Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. It currently has about 10% of the global GDP and is expanding with each passing day.
With this rate of growth comes a high demand for qualified tourism managers. Many people want to join the industry because of the life of glamour and travel associated with it.
So, is a degree in Tourism Management worth it? Yes, a degree in tourism management is worth it. If you want to work in the upper levels of the tourism industry, this degree will give you the edge needed to help you stand out from other applicants. And as there are opportunities for rapid growth in the industry with a degree in Tourism Management, you’ll likely see a fast return on your educational investment after graduating.
However, you shouldn’t rush to sign up for school. There are certain things you need to know about the industry and skills you need to learn. We have taken the liberty to explain some of the things you need to know. The questions we have answered are;
- What will you learn from a Tourism Management degree?
- What jobs can you get with a Tourism Management degree?
- What skills does a tourism manager need to have?
We have provided detailed answers to these questions in the rest of the post.
What Will You Learn With A Tourism Management Degree?
A Tourism Management degree is one of the most popular methods of joining the industry. A lot of employers prefer hiring a certified tourism manger because of the knowledge undergoing the course impacts. A degree in tourism management teaches you important management concepts, how the concepts apply to tourism and practical use of these concepts when making decisions.
Some of the courses that you should undertake in the course of your degree include:
- Business Decision-making for Tourism and Hospitality
- Entrepreneurship in Tourism
- Tourism and Hospitality Business Strategy
- Strategic Approach in Marketing Planning for Tourism and Hospitality
A tourism manager’s job requires a sound understanding of business and its driving forces. Most of the courses in a tourism management degree are business courses.
If you don’t like business courses, you might want to consider other jobs in the tourism industry that don’t require much business expertise:
- Flight Attendant
- Travel Security
- Event Planner
- Conference Host
- Travel Consultant
- Booking Agent
- Tourism Information Center Representative
These jobs do not require as much business expertise as a tourism manger’s role will.
However, if you love business and decide to study Tourism Management, there are certain skills you need to have in addition to your business knowledge to be a good tourism manager.
What Skills Does A Tourism Manager Need To Have?
Tourism management jobs are often come with the opportunity to travel and meet new people. However, it’s not all fun and games; there are several skills a good tourism manager needs to have to be effective at their job.
Communication
In tourism management, you have to deal with a lot of people. These include subordinates, clients, and visitors to your tourism site.
As such, you need to know how to communicate effectively with these people.
Communication is more than just talking or responding to requests. IT also involves effective listening and speaking skills. You would need to learn how to choose your words carefully when speaking, how to persuade your visitors, and how to listen to understand.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is a skill that is closely related to communication. As a tourism manager, you have to deal with unhappy clients, canceled bookings, conflicts, and a variety of other issues.
Diplomacy helps you to manage your emotions and those of others when you deal with these issues. This skill also enables you to keep your emotions in check and deploy them when necessary.
Handling Pressure
If you’re considering a career in this field, you need to be able to work well under pressure.
A tourism manager deals with a lot of issues – often simultaneously. A good tourism manager needs to know how to handle their duties and responsibilities without getting overwhelmed. And you must also know when to delegate duties you cannot control.
Problem-solving
Tourism managers need to know how to solve problems. If you can’t analyze a problem and come up with actionable solutions, you’re going to have trouble thriving in this industry.
You also need to know how to seek counsel in solving problems and understand how to move on when a situation is before your control.
What Jobs Can You Get With A Tourism Management Degree?
With a tourism management degree, you can get some of the top-paying jobs in the tourism industry. Good pay doesn’t come without significant duties and responsibilities, and a degree will show employers you can handle complicated tasks.
Here are some of the duties you would have to carry out if you choose any of these career opportunities.
Tour Manager
Tour managers are responsible for the hitch-free travel of their clients. They ensure that all travelers have a great time.
A tour manager needs to have a good understanding of the area they operate in, as they will sometimes need to double as a tour guide. Some of the duties they carry out include:
- Plan the tour and itinerary of the travelers
- Ensure the traveling documents are in order
- Help with check-in at provided accommodations
- Take care of any emergencies that come up during the tour
Travel Agency Manager
Travel agencies are outlets that sell travel products and knowledge to travelers. A travel agency manager has to promote and sell the items and expertise that the agency is known for.
Other duties a travel agency manager would carry out include the following:
- Financial records maintenance
- Sales of travel products and holiday packages
- Implementation of ideas that will foster business growth
- Efficient day to day running of the business
Hotel Manager
A hotel manager is responsible for running the day to day business of a hotel. They are accountable for both the hotel services and the financial management of the hotel. This job might require long working hours, as it requires juggling a lot of duties. Some of those duties include:
- Hiring, training, and overseeing the hotel staff
- Setting sales and profit goals
- Determining and executing marketing campaigns that will improve sales
- Preparing the schedules of the staff in their various departments
A degree in tourism management will also allow you to work at the following jobs:
- Events Manager
- Guest Relations Manager
- Tour Group Operator
- Tourism Marketing Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Tourist Information Center Manager
You can get employed in any of these roles with a degree in tourism management. However, before you go and obtain a degree in tourism management, ask yourself if you have the skills to work in the industry.
If you have considered all these requirements and still think that a career in the tourism industry is for you, then go for it.
