Tourism Management

Tourism management oversees operations and strategies in the tourism industry, including travel, accommodation, and attractions. It’s crucial for ensuring sustainable growth, enhancing tourist experiences, and contributing significantly to economic development. Effective management balances the needs of tourists, businesses, and local communities while focusing on environmental and cultural preservation.

Key Takeaways

  • Tourism Management Scope: Encompasses a range of roles in hospitality and travel, offering opportunities for interaction with diverse people and travel experiences.
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in tourism management is essential, providing knowledge in business, legal, economics, marketing, and finance specific to the tourism and hospitality sector.
  • Career Opportunities: With a tourism management degree, one can pursue varied roles such as hotel manager, event manager, tourism marketing manager, or travel agency manager.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Emphasizes the importance of sustainability in tourism, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and promoting local culture and economy.
  • Global Trends Impact: Discusses how global trends and events, like economic shifts or health crises, can significantly affect the tourism industry.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The tourism industry is rapidly growing, and jobs in tourism management are becoming highly sought after. Working in this sector will offer many interesting roles, such as meeting new people and the opportunity to travel. If you have a passion for all things travel-related and are a people person, this profession will be ideal for you.

What Is Tourism Management?

Tourism management refers to everything related to the hospitality and travel industries. It offers extensive training opportunities for travel, accommodations, and food management positions. Tourism management can also include working in associations or agencies directly involved with tourism services.

Video: Tourism Management Explained 

Which Degree Do You Need for Tourism Management?

A bachelor’s degree in tourism management is a precondition for acquiring in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge in administration and business management. The foundation course will also cover legal, economics, marketing, accounting, and finance and management principles in tourism, hotel, and hospitality.

Apart from the necessary qualifications, you must also set yourself apart from other candidates since tourism management is a fiercely competitive industry. Even if you don’t have the formal qualifications to work in this sector, you can still work up to the managerial position after gaining experience. You can also work in an entry-level job in the travel and tourism industry and study tourism management part-time to get qualified and earn a higher salary.

Key Skills Gained with a Tourism Management Degree

Tourism Management is a diverse field. Managers within the industry have to have an array of skills to deal with problems ranging from operational to conceptual. Below is a table, outlining some of the key skills within Tourism Management, with examples and implementations.

Tourism Management Skill Implementation Examples Key Industry Challenges Addressed
Destination Marketing Creating marketing campaigns, identifying target audiences, and analyzing market trends. Competition among destinations, seasonal fluctuations in demand, and shifting traveler preferences.
Sustainable Tourism Practices Implementing eco-friendly initiatives, promoting cultural preservation, and reducing carbon footprint. Environmental conservation, community engagement, sustainable tourism growth.
Event Planning Organizing festivals and events, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring guest satisfaction. Event safety and security, attendee satisfaction, economic impact.
Customer Service Resolving guest issues, anticipating guest needs, and handling inquiries and complaints. Positive reviews, repeat business, guest loyalty and retention, and reputation management.
Operational Management Managing day-to-day operations, ensuring cost-effective practices, and enhancing staff productivity. Operational efficiency, resource allocation, financial sustainability and profitability, personnel turnover, and performance management.
Personnel Problem Solving Resolving conflicts within the team and addressing staffing shortages. Employee morale and job satisfaction, workforce diversity, and cultural integration.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Tourism Management Degree?

As a qualified tourism manager, you can work in various jobs related to the tourist industry. Some of these are:

  • Front desk clerk/receptionist
  • Events manager
  • Hotel or resort manager
  • Housekeeper
  • Tour operator
  • Tourism marketing manager
  • Travel agency manager
  • Tourist Information Centre manager
  • Accountant or sales manager
  • Guest relations manager

What Does A Tourism Management Job Involve?

