Business Management – Tourism, Heritage and Events

MANAGING TRAVEL, PRESERVING CULTURE, CREATING EVENTS: YOUR FUTURE IN MANAGEMENT

GOALS

The Master in Business Management – Tourism, Heritage and Events aims to train professionals capable of managing and innovating businesses and institutions in the tourism, cultural heritage, and event sectors.

The program provides strategic and operational skills to develop sustainable tourism experiences, promote destinations, and manage high-profile events, integrating marketing strategies, digital transformation, and hospitality management. Special focus is given to emerging industry trends, the use of digital technologies, and the creation of innovative business models.

Full time, 12 months, held in English, this Master develop transversal skills, combining a humanistic, artistic or linguistic background with managerial training and growth, and getting to grips with the needs of public and private organisations. The work of the Career Service, which assists the student in building his or her path in the world of work, is linked to meetings with BBS alumni, Faculty and professionals linked to the School.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Young graduates with an excellent knowledge of English who aspire to work in tourism companies, cultural organisations, events agencies, public institutions and innovative start-ups, developing skills to meet the challenges of an ever-changing market and create cultural projects of value to the local area and communities.

 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Event project manager, Heritage project manager, Hotel manager and Communication and PR manager are just some of the roles to aspire to after a challenging study path that transforms the passion for beauty and culture into a secure professional future (Placement index more than 95% six months after the end of the Master).

The Italian excellence needs your passion to become increasingly management-oriented. Get in touch with the master Program Manager: we’ll make your ambitions grow. 

 

SERVICES

Bologna Business School provides student support services included in the tuition fee for the Master.

 

Programme Advisory Committee:

  • Massimo Monti – President, Consorzio il Biologico Soc. Coop.
  • Alberto Miraglia – General Manager, Retail Institute Italy
  • Franco Gabbrielli – Founder and CEO, Italian Fashion Partner srl
  • Lorenzo Scrimizzi – Former President , Carpigiani Japan
  • Patrick Romano – Managing Director, Bologna Welcome
  • Massimiliano Di Silvestre – Chief Executive Officer, BMW Italia
  • Baldo Scassellati Sforzolini – Global Head of R&D, Galderma
  • Giovanna Cenacchi – Full Professor, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna

Ranking

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is the international network focused on services, analysis and in-depth reports of post-experience and university education, geared toward international mobility and career development. The QS Online MBA Ranking is based on insights from the business world and a methodology that allows programs to be evaluated according to four parameters: Faculty and Teaching, Class Profile, Employability and Class Experience.

Accreditation

EQUIS

Bologna Business School is EQUIS – EFMD Quality Improvement System accredited, one of the most important international quality assessment and continuous improvement systems for Schools of Management and Business Administration.


Angelo Manaresi

Angelo Manaresi

Direttore Scientifico
angelo.manaresi@unibo.it

" It is important that in this phase of expansion in Italy, in Emilia Romagna and also in Bolo-gna, of the economic sectors of tourism, culture and events, the opportunity for a greater managerial culture is seized, to better manage and consolidate growth towards the high end of the market, towards sustainability, so as not to make it episodic and to avoid the potentially problematic side effects of the massification of tourist flows and the sometimes feared cultural trivialization. "

CLASS PROFILE A.Y. 2024/2025

GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

  • 25 y.o.

    AVERAGE AGE

  • 35%

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

  • 21

    COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

  • 67%

    WOMEN

Structure

The Master in Business Management – Tourism, Heritage and Events is a full-time program structured in 1.500 hours of learning activities over 12 months of study, divided into: 360 hours of lecturing, an estimated 540 hours of independent study, and 600 hours of internship.

The structure of the Master is divided into:

  • First term: January 2026 – April 2026
  • Second term: May 2026 – July 2026
  • Internship: September 2026  – December 2026

The first term, the same for all the concentrations of the Master in Business Management, provides a 360° view of how a company works, delving into the processes, peculiarities and relations between internal and external stakeholders of all company departments.

