Florence and Tuscany, Italy

• Date: May 18 - 27, 2026

• Instructor:  Dr. Christopher Gaffney, Clinical Associate Professor

• Course Description: This course will bring students into an in-depth case study of contemporary tourism dynamics in one of the world’s most touristed regions, Tuscany. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, has long been dealing with issues of overtourism: a city of approximately 450,000 receives more than 14 million visitors a year. We will take a deep dive into tourism and hospitality data ahead of the course and while in Florence we will meet with local tour operators, hoteliers, government officials and residents who will offer multiple perspectives on their over tourism crisis – and the opportunities it affords.

• Graduate course(s): 

  • TCTM1-GC 3345 Sustainability, CSR and Impact Planning, 3 credits

  • TCHSI- GC 1025 Global Strategies across Cultures, 3 credits

  • MSEM1-GC 2035 Festivals and Social Events, 3 credits

** Please note: Upperclassman (Junior and Senior) undergraduate students are welcome to take the course with permission from their advisor