Tourism Management

Overview

Whether planning the ultimate vacation or leading a cultural tour, the wide range of career opportunities available in the tourism industry allow you to help others discover new destinations and create memorable experiences. A career in tourism presents a variety of exciting possibilities - work as a travel agent, tour guide event coordinator, or discover other opportunities that allow you to tap into your people, organizational and leadership skills. 

In this 2-year program, you:

• Learn the processes and best practices involved in creating, developing and managing visitor experiences with a focus on the recreation, entertainment, and event and travel sectors of the tourism industry.
• Explore operational and management skills and concepts, such as accommodations and foodservice operations, strategies for providing culturally-relevant customer service and entrepreneurial business practices like human resources, finances, strategic marketing and leadership.
• Develop an awareness of the global economy, corporate social responsibility and green business practices.
• Develop the skills and professionalism you need to work in an area that focuses on people, organizations, strategy and leadership.
• Participate in simulations, project-based learning, applied learning, service learning, collaborative learning and mentorship activities 

This program was developed with industry for industry, and there are many opportunities to network with tourism industry partners both on and off campus, including the chance to be involved in the annual Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) conference.

Co-operative education

• This program includes a mandatory co-operative education (co-op) credit course.
  • Co-op placements provide the opportunity for paid, full-time work in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in the third and fourth terms and must be a minimum of 600 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

• This program offers an elective that allows students to participate in an International Learning Expedition course during the spring term of the second year of study. Additional fees apply for participation in this elective.

Other info

• A strong work ethic and a professional approach are key elements to your success in this program and career.
• Punctuality and attention to cleanliness are absolute necessities.
• As this program mirrors working in industry, you should be prepared to work industry-type hours, including early mornings, late nights and some weekends.
• If you have food allergies, dietary requirements or sensitivities to environmental conditions, be aware that you'll frequently be exposed to substances that may affect these sensitivities.

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• You're required to complete industry seminars and certifications, including Responsible Beverage Service, Basic Food Certification and Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C.
  • Additional certifications may be required depending on the electives you choose.
  • There may be additional fees associated with seminars or certifications related to your electives.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Tourism Management - Year 1
• Tourism Management - Year 2

About the profession

• Working in the tourism industry requires excellent communication and customer service skills, as well as a deep understanding of different cultures and destinations. 
• Flexibility and adaptability are key, as the industry can be fast-paced and changing.
• Starting in entry-level positions, you can gain valuable experience and have the opportunity to move up to more specialized or managerial roles. 
• Work options often involve irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as the demand for travel services can vary.

Career options

• Whether you seek employment with tourism operators, community or government agencies, or are interested in creating your own business to showcase your passion for experiences in tourism, your range of career options is as varied as the industry itself. You can work in:
  • Outdoor adventure
  • Cultural and heritage tourism
  • The airline or cruise ship sector
  • Visitor services
  • Attractions
  • The craft beverage sector
• 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 (CTHRC) estimates that by 2035, 240,000 jobs will be available in tourism (CTHRC 2015).

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ACTG 1015 - Basic Accounting for Managers
This course introduces learners to the role that accounting plays in the managerial decision making process. Learners will have an opportunity to create financial statements and learn how business decisions are influenced from a financial perspective.

BSTM 2280 - International Tourism Destinations and Trends
In this course, students will research destinations and trends to better understand how these impact travel behaviour. Emphasis is placed on where countries are located, travel itinerary planning and factors that influence international tourism.

BSTM 2410 - Festival and Event Planning
In this course, students will evaluate the cultural, social and economic benefits that festivals and events have on a community or destination. Students will explore event logistics, budgeting, project management, procurement, risk management and volunteer coordination/management.

BSTM 4000 - Applied Tourism Development
This project-based capstone course allows learners to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge to develop a tourism business plan. Learners will focus on developing tourism products and/or experiences according to a destinations’ corporate strategy.

COMM 2220 - Applied Managerial Communications
This course focuses on the communication strategies necessary to manage internal and external communication systems within a tourism organization. Topics will include communication models, management communication styles and organizational approaches to successfully manage communication.

COMP 1050 - Business Computer Applications I
This course introduces the basics in current business computer applications – including email, collaboration tools, word processing, presentation software, and spreadsheets. By the end of this course, you will be able to manage files and business activities, schedule and facilitate meetings, create business documents and presentations, and create spreadsheets to industry standard.