The second term, specific to each concentration, provides knowledge and skills related to Tourism, Heritage and Events through a multidisciplinary and practical approach. It includes 3 specific courses and 3 company project work, in close contact with local companies.

Following the lecture and project period, students start an internship, which may take place in companies or agencies in Italy or abroad. At the end of the internship, the student will submit a ‘Final Report’ to the Director of Studies, containing a description of the activities carried out and an analysis of the knowledge acquired during the classroom training period.

For international students, the School offers the opportunity to participate in an Italian language course during the classroom study period.

The Master is held on campus at Bologna Business School. Participation is about 30 hours per week structured in order to allow time to work in groups, while not neglecting individual students focus and management of interpersonal relationships.

In addition to the general Business Administration courses and the subjects related to the specific track, there are also

  1. a one-year Master Project, on the subject of business planning, carried out in groups;
  2. three Company Project Work, with companies lasting one month each, in May, June and July;
  3. testimonials from the business world such as BMmeetings;
  4. numerous activities related to the Personal Development Project. The A.Y. 2024/25 includes the following sessions:
  • Start up and Business Planning with Claudio Venezia, CEO & Founder Officina Startup
  • Excel for Business with Alsid Peqini and Gilberto Cavallina Faculty BBS
  • Export Management with Gerardo Famiglietti, International Sales Manager Endura S.p.A.
  • Trade Marketing with Marco Repezza, Marketing Director Italpizza
  • Doing business in Japan with Lorenzo Scrimizzi, Representative Director Carpigiani Japan
  • Doing business in South East Europe and Western Balkans with Tanja Mirchewska, Professor UKIM Skopje
  • Doing business in Latin America with Anna Lanzani, Certified coach & consultant
  • Brand experience with Federica Sovrani, Account Project Manager Yu Retail
  • International Marketing with Giampiero Giunta, Brand Director Procter & Gamble
  • Team Builiding and Leadership with Alessandro Finelli, Professional Basketball Coach
  • Public speaking with Massimo Franceschetti (Faculty BBS) and Lisa Marie Gelhaus (Co-fondatrice e CEO WordWorks)
  • Negotiation techniques with Francesco De Rose (Manager Franchising and Small Cooperatives Coop Italia) and Marco Repezza (Marketing Director Italpizza)

COURSES

This course focuses on the main components of accounting, budgeting and cost analysis. In addition the course will train students on how to analyze economic-financial forecasts and budgets as well as understand the measurement and interpretation of the economic-financial performance of the company. Calculation and analysis in decision-making, management supervision, strategic control and strategic cost management will also be explored.

Ferri Paolo

This course enables executives to use financial tools to make better decisions. The teaching method combines class lectures and discussions to case studies and spreadsheet modelling to get a deeply and insightful understanding of topics in corporate finance. These topics include, but are not limited to, capital budgeting, project and company valuation and the optimal financing and hedging decisions.

Baschieri Giulia

From the business model to the operational marketing plan. The fundamental conceptual and quantitative tools necessary for understanding, analyzing and constructing the relationship a company establishes with its market of interest: the centrality of the client, studying acquired behavior, the processes of segmentation and positioning, the development of new products and the spread of innovation, pricing decisions, distribution and communication.

Manaresi Angelo

The course aims to introduce students to the most relevant issues (foundational and more advanced) of digital technologies, discussing the most important present and future consequences on the lives of individuals and on the structure and functioning of organizations and processes. The course consists of 5 seminars: Ai & Machine Learning, All-in Security, Cloud & Beyond, The Science of Data, Internet of Things.

The course focuses on issues related to the management of materials along the supply chain, from suppliers to distribution channels. In this regard, they have a vital role. Managerial and organizational decisions made about the relationships with external companies with which we relate to, are the focal point of the course. In analyzing the vertical relationships between firms, the course seeks to develop: sensitivity to the Strategic Importance of the reports, the technical and managerial knowledge needed to deal with the decisions in the matter and organizational skills needed to manage them.

