Tourism

Undergraduate
University
Daytime
Presencial
Language of Teaching
Portuguese
Faculty / School
Escola Superior de Gestão, Hotelaria e Turismo
Area of Studies
Economics, Management and Tourism
 
Overview
The Bachelor's Degree (1st cycle degree) in Tourism at the University of the Algarve offers a solid and up-to-date education, oriented towards the challenges of one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy. Located in one of Europe's leading tourist destinations, the programme benefits from a privileged setting that combines academic knowledge with professional practice. Throughout the study cycle, students develop critical, analytical, and innovative skills that are essential for working within a global tourism system that is complex and constantly evolving, shaped by digitalisation, sustainability, and international mobility. This degree prepares professionals capable of understanding, planning, and managing tourist destinations and organisations in a sustainable, innovative, and responsible way. More than simply keeping pace with trends, it challenges students to think critically about tourism and to contribute to its future transformation.

Objectives

  • To provide a solid and up-to-date education, aligned with the processes of modernisation and transformation of the tourism sector;
  • To respond to the dynamics of the international context, promoting critical and innovative approaches that enhance professionals' mobility and adaptability;
  • To develop the capacity for innovation in the tourism business, integrating the principles of sustainable development;
  • To consolidate the understanding of tourism as a multidisciplinary scientific field and an area of practical application;
  • To foster an understanding of tourism within host communities, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental perceptions and impacts, as well as public policies and planning processes;
  • To analyse European and international tourism development policies;
  • To develop theoretical and practical skills that enable progression to advanced study cycles (2nd and 3rd cycles).

In addition to the mandatory curricular internship, students have the opportunity to undertake extracurricular internships (minimum four-week duration) throughout the course. This fosters direct and continuous contact with the industry and helps develop vocational guidance. These internships include academic supervision and a qualitative evaluation by both the host entity and ESGHT. They are recorded in the Diploma Supplement as an extracurricular component, strengthening the connection to the labour market and graduate employability.

In line with this practical dimension, the programme also benefits from a close relationship with the business community, reflected, among other aspects, in the awarding of social support and merit scholarships, funded by various companies that recognise academic achievement and encourage excellence.

Applicable Legislation

Amended in 2020 (Notice 10227/2020, DR, 2nd series, no. 132, of 9 July) and in 2025 (Amendment of 08/01/2025 – DGES).
 

The applications for public higher education are made annually through national call and/or special contests.
 
Career Opportunities

The career opportunities of Tourism degree are:

  • Tourism Senior technician
  • Tourism technician in travel agencies, tour operators and transport
  • Marketing and operations director
  • Director of destination promotion
  • Responsible for tourism planning
  • Manager of tourist destination
  • Junior consultancy in tourism