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This MOOC introduces a human-centered, problem-solving approach to address the unique challenges and opportunities in rural tourism. This course equips learners with practical tools and methodologies to create innovative, sustainable, and community-driven tourism solutions. By applying design thinking principles, participants will learn how to develop tourism experiences that enhance local economies while preserving cultural and environmental integrity.
What will you learn in this program?
In this course, you will learn how to apply design thinking principles to rural tourism by identifying challenges and opportunities, engaging with stakeholders, and developing sustainable, community-driven solutions. You will gain practical tools for creating innovative tourism products, managing rural tourism businesses, and promoting sustainable development. The course will also teach you how to design authentic, culturally rich experiences while preserving the environment and supporting local economies. Additionally, you will learn to implement effective marketing strategies for rural tourism destinations and apply real-world case studies to create actionable plans.
Important Information:
- Applications open: Anytime
- Priority deadline: Anytime
If you would like to enroll multiple users or need more information about this course, please contact us!
toa@ie.eduCourse content
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
This program is designed for rural tourism entrepreneurs, including homestay operators, farm stay hosts, eco-lodge owners, artisans, farmers, and food producers looking to integrate tourism into their businesses. It is also ideal for community leaders, local government representatives, tourism professionals, and destination managers working on sustainable rural tourism initiatives. Additionally, the course caters to academics, researchers, and students in tourism, sustainability, and rural development, as well as development organizations and nonprofits focused on sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation. Innovators, tech developers, and digital marketers passionate about applying design thinking to rural tourism challenges will also benefit from this program.
Meet our instructors
Ximena Muñoz Vivas, an economist from the University of Rosario and EXMBA from IE Business School, is a PhD at Complutense University of Madrid with training from Harvard, the World Bank, United Nations, MIT, and Stanford d.school. With over 15 years of experience in Design Thinking, she has worked across industries like banking, insurance, IT, and pharmaceuticals in countries such as Spain, Italy, China, Mexico, and more. Ximena has trained over 12,000 professionals and led more than 200 Design Thinking and 120 innovation projects.
