Building Careers in Hospitality and Tourism Administration
15/04/2014 12:46
Travel and tourism is currently the largest and fastest growing industry in Canada. Employing over 1.6 million Canadians directly or indirectly, the industry is expected to create more jobs in the coming years. It is an exciting time to be a part of this evolving, fast-paced and dynamic industry.
Excellent career opportunities for hospitality and tourism professionals are available in the areas of sales and marketing management, hotel and restaurant general management, human resources management, hotel financial management, tourism management, tour coordination, food and beverage management, convention services coordination and housekeeping management. More unique career opportunities with multi-cultural perspectives also exist in tourism and hospitality industry.
However, in order to be a part of this ever-evolving industry and grab unique job opportunities, prospective professionals need to have undergone an unparalleled and well-rounded education and comprehensive training that position them employment-ready. Not only is strong theoretical foundation in Canadian tourism industry required, but they need to acquire a full range of business skills in industry operations, finance, human resources, marketing, hospitality, customer relationship management, tourism law and security, and facilities management.
Hospitality Administration Programs in Canada
Centennial College's three-year post-secondary hospitality and tourism administration program prepares students for careers in positions ranging from even coordinators to tour coordinators, catering managers, housekeeping managers, guest service executives and facility managers. The hospitality program incorporates a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on practice at college's full service hospitality management centre and an onsite conference centre and a fifteen-week, four-day-per-week, field placement in a real world setting.
The program, accredited by UNWTO TedQual, reflects high learning standards and is considered as one of the most prestigious programs in tourism and hospitality administration in Canada. Students graduating from this program can transit directly into the industry or study further to complete a university degree in hospitality and tourism.
The hospitality and tourism program is designed to help students gain an in-depth understanding of dimensions of tourism, hospitality and tourism marketing, food theory, bartending, kitchen and dining room practices, cultural and heritage tourism, meeting and convention management and issues in hospitality and tourism. Students are also prepared to handle
- Front office operations
- Wholesale tour operations
- Hotel sales and marketing
- Hospitality accounting
- Sales and marketing of tourism products
- Tourism report writing
- Issues in hospitality and tourism
- Organize and manage special events
- Sanitation, safety and hygiene requirements
The program graduates can find employment with hotels, resorts, tour operators, event management companies, and other organizations operating in this industry.
Application Submission
To apply for this program, students need to submit their secondary school diploma or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years old) and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. Those who do not fulfill English proficiency requirements must take the college's English Skills Assessment for admission.
Students currently in high school can also apply for this program. Their midterm and final term goals will be automatically transmitted to the college. The applications can be submitted online, through mail or in person along with a non-refundable application fee.