Tourism Management

Do you want to work in ecotourism, manage a hotel, restaurant or bar, or work with a provincial or regional tourism agency? No matter what part of the tourism industry interests you; this program provides a solid foundation of skills and experience that opens doors to a great career with unlimited potential worldwide.

Foundation knowledge and skills are emphasized in the first year and you’ll get the chance to select from a range of courses that enable you to explore your tourism interests and career possibilities. Between your first and second year, you’ll put your skills into practice with job placements across the country and beyond, through our nationally accredited cooperative education (Co-op) course. In the second year, you’ll also have the opportunity to select courses that enable you to focus your efforts in a number of areas including - ecotourism, hotel management, restaurant and bar management, events planning, festival organization, starting your own business or select courses to maintain a broad overview of this exciting industry.

You will also be able to select from a series of related courses that provide a broader understanding of the diverse career opportunities within the industry. These courses may include International Tourism, where you’ll experience an international destination first-hand; New Ventures, where you’ll gain insight into starting a business; and Community Development, where you’ll work with local partners to grow tourism products in your area. Throughout the program, your faculty advisors offer guidance on the courses that best prepare you for your career goals.

• We offer real-world experience with a personal touch.


• Our classrooms are set up to simulate Tourism working environments.


• Your campus has an active restaurant that serves the community and participates in tourism activities and events.


• Students engage in project learning, event management, ecotourism excursions and many other hands-on experiences.


• You’ll benefit from our expert faculty who bring years of industry experience to the classroom and strong connections to the tourism industry. Class sizes are kept small so you get lots of one-on-one time with the faculty.


• NSCC – University Articulation & Transfer Agreements – This program provides up to two years of advanced standing for graduates who want to continue their studies to complete a degree at universities including: Mount Saint Vincent University, Cape Breton University, University of New Brunswick – Saint John, University of Calgary, Ryerson University and others.

The tourism industry is global and a tourism diploma prepares you to work anywhere in the world. With an employment rate of over 92%, NSCC grads are working in Nova Scotia, across Canada and internationally. Tourism Management prepares students for front line positions that quickly lead to management roles in all tourism sectors: ecotourism, accommodations, food and beverage, tourism services, transportation and recreation and entertainment. In the next decade, Nova Scotia will need thousands of new and highly-skilled employees across all tourism sectors. The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council estimates that there are over 1.6 million employees in tourism in over 400 occupations. In 2006, tourism spending in Canada reached $66.9 billion and provided employment for 10.1% of the Canadian labour force (CTHRC, 2006). Your co-op placement provides an opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ and you may complete your paid work-term with an employer locally or even around the world.

Graduates of our tourism program successfully pursue careers in a variety of occupations and settings, including community and tourism development, resorts, cruise ships, restaurants, hotels, public or private food service operations, as well as nature tourism operations. They are working right here at home and around the world.

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

• Tourism Management program includes a mandatory Co-op credit course. Co-op provides an opportunity for paid employment between the first and second year of your program. Employers, as co-educators, provide learning opportunities beyond the scope of the classroom giving you a well-rounded education enriched by practical application.

• Alternate Locations – In September 2011 this program will also be offered at Burridge Campus instead of Lunenburg Campus.


• You have many opportunities to network with tourism industry partners both on and off campus. Students participate in a variety of events and meet potential employers who visit campuses as guest speakers. There is also an opportunity for involvement in the annual TIANS conference.


• Shift-work is an integral part of this occupation. You should be prepared for this and other physical demands. Also, if you have food allergies and sensitivities to environmental conditions, be aware that you will be exposed frequently to substances that may affect these sensitivities.


• Seminars and Certifications – You’re required to complete industry seminars and certifications including: WHMIS, SuperHost Atlantic, Responsible Beverage Service, Certified Food Handler (Level I), and Emergency First Aid and CPR (level C) (or Wilderness & Remote First Aid). Additional certifications that are specific to your chosen focus may also be required. There will be additional fees associated with most seminars/certifications.


• If you’ve completed Tourism 11 or 12 with a grade average of 75%, you are eligible for a Transfer Credit.