College Diploma - Tourism and Hospitality Management

The Tourism & Hospitality programs are looking for “people-oriented” individuals with a desire to work in a fast-paced environment. Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry and a dynamic part of our economy as one of Canada’s largest employers, accounting for 10% of all jobs. There are over 400 different tourism career opportunities, and an increasing demand for management level personnel.

Flexible schedules and shift work are integral parts of many jobs within this occupation. Students should be prepared for this and other physical demands within the program and industry.  Students with food allergies and sensitivities to environmental conditions, please be aware that frequent exposure to substances may affect these sensitivities.

Students will be prepared for management and leadership roles in the major industries of tourism: accommodations, food & beverage, recreation & entertainment, transportation and travel services with a Tourism & Hospitality Management diploma awarded to students who successfully complete the two-year program. The first year of the Tourism & Hospitality Management diploma is a common year with the Tourism & Hospitality Services certificate.  In the second year of the program, students are further prepared for careers that may quickly lead to supervisory and management roles in the major industries of tourism.

The emphasis of the Diploma program is acquiring the necessary supervisory and management skills required in the global tourism industry. The program provides students with practical, theoretical and experiential learning, field trips and two six-week field placements.  Students will attain the skills, competencies, and attitudes necessary to manage expanding and increasingly sophisticated tourism operations. Students develop excellent teamwork, decision-making, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills throughout the program.  They are also exposed to human resources, marketing, law, events, facilities, and food and beverage management methodologies and current industry trends.

The curriculum is designed to meet the standards established by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and the provincial tourism industry. Graduates of this program pursue careers with a wide variety of tourism organizations, agencies or associations dedicated to tourism such as government and non-government agencies, community and tourism development associations, resorts, cruise ships, restaurants, and hotels, while working as a destination developer, tour guide, event planner, restaurant or bar manager, manager of a hotel or international resort, or employee for an airline or cruise ship.  Graduates may also decide to take the entrepreneurial route and start their own businesses.