•   Nature-Based Tourism and Natural Resource Management in Finland TOU008AS2AE-3005 18.08.2025-10.10.2025  5   (REE3PCTOUM, ...) +-
    Learning objectives
    Upon completion of this module, the student is able to
    -understand the concepts of the nature tourism and its elements,
    -recognise the possibilities of nature as a pull factor for tourism in Finland
    -understand the different profiles of various target groups (international perspective) and their nature relationship
    -understand different nature-based sustainable business models
    -develop and manage nature-based tourism in Finland
    Starting level and linkage with other courses
    This course is part of the minor package of Nature and Wellness Experiences.
    Contents
    Nature tourism phenomenon and concept
    -Finland’s nature for tourism business
    -Different nature tourist profiles and target groups (international perspective)
    -Development and management of natural environments: national parks, recreational areas, wilderness areas, urban nature, animal parks, tourism routes
    -Sustainability in nature tourism
    -Nature tourism research
    Assessment criteria
    Assessment criteria - grade 1
    When the implementation type of the course is CONTACT, ONLINE or BLENDED it is required that the student is present during those teaching hours that are marked in the study schedule. If you are absent more than 25 %, your grade will be lowered by one. If you are absent more than 50 %, the course is failed.

    The student’s participation in the activities of the module is rather passive and his/her contribution to the team work is inadequate . The student shows only moderate ability to analyse and develop nature-based tourism business. The student completes the assignments of the module with minimal input and does not show deep understanding of the topic.
    Assessment criteria - grade 3
    The student’s participation in the activities of the module is rather active and his/her contribution to the team work is considerable/valuable. The student shows moderate ability to analyse and develop nature-based tourism business. The student completes the assignments of the module with good results and understands well the concepts of the topic.
    Assessment criteria - grade 5
    The student’s participation in the activities of the module is very active and constructive. He/she acts as a team motivator with his/her actions and knowledge and the student’s contribution to the team work and completion of the assignments is crucial. He/she shows excellent skills to analyse and develop nature-based tourism. The student completes the assignments with excellent results showing deep understanding of the concepts of the topic and produces new ideas and thoughts.

    Teaching methods and instruction

    This course is blended (some sessions are on Zoom, some are in nature or on Porvoo Campus). The course is based on learning by doing including various activities such as guest lectures, company visits, cases, projects, and study excursions to nature.

    Responsible person

    Antti Kurhinen

    Learning material and recommended literature

    The material is available on Moodle platform.

    Working life connections

    Company visits, guest lecturers, workshops, development project with a real-life commissioner

    Campus

    Porvoo Campus

    Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

    No exams

    Teaching language

    English

    Internationality

    The course is totally in English.

    Timing

    18.08.2025 - 10.10.2025

    Learning assignments

    1. Project 60 %, group work (process, presentation, final report) 3. Assignments 40 % a. Segmentation, group work (presentation), 20 % b. Instagram, individual work (memorable nature experiences, reflection on learning, visits to nature-based tourism activities) or a blog post related to your project work, 20 %

    Content scheduling

    Tuesdays 6 lessons 11.30 - 16.45

    Groups
    • REE3PCTOUM
    • REE3PCTOUT
    • CONTACT
    • BLENDED
    • EXCH
    Alternative learning methods

    Contact competence counselling teacher Niina Moilanen. For more information see Haaga-Helia student pages Recognition of Learning: https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning

    Teachers

    Antti Kurhinen, Niina Moilanen

    Seats

    15 - 40

    Further information

    1. Project 60 %, group work (process, presentation, final report)
    3. Assignments 40 %
    a. Segmentation, group work (presentation), 20 %
    b. Instagram, individual work (memorable nature experiences, reflection on learning, visits to nature-based tourism activities) or a blog post related to your project work, 20 %

    Degree Programme

    STEM Sustainable Tourism and Event Management

    R&D proportion

    0.00 cr

    Virtual proportion

    2.50 cr

    Evaluation scale

    H-5