What Is MPA in Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re interested in studying tourism, you may have come across the term MPA. But what does it mean?

MPA stands for Master of Professional Administration, which is a degree program that focuses on the business and management side of the tourism industry. While traditional tourism programs may cover topics such as hospitality, marketing, and tour operations, an MPA program takes a more comprehensive approach to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the industry.

What Does an MPA Program Cover?

An MPA program in tourism covers a wide range of topics related to business and management. Some of the core courses typically included in an MPA curriculum include:

Financial Management

This course focuses on the financial aspects of running a tourism business. Students learn about budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting.

Marketing Management

Marketing is a crucial aspect of any tourism business. In this course, students learn about developing marketing strategies and tactics to attract tourists.

Tourism Planning and Development

This course covers the process of planning and developing tourism destinations and attractions. Students learn about market research, feasibility studies, and stakeholder engagement.

Human Resource Management

Managing people is essential to any successful business. This course covers human resource policies and procedures as well as recruitment, training, and performance management.

Additionally, some programs may offer elective courses in specific areas such as sustainable tourism or event management.

Why Get an MPA in Tourism?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to pursue an MPA in Tourism degree:

  • Career advancement: An MPA can help individuals move up into leadership roles within their current organizations or qualify for higher-paying jobs.
  • Broad skill set: The comprehensive curriculum of an MPA program provides students with a wide range of business and management skills that can be applied to various roles and industries.
  • Networking opportunities: MPA programs often have a diverse student body and faculty, which can provide valuable networking opportunities for future career growth.

Where Can You Study for an MPA in Tourism?

Several universities around the world offer MPA programs in tourism. Some of the top-ranked programs include:

Cornell University, USA

University of Surrey, UK

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Monash University, Australia

In conclusion, an MPA in Tourism is a degree program that prepares graduates for leadership roles in the tourism industry. The comprehensive curriculum covers a range of topics related to business and management, making it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers or broaden their skill set.