Self-reflection on the learning experiences from the module
Day 1
On day 1, we have been exposed to the introduction of the module, which was related to culture, tourism, and creativity. I have referred to the provided handbook, which gives an overview of the three key terms of the module, that is, culture, tourism, and creativity. The first lecture has been embedded in the concept of the cultural economy in me concerning tourism. The second lecture delved more into the topic, which has given me an idea of the transformation from culture to creativity in urban areas. This area has been elaborated through models of cultural regeneration, cultural quarter, and different other models related to post-modern and post-industrial cultures and creativity. I have also learned about the various hidden challenges of cultural tourism development and the strategic responses of the tour-makers for mitigating these challenges. We have visited a music center, which has provided me insights into the music tourism strategy, which could be appropriate in music tourism.
From the lecture of day 1, I have developed a critical understanding of the relationship between creativity and culture and the way they can influence tourism in different countries. I have understood the various cultural attractions and cultural elements that are possessed in different places and are drivers of tourism in those specific places. I have extensively researched these places and have found out many such examples of places that are both historical and contemporary. Along with these topics, I have also gained awareness of culture and creativity, which can be found in urban areas facilitating tourism development. In this area, I have examined the issues embedded in these urban areas through post-industrialization, cultural economy, as well as cultural quarter models. We have extracted one of the niche segments of cultural or creative tourism and have specifically focussed on it. We have chosen music tourism, and have broadly studied the opportunities of music tourism through strategies such as global benchmarking. We have visited a music center for gaining practical insight into the strategies as well as the opportunities.
Through the lectures and field studies of day 1, I have developed skills and competencies that might be useful for my future employability in the tourism sector. I have also gained other skills such as communication, self-management, reflective thinking, and compilation of business reports, team working, and problem-solving. Basic skills regarding business, finance, and technology of tourism have been developed from this lecture. I have been an active participant in all the lectures on day one, and as a result, I have observed development in personality. Through the field study, I have interpreted the system and processes of the music tourism industry and have tried to relate the concepts and strategies with my theoretical study. We have formed different learning groups after the end of the practical session so that we can exchange ideas among ourselves and relate them with our theoretical knowledge. Through this, I have acquired transferable skills, team development skills, and other skills related to working in groups.
Day – 2
On day 2, we have been exposed to key issues pertaining to culture, tourism, and creativity. Before the commencement of the lecture, each one of us discussed some key points jotted down from the previous lecture so that the class can be aware of the learning experience gathered from the last session. The lecture on the second day commenced with the description of the market segmentation of cultural tourism and the profiles of the visitors. We have learned the various ways by which the market of the prospective tourists can be segmented. In this context, the two important segments, which have caught my attention, are demographic segments and behavioral segments. On the same day, we are enlightened with the lecture of a guest speaker, who talked about culture, leisure, and arts in the context of tourism. Further, we learned about the role of culture and creativity in preparing for festivals and events. We also performed different case studies and discussion activities related to the above topic.
Through the lecture of day 2, I have acquired knowledge about different segmentation techniques used by the tour-makers in the department of cultural tourism. Mostly, the segmentation process is driven by two factors that are demographic and behavioral. We have learned about the process of studying customer profiles for segmenting the market. Through this, I have also acquired knowledge about the different inherent issues of the segmentation process that are faced by the tour-makers daily. I have also gained critical awareness of the increasing role of cultural festivals and events in the development of a tourism destination. We have conducted several case study sessions and discussion activities for understanding the practical aspect of the topic. Through the case studies, we have gained insights into the practical examples related to the segmentation process conducted by the tour-makers for segmenting and capturing specific individuals. In these discussion activities, we have discussed these various examples of organizations among ourselves.
Through a deeper understanding of the segmentation process prevalent among the tour-makers, I have developed many valuable skills in the tourism sector. I have developed confidence regarding the procedures and processes that are carried out in market research in such a way that I can try to carry them out on my own. I have also learned the process of segmentation that was focussed on significant attributes of the customers, such as demographic profile or behavioral aspects. Through the study of the various case studies, I have demonstrated professional skills, such as management skills, leadership skills, employability skills, and many more skills required for market research and preparing customer profiles. Through the discussion activities, we have participated in many kinds of group discussions that have facilitated the vigorous exchange of ideas and information. Through this exchange of ideas and information, we have extracted and listed down key points that have not only aided our understanding but has briefed down points for discussing in the next day’s lecture class.