Tourism

Tourism is a very interesting topic when it comes to international studies. Whether you are interested in the way tourists are treated internationally, tourist attractions and the way they can effect a countries economy, this subject could be for you! Take a look at some options below:

Example tourism dissertation topic 1:

The international movement of student ‘gap year’ tourists: Changing destinations, changing perceptions, changing priorities.

This dissertation focuses upon ‘gap year’ students from the UK and three destination countries: Kenya, Australia, and Thailand. By use of qualitative research, the changing destinations, perceptions and priorities of students who have deferred their studies for a year ‘out’ are analysed. Drawing participants from the University of Surrey and surrounding independent schools, twenty students who have spent a gap year abroad are interviewed as well as twenty sixth-formers who intend to spend a gap year abroad at the end of the present academic year. In advancing this study, it is anticipated that the reasons for choosing destinations and the types of projects undertaken upon such trips will, as a consequence of tuition fees and increased competition amongst elite universities increases, show noticeable signs of change. This is an exciting primary research based study that in studying the international movement of people addresses a core concept involved in International Studies.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Stehlik, T. (2010). ‘Mind the gap: School leaver aspirations and delayed pathways to further and higher education’, Journal of Education and Work, Vol. 23(4), pp. 363-376.
• Sugden, J. (2012). ‘Welcome back for gap year after its gap year’, The Times Good University Guide, August 16th, 2012.
• Taylor, J. and Gee, N. (2010). Turning 18: Pathways and plans. Fitzroy, Vic: Brotherhood of St Laurence.