Tourism studies are a field of study that focuses on the management and development of the tourism industry. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including tourism management, destination marketing, tourism economics, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage management. The field of tourism studies draws on knowledge from other disciplines such as geography, business, sociology, and environmental studies.
Different levels of Tourism Studies
- Certificate or Diploma in Tourism: This level of education is typically offered by vocational schools, technical institutes and results in a certificate or diploma.
- Associate Degree in Tourism: This is a 2-year program that usually offered by community colleges and results in an associate degree.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism: This is a 4-year program that usually offered by colleges and universities and results in a baccalaureate degree.
- Master’s Degree in Tourism: This is a graduate program that usually offered by colleges and universities and results in a master’s degree.
Career Opportunities
Tourism graduates in Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and other developed countries have a wide range of career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. Some of the major career scopes for tourism graduates include:
- Hotel and Resort Management: Graduates can work in management positions at hotels, resorts, and other lodging facilities, overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Tourism Marketing and Promotion: Graduates can work in marketing and public relations positions for tourism boards, travel agencies, airlines, and other organizations involved in promoting destinations.
- Event Management: Graduates can work as event planners, coordinating and managing events such as conventions, festivals, and other special events in hotels and other venues.
- Tourism Development and Planning: Graduates can work in government agencies, non-profits, and private sector firms involved in the planning and development of tourism destinations.
- Tour Operations and Guide Services: Graduates can work as tour operators, tour guides, and travel counselors, helping travelers plan and book their trips.
- Adventure Tourism: Graduates can work in outdoor recreation and adventure tourism, such as outdoor activities, adventure travel, and ecotourism.
- Heritage and Cultural Tourism: Graduates can work in heritage and cultural tourism, promoting and preserving historical and cultural sites, and developing tour programs that focus on these sites.
- Transportation and Logistics: Graduates can work in transportation and logistics, such as travel agencies, airlines, and cruise ships, responsible for arranging and coordinating travel for tourists.
These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available to tourism graduates. The tourism and hospitality industry is a growing and dynamic field, with many different types of businesses and organizations that need skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Additionally, tourism graduates have the ability to work in different countries as the tourism industry is global in nature.