SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF TOURISM

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ANDREA ZAMMITTI

Expected Learning Outcomes

(DD1): know and understand the main constructs of social psychology applied to tourism, including cognitive, relational, and motivational processes. (DD2): apply this knowledge to the design and communication of the tourism offer and to the management of relational dynamics within the tourism context. (DD3): critically evaluate the psychological factors that influence tourism demand and the behavior of tourism operators. (DD4): effectively communicate psychological issues related to tourism, adapting language and tools to professional contexts. (DD5): develop autonomy in studying and keeping up to date on psychological issues related to tourism, also through the use of updated scientific sources.

Course Structure

Classes will be held in person, according to the schedule published on the official website.

Required Prerequisites

None.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is recommended.

Detailed Course Content

Social cognition. Social judgment. Social representations. Social relationships. Intergroup interaction. Motivation in tourist choices. Sustainable tourism. Tourism and family. Occupational stress in tourism operators.
The course is consistent with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda:
Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being
Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	Social cognition	Text no. 1
2	Social judgment	Text no. 1
3	Social representations	Text no. 1
4	Social relationships	Text no. 1
5	Intergroup interaction	Text no. 1
6	Motivation in tourist choices	Text no. 2
7	Attitudes toward tourism	Text no. 3
8	Sustainable tourism	Text no. 4
9	Occupational stress	Text no. 5

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Knowledge will be assessed through an oral examination.
Assessment will be based on the student’s ability to understand, critically process, and apply the course content.
Assessment criteria
- Theoretical understanding of the content (40%): mastery of the concepts, models, and theories of social psychology.
- Clarity of presentation and command of disciplinary terminology (25%): logical coherence, terminological accuracy, and the ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to apply knowledge to tourism and organizational contexts (25%): ability to transfer theoretical knowledge to the relational dynamics typical of the tourism sector.
- Independent analysis and critical thinking (10%): ability to integrate examples, reflections, interdisciplinary connections, or original perspectives into the analysis of the topics covered.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

What social representations are
What attitudes are
Sustainable tourism
What occupational stress is

Degree Course in

Planning of sustainable, cultural and nature-based tourism