Tourism is a booming industry that has become an integral part of the global economy. According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, and this number is expected to rise in the future.
With the growth of tourism comes the need for professionals who can manage and promote it effectively. This is where tourism management comes in as a major field of study.
What is Tourism Management?
Tourism management is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on managing and promoting tourism as an industry. It covers various aspects such as hospitality, travel, marketing, events, and destination management. Students who pursue a degree in tourism management gain knowledge and skills that prepare them for various roles in the tourism industry.
Why Choose Tourism Management as a Major?
Tourism management can be an excellent choice of major for several reasons:
Career Opportunities: A degree in tourism management can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work in hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, event planning companies, and government organizations related to tourism.
Industry Growth: The tourism industry is growing rapidly worldwide. With this growth comes an increase in demand for professionals who can manage and promote it effectively.
Diverse Field: Tourism management is a multidisciplinary field that covers various aspects of the industry. This means that students can choose to specialize in areas such as hospitality, marketing, or event planning based on their interests.
Global Perspective: Tourism is a global industry that requires professionals with a global perspective. Studying tourism management provides students with opportunities to learn about different cultures and destinations worldwide.
The Curriculum of Tourism Management Programs
The curriculum of tourism management programs varies depending on the institution offering it. However, most programs cover core topics such as:
- Hospitality Management
- Travel and Tourism
- Marketing and Sales
- Destination Management
- Event Planning and Management
- Sustainability in Tourism
Some programs may also offer elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of the tourism industry.
Career Paths for Tourism Management Graduates
Tourism management graduates can pursue various career paths such as:
Hotel and Resort Management:
Graduates can work in hotels or resorts as managers, supervisors, or executives. They may be responsible for managing operations, staff, and customer service.
Airline and Cruise Line Management:
Graduates can work in airlines or cruise lines as managers, supervisors, or executives.
Travel Agency Management:
Graduates can work in travel agencies as managers or executives. They may be responsible for managing operations, sales, and customer service.
Event Planning and Management:
Graduates can work in event planning companies as managers or planners. They may be responsible for planning and executing events such as weddings, conferences, or concerts.
Tourism Marketing:
Graduates can work in marketing agencies or tourism boards as marketers. They may be responsible for promoting destinations or tourism products to potential customers.
The Bottom Line
Tourism management is a good major choice for students who are interested in the tourism industry. It provides knowledge and skills that prepare graduates for various career paths within the industry.
With the growth of the tourism industry worldwide, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can manage it effectively. Pursuing a degree in tourism management can lead to a rewarding career with opportunities to travel and explore different parts of the world while working.