Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Program of Tourism and Hotel Management

TOİ164

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN TOURISM

Course Code
TOİ164
Semester
-
Theory+Practice
3 + 0
ECTS
4
Course TypeElective Course
Course LevelAssociate Degree
Year of Study-
Semester-
ECTS4
Name of Lecturer(s) -
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Explains the concept of professional ethics, fundamental theories of moral philosophy, and the importance of ethical values in terms of sectoral sustainability in the tourism industry.
  2. Analyzes managerial and operational ethical dilemmas encountered in tourism enterprises (accommodation, travel, food & beverage); applies ethical decision-making models that can be used to resolve these dilemmas.
  3. Evaluates employee, guest, and employer relations with a critical approach within the framework of professional ethical codes, human rights, and relevant national/international legal regulations.
  4. Develops solution proposals by identifying unethical practices such as misleading advertisements and greenwashing that damage consumer trust in marketing and corporate social responsibility activities.
  5. By grasping the impact of cultural differences on ethical perceptions, exhibits an inclusive, respectful, and professional attitude in accordance with the universal "Global Code of Ethics for Tourism" (UNWTO) in international and multicultural environments.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme ComponentsNone
Course DescriptionThis course examines the moral and normative foundations of the hospitality and travel sector, the concept of corporate social responsibility, and professional codes of conduct within an objective framework. Professional issues such as discrimination, labor rights, and guest privacy are discussed through case analyses. Within the scope of the course learning outcomes, students acquire the competency to conduct tourism activities in compliance with national and international legal regulations and to adhere to ethical principles with a sense of professional responsibility in all sectoral decisions.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Introduction to Ethics: Morals, Ethics, and Professional Ethics Concepts
2nd Week Fundamental Ethical Theories and Their Reflections on the Tourism Sector
3rd Week Ethical Codes in the Tourism Industry and UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
4th Week Ethical Dilemmas Encountered in Tourism and Ethical Decision-Making Models
5th Week Managerial Ethics: Ethics in the Context of Employer, Employee, and Organizational Culture
6th Week Ethics in Guest Relations: Privacy, Data Security (GDPR/KVKK), and Discrimination
7th Week Marketing Ethics and Consumer Trust: Misleading Advertisements and Transparency
8th Week Midterm Exam
9th Week Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Tourism and the Societal Role of Enterprises
10th Week Environmental Ethics, Sustainability (UN SDGs), and the Ecological Dimension of Tourism
11th Week Greenwashing in Tourism and Unethical Sustainability Claims
12th Week Protection of Cultural Heritage, Rights of Local People, and Socio-Cultural Ethics
13th Week Ethical Responsibilities in Transportation, Travel Agencies, and Tour Operations
14th Week Crisis Periods in Tourism, Competition Ethics, and Future Ethical Issues (AI, etc.)
Recommended or Required Reading1. Kozak, M. A. (Ed.). (2021). Turizmde etik. Detay Yayıncılık.
2. Pelit, E., & Güçer, E. (2022). Turizm endüstrisinde meslek etiği: Kuram ve uygulamalar. Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
3. Yılmaz, H., & Özdemir, G. (2023). Sürdürülebilir turizm uygulamalarında yeşil aklama algısının tüketici güveni üzerindeki etkisi. Turizm Akademik Dergisi, 10(2), 45-62.
4. Fennell, D. A. (2018). Tourism ethics (2nd ed.). Channel View Publications.
5. Font, X., & McCabe, S. (2017). Sustainability and marketing in tourism: Its time to be brilliant. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 25(7), 869-883. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2017.1301721
6. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2020). Global code of ethics for tourism. https://www.unwto.org/global-code-of-ethics-for-tourism
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Project
  • Presentation
  • Questions/Answers
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 30
Quiz 1 10
Project 1 20
Total(%) 60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 40
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 1 1
Preparation for Quiz 1 17 17
Individual or group work 14 3 42
Preparation for Final exam 1 17 17
Course hours 14 3 42
Preparation for Midterm exam
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 1 1
Homework
Total Work Load120
Total Work Load / 30 (h)4
ECTS Credit of the Course4
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
K1 X X
K2 X
K3
K4
K5 X X X X X
K6 X X
K7
K8 X X
K9 X
K10
K11 X
K12 X X X