Tourism is a vast and diverse industry that offers a wide range of career opportunities. If you’re considering a career in tourism, it’s important to know the different majors available to you. In this article, we’ll explore the major fields of study in tourism.
1. Hospitality Management
Hospitality management is one of the most popular majors in tourism. It involves the study of managing hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other hospitality-related businesses. Students in hospitality management programs learn about customer service, food and beverage management, hotel operations, marketing, and sales.
Examples of classes in Hospitality Management include:
- Food Service Operations Management
- Hotel Revenue Management
- Catering Sales and Services
- Hospitality Marketing Strategies
2. Event Management
Event management is another popular major within tourism. This field involves planning and executing events such as conferences, trade shows, weddings, festivals, and concerts. Students learn about event logistics, marketing and promotion strategies, budgeting and financial planning.
Examples of classes in Event Management include:
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Festival and Special Events Management
- Meeting Planning Techniques
- Sponsorship Sales Strategies for Events
3. Travel & Tourism Management
Travel & Tourism Management is a major that covers all aspects of travel including transportation planning, tour guiding operations and destination management. Students learn about business skills including marketing techniques for travel agencies or tour operators as well as customer service skills necessary for travel agents or tour guides.
Examples of classes in Travel & Tourism Management include:
- Global Travel and Tourism Geography
- Marketing for Travel and Tourism
- Travel Planning and Transportation Management
- Cultural Heritage and Tourism Management
4. Recreation & Leisure Studies
Recreation & Leisure Studies is another major in tourism that focuses on the planning, programming, delivering and evaluating of leisure activities. Students learn about parks, recreation, outdoor activities, therapeutic recreation, and cultural events.
Examples of classes in Recreation & Leisure Studies include:
- Parks and Recreation Administration
- Outdoor Leadership Skills Development
- Cultural Heritage Tourism Planning and Development
- Sport Facility Management
5. Sustainable Tourism Development
Sustainable tourism development is a relatively new major within tourism. This major explores how we can develop tourism while preserving the environment, culture and local communities within a region or area where the tourism activities take place. It covers topics such as eco-tourism, responsible tourism practices and sustainable development.
Examples of classes in Sustainable Tourism Development include:
- Eco-Tourism Planning and Development
- Sustainable Destination Management Strategies
- Tourism Policy Analysis
- Sustainability Indicators for Tourism
In conclusion, these are some of the majors available to students interested in pursuing a career in tourism. Each field offers unique opportunities to work in different sectors of the industry. By choosing a major that aligns with your interests, skills, and passions you can embark on an exciting journey towards building a successful career in tourism.