Something SMART+ is happening in College of the North Atlantic’s Tourism and Hospitality Management diploma program: a new national distinction is putting the program in the spotlight for going above and beyond industry standards.
Tourism HR Canada’s SMART+ Accreditation Program highlights tourism-related educational programs across Canada that set a high benchmark for industry relevance, backed by research and real-world experience.
For students enrolled in CNA's Tourism and Hospitality Management program, this designation signals that the education they are receiving has been independently validated against national benchmarks, and that the skills and knowledge they graduate with are exactly what today's tourism and hospitality industry is looking for.
"This accreditation is a proud moment for our program, our faculty, and most importantly, our students," said Davida Smith, Dean of CNA’s School of Academics, Applied Arts and Tourism. "The work that has gone into building and sustaining a program of this quality reflects a genuine commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to welcome the world. To have that work recognized at a national level is something our entire team can be very proud of."
Tourism and hospitality is a major driver of Newfoundland and Labrador's economy, and the demand for well-prepared professionals in the sector continues to grow.
“Graduates of our programs benefit from a wide range of career opportunities across all industries of the tourism sector here in Newfoundland and Labrador, with many student success stories currently shaping the local workforce,” said instructor Kate Furey.
Fellow instructor Susan Daw explained the tourism sector is comprised of five related industries: accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services – and they continue to provide strong employment opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“With ongoing workforce demand and pathways for growth, the opportunities in tourism are truly endless, making it an exciting, dynamic field in which to build a rewarding career,” Daw said. “For employers, accreditation signals job-ready graduates, giving students a clear advantage in securing employment and advancing across the tourism sector.”
CNA's Tourism and Hospitality Management program equips students with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and hands-on experience they need to build careers across a wide range of roles in the field, from operations and guest services to management and event coordination.
It’s a career path students are excited to pursue.
“One thing I really liked about the program was how hands-on it was,” said second year student Juliet Anyanwu. “I learned so much, not just from textbooks but through practical activities and real-life examples that made everything easier to understand.
Daniel Hunt, also in his second year, added, “I got to learn so much about destinations, cultures and customs, the sectors of tourism & hospitality, and the importance of sustainability.”
For more information about CNA’s tourism and hospitality programs, visit
College of the North Atlantic - School of Academics Applied Arts & Tourism. Applications are currently being accepted for September 2026.
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Media Contact
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
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E:
ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca