After completing the course, the student:

• has a well-rounded understanding of how to plan, implement, execute and measure the success of circular economy initiatives within a modern, internationally oriented hospitality setting
• is able to understand and apply the key concepts of a circular economy in her/his thinking and reasoning
• is able to recognize business opportunities related to circular economy in the hospitality industry
• can skillfully assess the appropriateness of circular economy initiatives of hospitality industry players
• is able to understand and design circular economy business models within the hospitality industry
• is able to analyze the purpose of an organization’s stakeholders and their role in the demand and creation of circular economy business practices
• is able to act as a part of a circular economy team in a hospitality setting

Introduction to the impact of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry on natural resources consumption, environment and sustainability.
- Understand and define the key environmental and sustainability impacts of the hospitality industry, including contribution to local economic development
- Understand how environmental sustainability and circular economy form part of overall sustainability
- Understand and explore established ways of measuring sustainability performance of companies
- Understand and identify the key benefits of sustainability management in the hospitality industry

Circular economy in the hospitality industry
- Understand the difference between linear and circular business models and where they are prevalent in the hospitality industry.
- Tourism as a setting for circular economy transitioning.
- Understand the fundamental principles of circular economy and the characteristics of circular business models
- Explore ways in which hospitality industry business models can be modified to include elements of circularity; main emphasis on circular economy in accommodation, food services and the spa & wellness industries, activities & attractions as well as supporting areas to an extent such as transportation and logistics. Includes all 6 R’s of Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, Remanufacture, Reduce, and Recover.
- Understanding and using the ReSOLVE framework to identify action areas for moving towards a circular economy and as an innovation platform
- Understand governance models and regulations promoting circularity in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry

Demand for responsible and sustainable solutions in the hospitality industry
- Understand and identify the key demand factors driving sustainability and circular economy initiatives.
- Identify relevant key stakeholders on the demand side

Depending on the implementation, learning takes place in contact lessons, as independent studies, teamwork and/or online-studies. The course includes the assessment of one’s own learning.

If students have acquired the required competence in previous work tasks, recreational activities or on another course, they can show their competence via a demonstration. The demonstration must be agreed with the course teacher. More information and instructions for recognising and validating prior learning (RPL) are available at https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning Look at "Instructions to students (master)"

No prerequisites.

The student is able to define the key concepts of a circular economy. S/he recognises the main stakeholders and their purpose in a circular economy. S/he can describe hospitality business and management from the viewpoint of circular economy.

In addition to the competences in grade 1, the student can apply the key concepts of a circular economy in her/his thinking and reasoning. S/he can understand and design circular economy business models within the hospitality industry.

In addition to the competences in grades 1 and 3, the student can analyse the purpose of an organisation’s stakeholders and their role in circular economy. S/he develops business and management from the viewpoints of circular economy and is able to recognize business opportunities related to circular economy in the hospitality industry S/he is able to think critically and solve problems in a changing operational environment.