Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. It’s no surprise that many students are considering pursuing tourism management as a career path.
But is tourism management a good course? In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of studying tourism management and help you determine if it’s the right course for you.
What is Tourism Management?
Tourism management is a field of study that focuses on the business aspects of the travel industry. This includes managing hotels, restaurants, resorts, tour companies, and other related businesses. Students who study tourism management learn about marketing, finance, human resources, customer service, and other essential skills needed to run a successful travel-related business.
Pros of Studying Tourism Management
- Job Opportunities: The tourism industry is one of the largest employers in the world. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the industry generated 319 million jobs globally in 2018 alone.
Studying tourism management can lead to a wide range of job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, theme parks and more.
- Diverse Career Paths: With a degree in tourism management, you can choose from different career paths such as hospitality management, tour operations, event planning or even start your own travel-related business.
- International Exposure: Travel and tourism are global industries that offer many opportunities to work overseas or with international clients. Studying tourism management can give you exposure to different cultures and help develop cross-cultural communication skills.
- Creative Opportunities: The tourism industry requires creativity and innovation to attract customers. Studying tourism management can help you develop your creative skills by coming up with unique marketing strategies or designing new travel packages.
Cons of Studying Tourism Management
- Seasonal Work: Many jobs in the tourism industry are seasonal, meaning that there is a higher demand for workers during peak seasons and fewer opportunities during off-seasons. This can lead to job instability for some workers.
- Highly Competitive: The tourism industry is highly competitive, and it can be challenging to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.
- Crisis-Prone: The tourism industry is susceptible to external factors such as natural disasters, political instability or pandemics.
These events can have a significant impact on the industry, leading to job losses or business closures.
- Long working hours: Many jobs in the tourism industry require long working hours, especially during peak seasons. This can lead to work-life balance issues.
Conclusion
Tourism management can be an excellent course for those interested in pursuing a career in the travel industry. It offers diverse career paths, international exposure and creative opportunities. However, it’s essential to consider the cons of studying tourism management such as seasonal work and high competition.
In conclusion, whether or not studying tourism management is a good course depends on your interests and career goals. If you are passionate about travel and hospitality and are willing to work hard to succeed in a highly competitive industry, then tourism management may be the right course for you.