Program Information

The Tourism & Hospitality programs are looking for “people-oriented” individuals with a desire to work in a fast-paced environment. Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry and a dynamic part of our economy as Canada’s 5^th largest employer with 1 of every 10 people in Canada working in the tourism industry. There are 1.7 million people employed in tourism-related occupations in Canada and that number is projected to hit 2.12 million by 2025.  It is estimated that by 2030, labour shortages in the Canadian Tourism sector will expand to 228,500 jobs (Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council 2012). There are over 400 different tourism career opportunities, and an increasing demand for management level personnel.
Choose a career today in the diverse and dynamic tourism industry!
 
Flexible schedules and shift work are integral parts of this occupation. Students should be prepared for this and other physical demands within the program and industry.  Students with food allergies and sensitivities to environmental conditions, please be aware that frequent exposure to substances may affect these sensitivities.           


TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT - DIPLOMA
Prepare for management and leadership roles in the major industries of tourism: accommodations, food & beverage, recreation & entertainment, transportation and travel services with a Tourism & Hospitality Management diploma awarded to students who successfully complete the two-year program. The first year of the Tourism & Hospitality Management diploma is a common year with the Tourism & Hospitality Services certificate.  In the second year of the program, students are further prepared for careers that may quickly lead to supervisory and management roles in the major industries of tourism. 
 
The emphasis is on acquiring the necessary supervisory and management skills required in the global tourism industry. The program prepares students through practical, theoretical and experiential learning, field trips and two six-week field placements with the skills, competencies, and attitudes necessary to meet the growing demand for qualified individuals to manage growing and increasingly sophisticated tourism operations. Students develop excellent teamwork, decision-making, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills throughout the program.  They are also exposed to human resources, marketing, law, events, facilities, and food and beverage management methodologies and current industry trends.
 
The curriculum is designed to meet the standards established by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and the provincial tourism industry. Graduates of this program pursue careers with a wide variety of tourism organizations, agencies or associations dedicated to tourism such as government and non-government agencies, community and tourism development associations, resorts, cruise ships, restaurants, and hotels, while working as a destination developer, tour guide, event planner, restaurant or bar manager, manager of a hotel or international resort, or employee for an airline or cruise ship.  Graduates may also decide to take the entrepreneurial route and start their own businesses.
 
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Summarize the role and social, cultural and economic importance that tourism has in society.
2. Discuss the tourism industry sectors and interpret their interdependence.
3. Explain the various components of the tourism industry and how these components work together.
4. Communicate effectively and with confidence with peers, staff and customers in person, on the telephone, and via email or social media.
5. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and customer service skills in a professional manner.
6. Demonstrate management skills in leadership, team building and problem solving.
7. Contribute to the effective daily operations of a tourism business as a talented team member.
8. Perform all duties for front-line positions to prepare for possible management roles in tourism businesses.
9. Develop strategies to establish working relationships with clients and suppliers in order to maintain and strengthen their loyalty to the business.
10. Apply accounting and financial knowledge and skills, including cost control techniques, to the operation of a tourism business.
11. Apply operation and management principles to a tourism business.
12. Create memorable authentic tourism experiences to engage customers.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
The growth of the tourism sector globally offers exciting employment opportunities throughout the world, and graduates will be well qualified to seek opportunities provincially, nationally and internationally. Graduates of this diploma program should have medium-term career goals that include junior supervisory and supervisory positions, and long-term goals such as departmental or facility management. Employment opportunities exist as tourism and hospitality professionals in front-line or managerial positions with corporations, non-profit tourism organizations, tourism associations, hotels, resorts, attractions, and private businesses.

CERTIFICATIONS
Students in the Tourism & Hospitality Management Diploma program are required to complete nine certifications during their two-year program. These certifications are included in TR1120 – Professional Certifications I & TR1130 – Professional Certifications II.
 
Note:  Students should be aware that additional fees apply for the certifications, field trips and tours.  Additional expenses will be incurred for the purchase of items of clothing which are required for the program.
 

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY SERVICES – CERTIFICATE
The Tourism & Hospitality Services program focuses on tourism knowledge and skills with an emphasis on the core skills and characteristics of the accommodations, and food and beverage industries. The food and beverage services industry is the largest employer, accounting for 54% of all jobs in tourism industries. Students are required to complete semesters 1, 2 and 3 which includes a six-week field placement that will provide valuable work experience and additional knowledge of what is required to successfully compete in this sector. Graduates with the Tourism & Hospitality Services certificate can expect to obtain staff positions with hotels as front desk agents, in housekeeping, and as servers and bartenders in food service operations or in tourism businesses or organizations. 
 
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the certificate program, graduates will be able to:

1. Explain the role and social, cultural and economic importance that tourism has in society.
2. Identify the tourism industry sectors and explain their interdependence.
3. Explain the various components of the tourism industry and how these components work together.
4. Communicate effectively and with confidence with peers, supervisors and customers in person, on the telephone, and via email or social media.
5. Demonstrate entry-level skills in front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage.
6. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and customer service skills in a professional manner.
7. Contribute to the effective daily operations of a tourism and hospitality organization or business as a skilled team member.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
The growth of the tourism sector globally offers exciting employment opportunities throughout the world, and graduates will be well qualified to seek opportunities within tourism and hospitality services provincially, nationally and internationally.  Graduates of this certificate program should have career goals for entry-level employment and will be able to seek employment with hotels and other tourism establishments in positions such as front desk agents, in housekeeping, and as servers and bartenders in food service operations.

CERTIFICATIONS
Students in the Tourism & Hospitality Services certificate program are required to complete five certifications during their one-year program. These certifications are included in TR1120 – Professional Certifications I.
 
Note:  Students should be aware that additional fees apply for the certifications, field trips and tours.  Additional expenses will be incurred for the purchase of items of clothing which are required for the program.

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 nine 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 of age or older, and have been 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.