The duties associated with a tourism management job vary greatly from one business to another. In general, the main responsibilities are focused on:

  • Monitoring accounts and managing budgets
  • Overseeing the day-to-day functions of businesses
  • Managing staff
  • Interviewing and training new staff
  • Promoting tourism
  • Ensuring customer satisfaction
  • Maximizing business revenue
  • Taking part in financial planning
  • Dealing with customer complaints or queries
  • Marketing the business to attract tourists
  • Keeping up-to-date with emerging industry trends through attending seminars or doing online research
  • Seeking ways to improve the company’s tourism-related activities

Important Aspects for Guest Experience in Tourism Management

There are a number of components of tourism management that can be considered to be especially valuable to the guest experience. In the sections below, you can learn about some of these aspects of the role.

Service Excellence

One of the most essential components of tourism management is providing excellent customer service so that tourists have a positive and memorable experience. Customers need to receive pleasant and helpful service, which requires knowledge of the area to make informed recommendations.

It is also important to reduce friction as much as possible. This means using technology to reduce response times, improve check-in processes, and provide a level of personalization. When the level of service is high, tourists are more likely to return in the future, recommend a destination to others, and leave positive reviews online.

Tourism Management - Service Excellence

Transport Connectivity Management

Transport is another of the most vital tourist needs that must be catered for. Guests need to be able to get to the places they want to visit, and this means there is a clear connection between the quality of transport services, how easy transport is to access, and the overall level of satisfaction a tourist is likely to experience.

Good tourism management needs to include a transport connectivity management component. This could involve taking the time to understand the best options for guests looking to reach a particular destination, memorizing routes, monitoring and addressing guest feedback, or collaborating with transport providers to provide discounts.

Guest Safety & Security

Effective tourism management means you have to prioritize the safety and security of tourists. This applies not only to physical safety and security but also to digital safety and security. The provision of a safe and secure environment makes a destination more desirable and a tourism business more appealing.

This sense of safety and security can be provided through a number of means, ranging from physical security staff to consistently adhering to all safety and security regulations. Equipment and appliances should be inspected regularly, and you should invest in cyber security solutions to keep tourists’ personal and financial data safe.

Cultural Sensitivity

Tourism has great potential to deliver major benefits for local communities, but without appropriate tourism management, it can also lead to harm, especially if tourism managers do not demonstrate sufficient cultural sensitivity. This means respecting local people and their ways of life, including their traditions, beliefs, and culture.

To succeed with this, you need to make sure your services and offerings are not at odds with what local people want. Success also means behaving in sustainable and environmentally conscious ways so that natural resources are not depleted, and the local area does not suffer other forms of unintentional damage.

Benefits of Having a Tourism Management Degree

A tourism management degree can be obtained from many academic institutions worldwide and can be especially valuable for long-term career prospects. The degree will be recognized globally and help you highlight your relevant skills and knowledge, opening up many possible career paths.

Tourism management degrees from respected universities have high post-graduation employment rates, meaning graduates will often return to full-time employment quickly. A typical tourism management degree will also cover many topics, from business management and hotel operations to marketing, event management, and even data analysis.

Ultimately, this will stand you in good stead for any tourism-related career you choose. However, the degree can be especially beneficial if you want to work in management or another senior position within a tourism company. Many companies will advertise these roles by specifying the need for a relevant degree.

On top of all this, a tourism management degree will teach various skills that can also be relevant for your entire professional career, regardless of which direction that eventually goes in. Your degree will likely help you build your communication, time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and much more.

Tourism Industry: An Overview of All Sectors

The importance of tourism for every country in the world arises from the various benefits it offers to the host country. After all, tourism contributes to the country’s economic growth and development by bringing valuable benefits to the locals and businesses. According to the Market Size of the Tourism Sector Worldwide research report by Statista, the revenue of the tourism sector in 2023 was $2.29 trillion. It also helps create an attractive image of the country’s identity and value. There is no denying that the tourism industry goes far beyond attractive destinations and economic growth. ‘Tourism Industry; Everything You Need to Know About Tourism’ is an article that focuses on the benefits of the tourism industry and the sectors within it.

Tourism Management - Tourism Industry

Tourism Trends: Opportunities for The Tourism Industry

As tourism continues to evolve rapidly, modern business travelers rely more on technology to stay connected on their trips. For the business to remain relevant in this ever-changing sector, staying on top of the latest trends is important. From online booking portals to social media sites that engage with guests, the travel and tourism industry can use endless resources to their benefit to keep up with these trends. In the article ‘Tourism Trends: Opportunities for The Tourism Industry’, you will get important insight into the latest tourism trends that can help your business.

