultancy and NGOs focused on sustainable tourism. The programme’s emphasis on marketing, project/process management, e-tourism and quality management prepares alumni for mid- to senior-level positions that require coordination across tourism-related industries.

The applied project, field research and optional six-month internship (particularly valuable for obtaining German workplace experience) enhance employability by providing practical experience and industry contacts. Knowledge of international finance, law and strategic planning also supports careers in policy, regulatory bodies, and international business development within the tourism sector.