Bortolini Marco
Luciano Fratocchi
Paulraj Antony Chellappa
Regattieri Alberto

Corporate sustainability and the circular economy are currently among the most discussed topics internationally, also due to climate change. The aim of the course is to understand why these issues are of such importance, underlining their urgency. We will learn more about the innovation activities of operational and system processes that companies adopt to implement strategies aimed at the Circulary Economy and the transition to a low carbon business model.

Foschi Eleonora

Introduction to marketing research: descriptive analysis. Utilizing probability and hypothesis in marketing research. Design and technical development finalized for collecting primary data. Data analysis: regression. Segmentation and clustering techniques. Perceptual maps and positioning.

 

Zammit Alessandra

The objective of the course in Digital Marketing is to provide the necessary knowledge for successfully implementing a marketing strategy utilizing new information technology, analyzing the needs of the client, the company communication and sales. A principally quantitative approach for measuring the effectiveness of Digital Marketing activities, which finds their natural application in an online context (e.g. Social Media, E-Commerce, Direct Marketing), without overlooking the application of new technologies in an offline context (e.g. Apps and Mobile Marketing in a modern Retailing environment). At the end of the course, it is expected that the students will have acquired a high level of knowledge on the main tools used in the field of Digital Marketing, allowing them to: define and implement a coherent Digital Marketing strategy; select the best suited tools based on strategic objectives; monitor the effectiveness by means of rigorous analytical procedures.

Claudio Nader
Matta Shashi
Tuan Annamaria
The objective is, on the one hand, to present some of the conceptual coordinates related to place and city marketing and urban regeneration policies; on the other hand, to provide a framework on the issues of destination management and the use of digital and other media.
Grandi Roberto

From the design and management of mega mass events such as concerts and large communities (such as the Foo Fighters’ mega community concert) to the management of events that are the intersection of tourism, cultural, trade fair and commercial dynamics (such as Artefiera), the ability to link design and management is fundamental to both the success of events and to trigger the long-term construction of the brand equity of the event and the event. The lecturer, one of the most dynamic people in this field in Bologna in recent years, has the content, above all practical experience, and the necessary communication skills to engage students and initiate them into this field.

Gabriella Gentile

The course aims, through the analysis of cases and many practical experiences, to provide through an inductive approach the conceptual and practical tools for the management of activities that manage to reconcile and connect both sectors, in order to move away from the often sterile debate between conservation and dissemination of cultural heritage and between mass tourism and elite tourism. The course also aims to provide a balanced perspective for the management of institutional and inter-organisational relations (also between the public and private sectors) for the realisation of tourism and culture projects. The lecturer is one of the most qualified operators in planning and implementation in this sector.

Soglia Stefano

Learning approach

The Master’s program is designed to provide a solid theoretical basis, immediately complemented by practical applications, to prepare students to confidently and competently enter the job market. The teaching activities are designed to be practical and experiential, promoting effective learning and comprehensive assessment by the instructors.

The program combines lectures, business case studies, group work and company presentations, offering an interactive approach. Additionally, master lectures delivered by experts from the business, academic, and political areas, along with numerous opportunities to engage with companies through the analysis of case histories, further enrich the learning experience.

Faculty

Faculty members at Bologna Business School work together offering outstanding teaching standards. An international and interdisciplinary approach is guaranteed by a joint team of distinguished national core professors, adjunct, visiting professors, guest speakers and top managers.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The School is fully committed to creating employability, by way of a systematic career service action, constantly focused on matching at best the students’ professional projects with the needs companies have.
The internship is an exceptional springboard, suffice it to say that six months after the end of the Full-time Masters at Bologna Business School on average 91% of students work in a company.

The BBS Career Service assists and supports students since the very beginning, along a training and professional development path. This is accomplished by organizing a series of workshops, with the aim of providing the fundamental tools and resources to be appropriately prepared for the labor market.