Tourism Marketing

A powerful marketing strategy is crucial in any industry, and tourism is no different. With new tourism-related businesses being launched everywhere, more companies are now becoming involved in the tourism industry than ever before. Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries that help boost economies. As more destinations are attracting travelers, it’s no wonder that the industry has become so competitive. This is precisely why ensuring that your tourism marketing strategy is in tip-top condition is important. The article ‘Tourism Marketing,’ explains the upcoming marketing trends that define the tourism industry.

Video: What is Tourism Marketing?

Tourism Management and Technology

Technology has changed how people travel, and the new developments promise an even more exciting experience. There is no doubt about the importance of technology and its role in the tourism sector. Today, technology has vastly influenced tourism and continues to do so for the future. From the destination you choose to travel to all the way to your accommodation needs, thanks to the convenience of the Internet, it’s possible to book your entire trip from the comfort of your home. ‘Key Technology Trends Emerging in the Travel Industry’ is an article that reveals the importance of emerging tech trends in the tourism industry.

Pablo Torres

Pablo Torres, Director, TEDUKA & Hospitality Consultant, Torres Hospitality Consulting

“Rate shopper software and market intelligence tools are advancing all the time, with many of these solutions now able to go much further than simply displaying the room rates of your main rivals and providing an overview of the market. For instance, they may now compile other valuable information in one place, including upcoming events, weather information and the number of flights being booked to your location.

While the industry itself will always have a certain amount of unpredictability and volatility, these tools can make it much easier to anticipate future demand, understand present and future market conditions and learn about the current state of play for your competitors. As a result, planning, forecasting and revenue management all become easier.”

Click here to read more revenue management tips from our Hospitality Expert Panel.

The Purpose of Revenue Management in Tourism Management

Over the last few decades, revenue management has played a major role in the growth and development of the hospitality and tourism industry. Revenue management utilizes several inventories, such as pricing, marketing, and distribution systems, to increase profits. Having initially been developed to optimize pricing within the airline industry, the application of revenue management has expanded in hotels, cruise lines, airlines, railways, car rentals, and many other tourism sectors. You can find more information about revenue management in the article, ‘Revenue Management; clearly explained!’.

Generate More Bookings With These Travel Agencies

As part of tourism management, a huge part of running a successful travel company involves optimizing demand. The distribution channels you use can be critical. In particular, travel agencies can provide incremental bookings, as they provide convenience and self-service while helping to guide customers who may require advice.

In our article, “Generate More Bookings With These Travel Agencies”, you can find a breakdown of some of the best-known and most widely utilized travel agencies to focus your efforts on.

Tourism management - Quote Ray Bradbury

Tourism Jobs: Job Boards for Finding Tourism Management Positions

Job boards are one of the best channels for finding online tourism management positions because they are used by a diverse range of employers across all tourism industry sectors. Of course, different job boards will advertise different vacancies, so it is best to use several different platforms during your search.

The article “Tourism Jobs: The Best Tourism Industry Job Boards for Your Career”, will provide more information, including a list of many of the best job boards to use, organized according to the sector they target most heavily.

Websites for Finding Tourism Management Jobs

When attempting to move into the field of tourism management, it is sensible to have a list of the numerous websites and online channels to use. After all, not all employers will turn to the same websites to advertise tourism management jobs. You may miss out on excellent opportunities if you narrow your search.

Our article, “Tourism Management Jobs: List of Websites to Find Your Next Job”, lists some of the most important websites you can use to find the management position you have always wanted.

Tourism Management Job Description and Advice on Applying

Tourism management jobs are rewarding but challenging, so before moving into a role of this kind, you must first understand what the job involves and what qualifications and skills you will require. Additionally, it is important to know who employs tourism managers and where you can go to apply.