ENTR 2000 - Foundations of Entrepreneurship
No matter the career path, entrepreneurial concepts and characteristics are essential to success. This course will introduce learners to foundational principles of entrepreneurship and the different context in which these principles can be applied. Topics include starting or seeking employment in a small business, recognizing different types of business structures, and identifying legal and financial considerations affecting small businesses. You will explore the value and benefits of being a business owner or an employee of an entrepreneur. This course will help you identify the expertise and resources that are needed to build your entrepreneurial spirit.

FINC 2300 - Finance for Tourism
This course is centred on the application of managerial accounting principles and techniques to enhance managerial functions. The student will examine the managerial decision making process and the interpretation of financial statements.

HRMT 1206 - Communications for Employment
In this course students will develop an individual professional portfolio according to NSCC standards and refine interview skills to support and align with their post-graduate career goals. This course is ideal for students preparing to enter the workforce or change careers.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.

TOUR 2001 - Sustainable Tourism Stewardship
This course explores how tourism can be a tool for sustainability when managed with environmental and social intent. Students will critically assess tourism practices through the lens of environmental stewardship, focusing on topics such as ecotourism, climate impact, biodiversity preservation, and ethical tourism practices behaviors. Throughout the course, students will develop the skills to evaluate tourism's environmental footprint and propose innovative strategies for responsible, regenerative tourism.

TOUR 2020 - Cultural Awareness and Diversity in Tourism
This course explores the importance of cultural awareness, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global tourism industry. Students will build intercultural competence by reflecting on their own identities, understanding others, and learning to provide inclusive, respectful service in diverse settings. With a focus on effective cross-cultural communication, the course uses case studies, guest speakers, and applied assignments to highlight how embracing diversity strengthens teamwork, visitor experiences, and innovation in tourism.

TOUR 2035 - Experiential Excursions
As a part of the Tourism Management Diploma learners will participate in a variety of experiential tourism excursions. In this course, learners will gain practical, “hands-on” experience with various Nova Scotia cultural, culinary, heritage and nature tourism operators and activities. NOTE: There may be an additional course fee for this course, to cover the cost of the activities chosen.

TRHS 1000 - Introduction to Tourism
The learner will explore regional as well as global issues and trends in tourism. This exploration will begin with an examination of the Nova Scotia tourism sector, how it operates and what roles the learner may wish to pursue for further study and employment. This course will also focus on the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impact of tourism and tourism development from a national and global perspective.

TRHS 1030 - Food and Beverage Service Foundations
In this course, learners will gain a basic understanding of the principles of food and beverage operations. Using an applied approach, learners will explore service styles, bartending skills and a variety of foodservice operations.

TRHS 1040 - Introduction to Tourism Marketing
In this course, learners will explore consumer behaviour, marketing research, branding and consumer travel trends, as well as unique aspects of the tourism industry. Learners will also be introduced to marketing strategies and opportunities in the context of social media.

TRHS 1200 - Accommodations
This course is designed to provide the learner with an understanding of roles, contributions and responsibilities of the various departments in the successful operation of a hotel, resort, or inn. Learners will practice systems, procedures and communication techniques that ensure professional guest service throughout the guest cycle.

TRHS 1220 - Creating Exceptional Tourism Experiences
This course introduces learners to tourism experience development. Learners will explore what distinguishes Nova Scotia from other travel destinations by examining what unique, entertaining and educational experiences Nova Scotia has to offer.

TRHS 1240 - Wine, Spirits and Beer Fundamentals
This course is an introduction to a variety of beverages and their production. Topics will include new trends in the beverage industry, wine producing regions of Nova Scotia and beyond, and food and beverage pairing.

TRHS 1250 - Leadership Essentials and Group Dynamics
In this course, you will explore the evolving role of leadership within the tourism and hospitality industries, with an emphasis on strategic and ethical management. You will develop an awareness of the characteristics needed to be a successful leader. Topics include leadership styles, inclusive team dynamics, conflict resolution, digital leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking.

TRHS 1260 - Nova Scotia Tourism
This course introduces the learner to Nova Scotia's environments, natural and cultural history, and their influences on provincial tourism. Using an applied learning approach, learners will also explore the principles of guiding and interpretation.

TRHS 2995 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. This is a course of 175 hours spread over five weeks.