Università degli Studi di Firenze - UNIFI Speciality : Business and Strategy
programme: School of Business/Management

Studying the Design of Sustainable Tourism Systems at University of Florence has been a really enriching and eye-opening experience from a master’s student perspective.

What I appreciate most about this program is how interdisciplinary it is. You’re not just learning tourism in a traditional sense—you dive into economics, sustainability, culture, statistics, and even law. This mix actually helps you understand how tourism works in the real world, especially when it comes to balancing economic growth with environmental protection. 

The courses are quite practical as well. We work on projects, data analysis, and case studies, which makes learning more engaging compared to purely theoretical programs. You also gain skills in data interpretation and tourism trends, which are very useful if you want to work in planning or policy roles later. 

Another strong point is the focus on sustainability. The program really pushes you to think about responsible tourism—how to preserve cultural heritage, protect natural resources, and still create economic value. It feels very relevant in today’s world where tourism impacts are becoming more serious. 

Living in Florence is also a huge bonus. The city itself feels like a “living classroom” because you’re surrounded by history, culture, and tourism every day. It gives you a real-life perspective on what you study. At the same time, being a tourist-heavy city can sometimes make daily life a bit crowded and slightly expensive.

However, the program isn’t perfect. Some courses can feel too broad, and if you’re looking for a highly specialized or technical degree, you might find it a bit general. Also, like many Italian universities, there can be some bureaucratic delays and organizational issues at times.

Overall, I’d say this master’s is ideal if you want a balanced mix of theory, practical skills, and sustainability-focused knowledge in tourism. It prepares you well for careers in destination management, policy-making, or international tourism projects—but you need to be proactive to make the most out of it.