Read the article, “Tourism Manager Job Description + Tips to Boost Your Career”, and you will find a detailed job description, along with some useful tips that can help you land the job you have always wanted.

Tips to Find Tourism Careers

You will likely run into substantial competition at various points during your tourism career, but this can be especially true when applying for tourism management positions. For this reason, you must take steps to improve your application, perfect your interview technique, and manage your own professional network.

In the article “Tourism Careers: Tips to Find a Job in the Tourism Industry”, you will come across nine individual tips that may be of assistance when applying for jobs within the tourism industry.

An Overview of Tourism Course Options

Tourism management positions are senior roles within the industry, so education and experience are both important. One of the ways you can equip yourself with the necessary skills and expertise is to take a tourism course, especially if it places an emphasis on managerial concepts and strategies.

To learn more about tourism course options, including those focused on management and how they can boost your career prospects, read our “Tourism Course: A Complete Overview of Courses & Tourism Educators” article.

Video: Travel and Tourism Management: Student Life

Find Trends and Tools With Google Travel Insights

A major part of tourism management involves using data to identify and respond to those trends appropriately. With this in mind, the Google Travel Insights platform can be invaluable, as it provides access to information about hotel and flight searches, demand for specific destinations, and much more.

Take a look at “Google Travel Insights: Tools & Data Trends for The Travel Industry” for more details on the platform, its three main components, and its various uses for those involved with tourism management.

A Guide to Sustainable Tourism

Those involved in tourism management need to understand the concept of sustainable tourism. Essentially, this refers to tourism where a conscious effort is made to lower the impact on local people, wildlife, land, and the environment to make tourism a more viable and less damaging long-term prospect. According to the Tourism Outlook Report by Economist Intelligence, tourism accounts for between 5% and 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so it is essential to include sustainable practices within the industry.

To explore sustainable tourism further, understand how it works, and read about some of the most significant real-world examples, check out “Sustainable Tourism Guide: What is, Why Important, Examples and More…”.

Tour Agencies That Help Hotels to Grow Their Revenue

Are you considering a partnership with a tour agency but unsure where to start?

In “Tour Agencies That Help Hotels To Grow Their Revenue“, you’ll discover everything you need to know about tour agencies and what they can bring to your hotel business. You’ll learn about the many different types of tour agencies and the kinds of markets they can connect you with. You’ll learn about partnerships’ possible benefits and drawbacks and what alternatives exist. You’ll also discover the most significant companies you might consider working with and why they might be a good fit for your hotel business.

Tourism Management FAQs

The functions of tourism management include planning and organizing tourism activities, developing tourism policies, marketing and promoting destinations, managing customer relations, ensuring sustainable practices, and coordinating between various service providers to enhance the tourist experience.

Tourism management focuses on the broader aspect of travel and tourism, including destination marketing and visitor management, while hospitality management is more concerned with operational aspects of hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, and event planning.

Studying hospitality and tourism management provides knowledge and skills in business, customer service, and cultural awareness, preparing individuals for diverse careers in the global tourism industry, promoting professional growth, and understanding of the sector’s impact on economies and societies.

From tourism, one can learn about different cultures, histories, and geographies, develop interpersonal and communication skills, understand global economic and environmental impacts, and gain insights into the operations and management of the travel industry.

Yes, tourism management is a profession that encompasses a range of roles and responsibilities aimed at enhancing the tourist experience, promoting destinations, and contributing to the development and sustainability of the tourism industry. It requires specific knowledge, skills, and training.

Traveling to different destinations for business or pleasure is a growing field that offers many opportunities for those seeking to work in tourism management. As a tourism manager, you can meet people worldwide and even travel to other countries.

Want to Learn More About Management in Related Industries?

All hospitality, travel, and tourism-related industries have commonalities. However, specific, unique factors influence management in each industry. You can learn more about management within related industries in the following articles.

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This article is written by:

Martijn Barten
Hi, I am Martijn Barten, founder of Revfine.com. I am specialized in optimizing revenue by combining revenue management with marketing strategies. I have over 15 years of experience developing, implementing, and managing revenue management and marketing strategies and processes for individual properties and multi-properties.