Resort and SPA Management
The goal of the program is for you to acquire professional competencies for creating innovative concepts for the development of SPA tourism and interaction with local communities. It provides knowledge, analytical and practical skills for planning and development of resorts and SPA activities, development and management of projects in the tourism sector, social, intercultural and communication aspects of the functioning of tourist facilities.
“Resort and SPA Management” is a practical management program that prepares highly qualified specialists in the field of management of specific tourist products and services. It is the result of in-depth analysis and communication between the academic community and business organizations on the problems in the industry.
The program is created and implemented by established academic teachers and with the support of professionals from the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism (BUBSPA). It follows modern world trends for the creation, management and sustainable development of SPA tourism and balneology.
Education format: Distance learning
Study duration: 1,5 (3 semesters)
Language: Bulgarian
ECTS credits: 90 ECTS
The Master’s program in “Resort and SPA Management” shares the priorities and reflects the strategic goals and objectives of IBS, related to educational and research activities. The program complies with the regulatory framework and the requirements of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) for training in the Master’s degree program, with the Higher Education Act, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and IBS policies.
The program is implemented and administered through developed curriculum and syllabi, aimed at acquiring knowledge and skills and building personal and professional competencies, in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Bulgaria, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Framework of Qualifications in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
The “Resort and SPA Management” program includes precise and up-to-date practice-oriented modules of disciplines. They are selected in accordance with modern national needs and European requirements in the field of management of tourist products and services, building on the knowledge of students, logically presented and appropriately distributed in three semesters.
The implementation of quality education is provided by highly qualified teachers and specialists, which guarantees successful realization on the labor market of graduates of the master’s program in accordance with the goals and mission of IBS to create competitive specialists at the international level. In the learning process, interactive methods are widely used, combined with multimedia presentations, discussions, term papers, case studies, etc. We offer a supportive academic environment that tolerates equality. We provide opportunities for students to join teams to work on projects for scientific and practical research.
Compulsory courses
- Strategic Management of Tourism
- Marketing in Tourism in a Digital Environment
- Innovation and Quality Management in Tourism
- Project Management in Tourism
- Research Project – Part I
- SPA Management – Operations
- Resort and Spa – Planning and Development
- Research Project – Part II
- Public Policy and Tourism Development
- Master’s Seminar
Elective courses
- Health and Wellbeing / Event Management in the Resort and SPA Industry
Facultative courses
- Any course offered by other master’s programs
Master’s Thesis
Theoretical:
- Social, intercultural and communication aspects of the functioning of tourist facilities.
- Operational techniques for management and development of SPA.
- Planning and management of projects in the Resort and SPA industry.
- Quality management of the tourist product.
- Resort and SPA marketing.
Practical:
- Planning and development of SPA activities.
- Making decisions for development and management of resources.
- Organizing and managing the activities of SPA hotels and centers.
- Developing a concept for Resort and SPA.
- Participating in the formulation and implementation of policies in the field of SPA industry.
- Preparing strategic and programmatic documents in the field of Resort and SPA.
- Manager of a SPA hotel or center.
- Manager in tour operator and travel agency companies.
- Expert in organizations in the field of balneology and SPA tourism.
- Analyst and consultant in organizations engaged in the development and protection of SPA resources.
- Expert in municipal and state administration.
- Manager or expert in the development of projects related to tourism at national and regional level.
- Expert in non-governmental organizations related to balneology and SPA tourism.
- Owner of SPA and tourism business.
Successful graduates of the program receive a higher education diploma with a “Master” degree and a European diploma supplement, valid and recognized worldwide.
Successful graduates in MA program “Business Finance” can continue their studies in a PhD program.
