Are you a people-oriented individual with a passion for thriving in a fast-paced environment? Look no further than the Tourism & Hospitality programs at College of the North Atlantic (CNA)! Tourism is a global giant, accounting for over 10 percent of all jobs worldwide and playing an essential role in our provincial and national economies. With hundreds of diverse career opportunities in the field and a growing demand for skilled workers, this sector is your gateway to a vibrant career.
Our programs are designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in this dynamic sector. We emphasize global perspectives, sustainability, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity, equity, inclusion and experiential learning opportunities to prepare you for the evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality.
Serving excellence.
The Tourism & Hospitality Services program focuses on tourism knowledge, skills and modern trends, with an emphasis on the fundamentals and characteristics of the major industry groups within the tourism sector.
Courses in this certificate program will be available on campus or online, over a one-year period so that those who are interested in taking courses in this dynamic and growing field can do so in an alternative learning format. Once you complete all 13 courses (full- or part-time), you will receive a post-secondary certificate in Tourism & Hospitality Services.
Program Highlights
- Complete the certificate online through CNA’s Distributed Learning Service
- Full- or part-time study options
- Current, industry relevant curriculum
- Participate in a six-week field placement
- Obtain professional industry certifications
- Gain a local and global perspective in the tourism sector
- Continue after the certificate for one more year to complete a diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management
Did You Know?
- Tourism is highly inclusive – compared to other sectors, it employs a higher proportion of women, youth and newcomers.
- The hospitality industry in Canada market size is estimated at USD 22.86 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 27.08 billion by 2029.
- As many Canadians become more confident with travel, they are looking to catch up on much-delayed gatherings and vacations. This has fueled a surge in domestic travel.
- Across all sectors, the tourism industry employs over 20,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador, attributing to 9.4% of the provincial workforce.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the certificate program, graduates will be able to:
- Summarize the social, cultural and economic contributions of tourism to society.
- Meet the demands of the thriving tourism sector, equipped with a knowledge of its characteristics and modern trends.
- Communicate and engage with peers, supervisors and customers, both in person and through digital channels.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and customer service skills in a professional and courteous manner.
- Engage in the progressively interconnected landscape of global tourism.
- Discuss the importance of serving a diverse clientele in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Contribute to the daily operations of a tourism and hospitality organization or business as a skilled team member.
- Foster responsible and eco-conscious tourism experiences using sustainable principles and practices.
- Contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of roles and entrepreneurial opportunities including, but not limited to:
- Accommodations - Front desk agent, concierge, valet, banquet staff, room attendant, and night auditor.
- Food & Beverage - Server, bartender, supervisor, and host.
- Recreation and Entertainment - Heritage interpreter, tour guide, event coordinator, and guest services representative.
- Transportation - Reservations, car rental agent, customer service agent, etc.
- Travel Services – Non-governmental organization (NGO) employee, fundraising & membership coordinator, and social media coordinator.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students in the Tourism & Hospitality Services certificate program will complete the following professional certifications during the program:
- Serve Responsible
- Service First
- Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training
Note: Students should be aware that additional fees apply for the certifications.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Tourism & Hospitality requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Diploma with a 60% average in eight Level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an overall average pass mark of 60%.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
PLEASE NOTE: Basic computer literacy skills, as well as strong core skills in English and Mathematics are definite assets for this program. These skills are important for success in the program.