Tourism and travel industry is the world’s largest employer and generates revenue of billions of dollars annually. No matter which area you choose from among accommodation and logistics, selling cruises, tariff and ticketing, eco-tourism, culture and heritage tourism for your career, you will have numerous opportunities in each of them. And your chances of landing into a high paying job increase further if you have undergone a specialized educational program and have in-depth understanding of customer sales and services, passport and visa requirements, culture and heritage tourism and travel security.

Currently, the tourism and travel industry is undergoing a radical shift. Many travellers today are visiting exotic destinations that offer fun, adventure as well as educational opportunities. Besides, there is a set of travellers who wish to explore culture and heritage across the world and require expert advice from well-trained and knowledgeable tourism professionals. This is opening the doors to a lifetime of opportunities for those who are interested in building careers in this sector.

Entering Tourism Industry

Post-secondary tourism and travel courses can lead you to the right career path, if you’re a high school graduate who is looking to build a career in this industry. You can opt for a certification, diploma or a degree program, depending upon your preferences. However, if you wish to quickly enter the industry, you may opt for one-year courses.

These programs are short but comprehensive and prepare you for employment in retail and wholesale travel companies. You will be able to find jobs with retail travel agencies, tour operations, tourist offices, internet booking agencies, airlines and cruise lines.

Apart from this, you will also be able to apply your skills learned in-class in real world through industry field placement. However, this completely depends on your college. Most colleges do not provide field placements for one-year courses. Centennial College’s travel and tourism programs reflect high standards of learning and incorporate a practical training, regardless of the course duration. The college integrates three-days-a-week field placement in a one-year tourism program, which prepares you to seek direct employment upon graduation.

Additional Benefits

Centennial College’s one-year tourism program offers you numerous additional benefits.

  • It offers an option for international field trip, providing you with practical exposure to all aspects of travel.
  • You can also avail volunteer opportunities at major events in and around Toronto.
  • You also receive Apollo and Sabre computerized airline reservation system training.
  • You also receive cruise line training from the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).
  • The program is endorsed by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC) and is accredited by UNWTO TedQual.
  • The program includes CITC student membership.
  • The two-year diploma in travel and tourism is delivered in just one year.


Apart from this, you have the freedom to choose your path upon graduation. You can either pursue your career or enroll in a travel and tourism degree program, depending upon your interests and career goals. Or you may choose to study further after accumulating substantial experience of working in tourism industry.