Spa tourism combined with cultural and natural heritage in Estonia

  Estonia

Parnu

Description: Pärnu College, the University of Tartu invites you to be part of Summer Academy. The program lasts 6 days and takes place in Pärnu which is a famous health resort and tourism destination in Estonia and on the Baltic Sea. The concept of the programme includes:
- Resort development and quality
- Creative marketing
- Service design in tourism
- Wellness and spa management

During the six days particiapnts will have an exceptional opportunity
to combine: academic lectures with interactive workshops and study trips with genuine experience

Program outline (see website for more updated information):
Sunday, 10 August:
arrival at Tallinn Airport or Tallinn Sea Port, transfer to Pärnu.

Monday, 11 August:
Opening of the Summer Academy,Introduction to the programme and workshop tasks,Introductory tour of the college premises, Estonia as a tourism destination, Western Estonia and Pärnu as tourism destinations, Guided walking tour in Pärnu.

Tuesday, 12 August: Day trip to the island of Kihnu: UNESCO proclaimed Kihnu's cultural space and traditions as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Wednesday, 13 August: The formation and development of the resort of Pärnu, Spa therapies, Visit to the spa "Estonia", Walking tour to and on the beach.

Thursday, 14 August: Quality of spa destinations and spa products, Marketing of spa destinations and spa products, Spa service design, Visit to the spa "Tervise Paradiis".

Friday, 15 August: Workshops 1. Pärnu as a spa destination (SWOT), 2. Quality of the spa products in Pärnu (SWOT), Nature in Estonia, Depart on a study trip to Pärnu county.

Saturday, 16 August: Study trip continued, return to Pärnu.

Sunday, 17 August: Transfer to Tallinn, departure.

Highlights: Estonia is a popular tourism destination because of it's nature (rivers, lakes, landscapes, nature parks)
- historical heritage (castles from Middle Ages, manors, urban centres)
- cultural heritage (music, dancing, festivals, handicraft)
It is quite unusual to find such a variety in landscapes, flora, four seasons, weather and moods within only several dozens of kilometres.

Pärnu is known as a summer capital of Estonia. Here you can find sunshine, happy people and the most beautiful sights in the whole Estonia. Pärnu is a popular summer destination, a seaside resort, and a town with a lively cultural life. Pärnu is called as a place to recharge your batteries due its shady parks, beautiful sandy beach and quality restaurants, cafés, spas and nightclubs.

As a part of the Summer Academy program several study trips in Pärnu County have been organised. You will get an opportunity to visit the island of Kihnu. Kihnu, exotic but sweet like home, is an offshore island in the Gulf of Riga. As a part of study trip in Pärnu county another exciting area rich in stories, cultural and natural heritage is being visited: Soomaa National Park.

Cost in US$: 990 EUR (appr. 1565 USD)

The fee includes transportation between different locations visited in Pärnu County and organisers also arrange the transfer to Pärnu and back to Tallinn when the program is over.

The fee also covers accommodation in the Viiking Spa Hotel (triple room, breakfast included) and accommodation in camps during the study trips. Lunch and dinner is not included in the participation fee unless stated otherwise in the study trip programs.

The participation fee consists of two parts:
1. The non-refundable registration fee of 100 EUR. It must be paid by May 20, 2008
2. The remainder (890 EUR), payable on June 1, 2008

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Estonia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 15-25

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

University of Tartu, International Student Office's Mission Statement: The University of Tartu is a national university uniting different branches of science. The mission of the University of Tartu is to act as the guardian and advocate of a highly educated Estonia through internationally acclaimed research and the provision of research based higher education.

Year Founded: 1632