Digital Marketing and Community Management for Tourism
Location: Lecce (LE)
Academic Biennium: 2025–2027
National Figure: 9.1.1 Higher Technician for the design, development, and promotion of the tourist supply chain
Program Overview
The highly specialized Digital Marketing course in Digital Marketing and Community Management for Tourism trains professionals capable of strategically promoting territories, destinations, and businesses using major social media platforms.
Context
In recent years, cultural tourism has accounted for nearly half of total tourism spending, as travelers increasingly seek out artistic and cultural heritage. In this context, Puglia ranks as the sixth Italian region for cultural appeal, fostering the growth of cultural and experiential tourism and reinforcing the role of digital media. Social travel has become a global trend. This Digital Marketing course aims to enhance the online reputation of cultural destinations and promote engagement through online communities.
Professional Profile
Graduates of the Digital Marketing course in Digital Marketing and Community Management for Tourism will be able to boost the visibility of territories, cultural destinations, and local identities using digital communication strategies, storytelling, branding, and community engagement. They will promote tourism that is accessible, inclusive, sustainable, and authentic. Equipped with data analysis skills, they can interpret user behavior, build and manage digital communities, and apply engagement strategies that increase reputation and visibility.
What You Will Learn
During this Digital Marketing course in Digital Marketing and Community Management for Tourism, you will learn to:
- Design and manage digital strategies for tourism and cultural promotion
- Create visual and narrative content tailored for social media and the web
- Build and activate digital communities and territorial networks
- Collaborate with influencers and stakeholders for promotional campaigns
- Promote cultural events, itineraries, and heritage sites with an experiential approach
What You Will Study
The Digital Marketing and Community Management for Tourism program will equip you with the ability to:
- Analysis and monitoring of tourism trends and the reference territorial system
- Design and development of integrated territorial tourism offers
- Definition of marketing policies and actions for the tourism-cultural product
- Management of digital communities for tourism and cultural promotion
This Digital Marketing course in Digital Marketing and Community Management for Tourism prepares professionals to work in:
- Companies involved in territorial marketing, digital strategy, content creation, and identity-based tourism promotion
- Cultural and creative enterprises, and organizers of events, festivals, and cultural initiatives
- Tourism promotion bodies (DMOs, regional or local tourism agencies)
- Cultural and tourism departments of municipalities, provinces, and regions
- Tour operators and travel agencies specializing in cultural or incoming tourism
The course includes a total of 1800 hours over two years, structured as follows:
- 1080 hours of classroom-based lab teaching, case studies, seminars, field visits, and project work
- 720 hours of internship in real work environments
Daily hours may vary between 5 and 8 depending on the operational schedule.
Attendance is mandatory for at least 80% of the total training hours. Failing to meet this requirement will result in ineligibility for the final exam, which will be held according to the procedures established by the Ministry of Education and Merit.
At the end of the course, and upon passing the final exams and assessments, students will receive a “Diploma of Specialization in Applied Technologies” at EQF Level 5 (European Qualifications Framework).
The diploma is awarded by the Ministry of Education and Merit with the Europass Diploma Supplement, valid nationwide and recognized for participation in public competitions.
Depending on individual eligibility and the specific focus of study, students will also be prepared for the following certifications:
- Certifications for the use of sector-specific software
- English and a second foreign language certifications according to CEFR levels
- Workplace safety certifications
- HACCP Certification
- Advanced EIPASS, upon successful examination (ITS acts as certifying body)
The ITS program is also valid for ITP teaching competitions starting in 2025 and recognized within the public administration.
