If you are adventurous and like exploring different destinations, then a career in Tourism would be best suited to you. Read this article to learn about several interesting Travel and Tourism programs being offered in the U.S.
What Is Tourism?
Traveling for business, leisure, or recreational purposes is called Tourism. Individuals working in this field can find themselves working for travel agencies, heritage sites, zoos, theme parks, and museums.
What Can You Do with a Travel and Tourism Degree?
After completing a Travel and Tourism program, individuals can start working as Airline Personnel, Holiday Representatives, Travel Agency Managers, Tourism Officers, Tour Managers, Hotel and Lodging Managers, International Travel Counselors, and Tourist Information Center Managers.
Now, let’s look at the employment data for some of the roles mentioned above. The wage figures mentioned below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Lodging Managers
These individuals are responsible for coordinating front office activities of motels or hotels, monitoring staff performance, inspecting guest rooms for appearance and cleanliness, and answering questions from guests about the establishment’s services and policies. They ensure that traveling guests have a good experience and a comfortable stay at the hotel or guesthouse.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $54,430 | 1% | $63,570 | California | 4,290 |
| District of Columbia | $116,600 |
Travel Agents
These professionals sell entertainment activities, lodging, and transportation to groups and individuals planning trips. They cater to both vacation and business customers. Travel agents are responsible for booking reservations for rental cars, hotels, and travels. Moreover, they also help travelers arrange the required documents, such as visas and passports.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $40,660 | -6% | $44,690 | Florida | 9,490 |
| Washington | $55,420 |
Tour and Travel Guides
These professionals organize and plan sightseeing or long distance tours or expeditions. They may also escort groups or individuals through art galleries, public buildings, and industrial establishments.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has not published the career outlook data for Tour and Travel Guides. Therefore the table below does not mention job outlook figures.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | |
| $27,600 | $30,670 | California | 5,930 | |
| Washington | $40,720 |
What to Expect from a Travel and Tourism Program?
The Travel and Tourism Certificate program helps students gain a basic understanding of the latest travel-related technologies and software. The curriculum of the program incorporates a number of modules, some of which include Geography of Tourism Destinations, Hospitality Marketing, and Documentation in the Tourism Industry, Introduction to Airline Reservations Systems, and Current Issues and Trends in Hospitality.
The Travel and Tourism Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) program introduces students to a range of topics, such as Travel Industry Management, Hospitality Marketing and Sales, Travel Destinations, Recreational Services, Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality Financial Management, and Hospitality Management and Leadership.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Hospitality and Tourism prepares students to work with cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, event planners, and airlines. In order to graduate from this program, students have to study several modules, such as Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism, Geography of Tourism, Methods in Hospitality and Tourism Research, Hospitality Management, Food Tourism, Event and Convention Management, Tourism Development, and Tourism Policy and Planning.
How to Choose a Travel and Tourism Program?
Students are advised to consider a number of factors before enrolling in a Travel and Tourism program. They should check the tuition fees of the program, specialization options, the accreditation status of the degree, and the placement rates of the college/university.
Travel and Tourism Program Admission Requirements
The application criteria and deadlines vary from school to school; therefore you should visit the relevant webpages to learn about the admission requirements and cycles.
Generally, applicants are required to send their application for admission to the admin office, along with several documents. These include official school or college transcripts, personal statements, and reference letters. To find out about more about the additional requirements, you should visit the program/college websites.