To achieve this goal, students are involved in several workshops, among which we may list:

  • Writing a CV and a Cover Letter
  • How to create an effective Linkedin profile
  • How to prepare for a job interview

In addition to this, thanks to the collaboration with professional career counselors, students receive a customized service, in order to understand their strengths and to build a professional development plan, which will turn out to be helpful when looking for an internship. Here follow some of the activities:

  • Initial guidance interviews
  • Specific interviews, focused on one’s own career plan
  • Continuous support to students with one – to – one sessions

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Alumni

Margherita Orlandini Valentini – Italy

Public Relations and Innovations Intern, Freixenet Mionetto USA
MBM - Tourism, Heritage and Events (A.Y. 2022/2023)

"After obtaining my bachelor's degree in Language Mediation, I clearly delineated my professional goals and identified the Master in Business Management as the optimal path to achieve them. Thanks to the structure of the Master, I deepened both my theoretical and practical knowledge, improving several soft skills and the ability to effectively manage time, deadlines and priorities. Through the 3 company project works I had the opportunity to immerse myself in business dynamics and apply directly in the field what I learned in the classroom. I highly recommend this Master to those seeking a crucial educational experience for their personal and professional development. BBS offers a solid preparation to enter the field of interest with confidence and determination, with a direct link between education and the world of work."

Ludovica Allegra Martelli – Italy

Sales & Business Development Specialist, Canossa Events
MBM - Tourism, Heritage and Events (A.Y. 2022/2023)

"Thanks to the Master, I had the opportunity to realize the goal I had set for myself: to enrich my humanities education with knowledge in the business field and soft skills that are fundamental for the professional world. The three project works and, above all, the Master Project, taught me how to manage a project in all its phases: following a methodical flow of processes, dealing with unforeseen events, collaborating in a multidisciplinary team and enhancing the different academic experiences for the achievement of a common goal. In addition, the Career Service provided me with valuable support and assistance at all stages of the search for professional opportunities. Every day in the work environment, I appreciate how helpful this training has been. Trust the process!"

Margherita Maione – Italy

Carpigiani Gelato University Coordinator, Carpigiani
MBM - Tourism, Heritage and Events (A.Y. 2022/2023)

"Attending the Master at BBS has been a stimulating experience, as well as a unique opportunity to delve into some of the dynamics of the industry and come into contact with a number of companies. One of the elements that I consider most relevant is undoubtedly the rapid interaction between education and the world of work that BBS manages to create, especially thanks to the various project works included in the curriculum. During the months of my master's program, I developed new skills, learned how to manage complex projects and improved many soft skills.I believe that the BBS experience has been a fundamental chapter in my educational journey: the Master's program has contributed significantly to my personal growth and represents a solid foundation on which to build my future career."

Federica Marrone – Italy

Show Office Executive, BolognaFiere
MBM - Tourism, Heritage and Events (A.Y. 2021/2022)

"After graduating with a Master's Degree, I decided to undertake an educational path that would give me the opportunity to come into contact with the world of work in a concrete way. For this reason I chose BBS, a stimulating path that allowed me to grow both on the personal and professional front. The three project works definitely contributed to this growth, which allowed me to strengthen some soft skills and team working skills that are in demand in today's work environment. The constant comparisons with the professors and managers gave us a real and clear picture of the fields of our interest, allowing us to create a solid network that is also valid for the future. The Master's program is an intense, dynamic and engaging experience in which the BBS team will expertly guide you."

