What to expect from a career in the Travel and Tourism Industry
The travel and tourism industry is growing exponentially, which makes an education from travel and tourism programs at Ontario colleges a hot commodity. You can take your skills in a number of directions, from management and administration to outdoor adventure and more.
If you’re interested in a global career with plenty of exciting career opportunities, here’s what you need to know.
Travel and Tourism Courses
While overview programs are plentiful, there are also a number of specialty options in Ontario college travel and tourism programs, including (but not limited to):
- Business / Management. Risk management, finance and business skills, along with an overview of the industry and the latest tourism software, prepare students for management roles in all areas of hospitality.
- Services. Specializing in one area of the industry – such as flight services or guest relations – or acting as travel counsellor in all areas. Students receive an overview of the travel industry along with targeted knowledge in their chosen area.
- Specialties. Examining how one specific feature of a destination can influences tourism – for example, event planning or culinary culture. Again, students learn overall tourism industry skills along with their particular area.
- Ecotourism. Giving travel and tourism a back-to-nature spin. Students practice the various activities in nature tourism while learning leadership, rescue training, camping skills and nature identification.
General Travel and Tourism Program Requirements
Most travel and tourism programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a grade 12 English credit. However, because of the diverse program spectrum, be sure to check individual requirements for each.
Most programs include field study so students can practice hands-on training in their area of choice. One of the highlights of travel and tourism programs is that global travel opportunities exist as part of the curriculum or as optional experiences.
Travel and Tourism Jobs and Salaries
Travel and tourism graduates can expect to find careers in the hotel, resort, entertainment and travel industry, holding management, service tour guide and travel planning positions.
Graduates typically see lower starting salaries, between $23,000 and $28,000 per year, but salaries will likely increase with experience. Because of the diversity in the field, salaries for those with experience can be anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more per year.
Ontario Colleges Offering Travel and Tourism Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of travel and tourism programs at Ontario colleges.
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