Five starsTrusted by 70,000+ Future Students

Subject guide

Tourism

Imagine delving into the vibrant world of tourism as an avenue to expand your academic horizons in higher education. Studying tourism offers the thrilling opportunity to explore different cultures, learn the workings of the global tourism industry, and shape the future of travel. As a exciting and dynamic field, a degree in tourism could open doors to a multitude of careers, ranging from event management and hospitality, to travel consultancy and destination marketing. With the right higher education institution, your journey into this fascinating sector could be just a few steps away. At the end of the day, your educational path should align with your interests and long-term career goals, ensuring that when you choose to study tourism, you're not only making a successful academic choice, but also setting yourself up for a fruitful professional future.

Find school options
Tourism study and career guide

Tourism

You're setting your sights on an exciting field within the realm of higher education: tourism. As a dynamic and evolving discipline, the study of tourism offers a wealth of opportunities, from learning intricate aspects of international cultures, environments, and economies to gaining a profound understanding of the tourism industry's role in global development. This career path is not just about learning to plan the perfect trip—it's about comprehending the social dynamics, strategic management, and economic impact of tourism. By choosing to study tourism, you're opening doors to a future rich in cultural exchange, worldwide exploration, and professional growth. With plenty of schools offering specialized programs to meet your educational needs, your dream of shaping meaningful, sustainable experiences for travelers the world over can become a reality. Trust us to provide you with accurate and reliable educational opportunities that align with your career aspirations.

Explore this subject within Business.

Tourism Program goals

If you are passionate about traveling and helping others create memorable experiences, pursuing a program in Tourism could be the ideal fit for you. Studying such a program can help you gain in-depth knowledge about the tourism industry and develop various skills like business management, customer service, and effective communication. It could further open doors to a multitude of career opportunities in this vibrant industry from tour operators to event managers. Like any academic endeavour, studying a tourism program should have certain goals to help you stay focused and motivated throughout your learning journey. Here are some core objectives associated with this study program:

  • Understanding the fundamentals of the tourism industry and its impact on local, national, and global economies.
  • Learning specifics about different types of tourism including eco-tourism, luxury travel, and adventure travel.
  • Acquiring practical knowledge on planning, organizing, and managing tours and events.
  • Developing strong communication, business, and problem-solving skills relevant to the tourism industry.
  • Gaining real-world experience through internships or projects in diverse tourism settings.
Tourism Program goals illustration

What are the Student Learning Outcomes

By choosing to study a program in Tourism, you set yourself on a path of exploration and opportunities. This course equips you with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to understand the thriving tourism sector through different perspectives, such as business, culture, and sustainability. The program does not only focus on theoretical knowledge, but also offers practical understanding through industry insights, study tours, and internship opportunities. Be ready to embark on a journey that helps you comprehend all aspects of this dynamic industry.

  • Master the fundamental concepts and principles of the tourism industry.
  • Develop an understanding of the business strategies and management techniques used in tourism.
  • Gain a deep knowledge of global cultures, customs, and traditions.
  • Enhance your communication, problem-solving and leadership skills.
  • Expand your prospects for a rewarding career in the fast-growing tourism and hospitality sectors.
What are the Student Learning Outcomes illustration
Photo by This is Engeneering on Unsplash

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Tourism

Embarking on a higher education program in Tourism often requires specific experiences and pre-requisites that vary amongst institutions. Generally, a keen interest in culture, history, geography, and a passion for helping others enjoy their travel experiences is foundational. Strong organizational and time-management skills are beneficial, given the complexity of planning and executing trips and worksites. As tourism is a people-oriented industry, experiences in customer service and communication are crucial. Fluency in a second language can be an advantage since it increases your value in the international tourism industry.

  • Experiences in travel, learning different cultures, and geographical knowledge
  • Passion for assisting others in enjoying their travel experiences
  • Aptitude in organizing, planning, and executing detailed-oriented tasks
  • Experience in customer service, including verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge or fluency in a second language
What experience do I need to be able to apply for Tourism illustration

Tourism careers

If you're considering pursuing postgraduate studies in tourism, you're opening up a world of rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The dynamic field of tourism is incredibly versatile, allowing you to leverage your experience and knowledge in various sectors such as hospitality, event management, policy-making, travel consultancy, and heritage preservation, to name a few. A higher degree in tourism equips you with the necessary skills to engage with customers, manage resources, promote destinations, and contribute to economic growth and sustainability. The future of tourism is bright, and the industry is constantly in need of skilled innovators, leaders, and team players who can handle the fast-paced and global nature of the sector.

  • Tourism Consultant
  • Travel Agent
  • Event Planner
  • Hotel Manager
  • Destination Marketer
  • Eco-tourism Specialist
  • Tourism Policy Officer
  • Airline Operations Manager
  • Heritage Site Manager
  • Research Analyst in Tourism Studies

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for travel agents was $48,450 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm#tab-5

Note: The specific salary ranges for the lowest and highest 10% of travel agents are not provided in the latest available BLS data.

After completing your post-graduate studies in tourism, a variety of fulfilling and exciting job opportunities could be on the horizon for you. The key jobs in this field broadly fall under the categories of planning, management, and development roles. You may find your suitable niche as a tourism consultant, contributing your expertise towards designing, implementing and evaluating tourism strategies and policies. You might also opt for a career as a destination manager with roles emphasizing on managing and enhancing visitor experiences at a particular location. Moreover, you can explore opportunities as a travel coordinator, planning various aspects of travel experiences, or dive into the world of digital marketing and public relations within the tourism sector. Your analytical skills might lead you to roles in tourism research, studying trends and advising businesses. Each potential career path in this sector has a unique mix of challenge and satisfaction, all woven in the vibrant canvas of tourism. Proceed confidently to shape your future in the exciting world of tourism.

Keep exploring

View all subjects

Ready to compare Tourism programs?

Share your study preferences once. We’ll use them to find relevant school options.

Find school options