COMPANIES

The goal of the Career Service is also to allow students to connect with national and international companies. Over the years, Bologna Business School has managed to establish a wide-ranging network and a sound partnership with leading companies in Italy, thanks to a personalized approach, based on each company’s needs. The collaboration features the following activities:

  • Sending CV Books
  • Sharing internship opportunities
  • Company presentations
  • Career days
  • Project works
  • In-class activities with case studies presented by Managers and/or HR professionals

Moreover, companies support the Master in Tourism, Heritage and Events with scholarships, professional opportunities, career fairs and company presentations. The companies that worked with us in 2023/2024 are:

AEROPORTO DI BOLOGNA BOLOGNA FIERE BOLOGNA WELCOME CANOSSA EVENTS CARPIGIANI CRIF ELASTICA FABBRI FC EVENTS ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP ITALIAN CONCIERGE KERING OUTLET MAMBO MARRIOT MISMAONDA MUG - EMILBANCA PANINI THE SOCIAL HUB TRUSTPILOT VOX TOURS WE ROAD

FEES

The tuition fee for the Master is 13.800 euros (VAT free) to be paid in three installments:

  • First installment: 1.850 euros
  • Second installment: 7.000 euros
  • Third installment: 4.950 euros

The fee includes participation in the Master, all the study material available through the online platform, and access to the services and facilities of Alma Bologna Business School. Furthermore, the fee gives participants the right to take advantage of the supporting activities of the School, such as the language courses and the master lectures by invitation. Free parking is also available within the BBS campus.

Additionally, with the Student Card of the University of Bologna, students have access to all of the university facilities, including over 100 libraries, digital resources and study halls (including databases and online subscriptions) and all university student related discount offers. More information is available on the site of the University of Bologna: : http://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita

HONOR LOAN

For more information on honor loan, contact us by email: businessmanagement@bbs.unibo.it

SCHOLARSHIPS

Bologna Business School is pleased to make partial scholarships available to the most deserving students. The scholarships will be awarded based on merit to students who occupy the highest positions in the selection process. The top ranked students will be those who have not only a solid academic and/or professional background, but also those who have demonstrated the most motivation to participate in the course. Winners will be notified at the time of admission.

 

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be admitted to the Master’s course you must have:

  • Bachelor’s degree (obtained within the closing date of enrollment of the selection round in which you participate)
  • Excellent level of English

The admission to the Master is subject to the positive evaluation of the selection test in line with the number of places available. The selection process, held online, consists of one Aptitude Test and one English Language Test, both prerequisites to be admitted to the motivational interview in English.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Register on “Students Online” by connecting to the site studenti.unibo.it
2. Select > First Level Master > Master in Gestione d’Impresa/Business Management.
3. Pay the participation fee for the selection (60 euro)
4. Upload the required documents online:

  • Curriculum Vitae in English
  • Motivational letter in English
  • Letters of reference in English (optional)
  • Photograph of recognition
  • Concentration Form
  • Front and back copy of a valid ID or passport
  • If available, a GMAT/GRE certificate with a score above 550 (GMAT) or equivalent (GRE). Applicants uploading this certificate are exempted from the written aptitude test as part of the admission process.
  • If available, an English language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or CAMBRIDGE) attesting a minimum English level of B2 in the European framework. Applicants uploading this certificate are exempted from the written English test as part of the admission process.
  • For degrees obtained in Italy: Self-certification of Bachelor’s degree with details of exams taken and relative grades
  • For degrees obtained abroad: Dichiarazione di Valore (to be requested at the Italian Embassy in the country where the degree was obtained) or Diploma Supplement (to be requested at the university where the degree was obtained). In the event that the candidate is unable to obtain the Dichiarazione di Valore or Diploma Supplement at the time of enrollment, he/she may temporarily replace it with a Conditional Enrollment Form, which will be sent after enrollment by businessmanagement@bbs.unibo.it

For further guidance, students who obtained a bachelor’s degree abroad are encouraged to check the page below: https://www.unibo.it/en/teaching/enrolment-transfer-and-final-examination/declaration-of-value-translation-and-legalization

For information regarding the selection process, please download the Call for Application and the related attachements:

CALL_PROFESSIONAL MASTERS CALL_MASTER IN GESTIONE D'IMPRESA/BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY TO THE SELECTION CONCENTRATION FORM CONDITIONAL ENROLLMENT

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