Building a Career in Travel and Tourism
The tourism industry is booming, opening a world of career opportunities
for students who want to build a career in travel and tourism.
International travel alone accounted for 1.035 billion tourists in 2011,
according to the World Tourism Organization.
Tourism has been a traditional industry until a few years ago. It
emphasized on hands-on-experience and good communication skills.
Nowadays, it operates in a highly competitive business environment. The
professionals are required to possess in-depth knowledge about world
geography, destinations, tour operations and domestic and international
ticketing. Additionally, strong customer service, communication and
sales and marketing skills are a must.
Travel and tourism graduates can find employment with various industries including:
-Hotels and resorts
-Travel agencies
-Private tour operators
-Leisure and recreation
-Airlines and cruise companies
-Event planning
-Cultural tourism planners
Studying Travel and Tourism in Canada
Career in tourism is much more than helping clients with visa
requirements and making bookings. Most travellers require expert advice
while making tour arrangements. It’s crucial for students to develop
strong business and life skills along with in-depth knowledge of
destinations and internet bookings to build successful careers.
Choosing the right travel and tourism degree
program post secondary school is the first step in this direction. With
so many colleges and instituted offering both full time and vocational
tour and travel courses, it becomes quite difficult for students to
choose the best from among them.
For those planning to study in Canada can opt for tourism courses in
public colleges. They offer well-structured courses combining theory,
volunteer opportunities and field trips. You not only get to learn about
culture and heritage of different regions, but also become skilled at
ticketing, accommodation and ground transportation booking, passport and
visa requirements and travel security.
About Tour and Travel Programs in Canada
Students enrolling in tour and travel programs in Ontario, Canada post
secondary program receive a two year diploma in just one year. Students
receive training on Apollo and Sabre computerized airline reservation
system.
If you’re lucky enough to get admission in a good college, you’ll be
provided numerous volunteer opportunities at major events in and around
Toronto. You will also get to apply your skills learned in-class in
third and last semester of the program. Three-days-a-week field
placement prepares you for the world of work.
Choosing the Right Tour and Travel Program
An educational program is good only when it suits your career goals.
Make sure that the program you enroll in is accredited and suits your
requirements. Here are a few important points that you should ask
yourself before seeking admission in a tourism course:
A tour and travel course leads to many career paths. Does it meet your
specific career objectives? Will it help you in entering in the industry
of your choice?
Does this school have collaborations with tour and travel companies,
councils or international associations? If yes, you can be rest assured
to get a good industry exposure and volunteer opportunities.
What support does the college provide students for placements? After all
you’re enrolling in a course to build a rewarding career.
Is this school accredited regionally, nationally or internationally?
