Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership | Illinois

Carla Almeida Santos
Associate Professor, Recreation, Sport & Tourism, College of Applied Health Sciences

Entrepreneurial course taught by Professor Santos

Heritage Tourism in the European Union

This new study abroad course explores the creative, risk taking, and innovative nature of heritage tourism entrepreneurship. The course brings together existing knowledge regarding the development of entrepreneurial heritage tourism cultures, the commercialization of heritage tourism products, and the increasing significance of business networks for heritage tourism. It does so by combining literature on heritage tourism entrepreneurship in the European Union, with a study abroad to Portugal component. Specifically, the course is situated within the interpretive framework of the European Union, and Portugal in particular. Drawing from a selection of private and public-based heritage tourism organizations in Portugal, the course’s “on the ground” experiences provide a balance of entrepreneurship theory and practice. Students will investigate a variety of approaches and processes for transforming creative ideas into commercially viable ventures as it relates to heritage tourism entrepreneurship; providing a rich source of lessons in how to develop and manage heritage tourism; and enhancing students’ employability in the tourism industry.

Visit Course Catalog website for course availability

About Professor Santos

• Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism faculty profile

Read more:

• "Genealogical tourism redefining leisure travel market, professor says", Inside Illinois (March 2010)
• "Study explores link between cannabis use on vacation and daily life", Inside Illinois (August 2007)