Tourism Management

Tourism Management students develop an in-depth knowledge of the industry and transferable skills that can be applied within a wide range of organisations.

Tourism Management students develop a unique combination of practical, critical and analytical skills including planning and business development and social and environmental analysis. They gain a strong understanding of local and global tourism management and its links to commerce, research and innovation which enables them to work in exciting and growing areas.

Roles and career pathways

Tourism Management graduates entering the tourism field have sometimes started out in the hospitality industry or at tourist attractions while studying. They can therefore progress quite quickly from shift leader or team leader into management roles, especially in the tourism sectors. These may include operations, tourism, social media, public relations, hotel, customer service or event manager roles. Graduates may also work as sales, logistics, communications, human resource/people management or market research professionals for tourism or travel organisations and in other industries where they can apply their transferable skills.

Postgraduate study in Tourism Management can lead to research or policy roles or teaching at tertiary level. Students may combine their Tourism Management studies with other commerce subjects such as Marketing, Management, Human Resources and Industrial Relations or other related areas such as Sociology, Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies.

Where Tourism Management graduates work

Tourism Management graduates' broad skill set allows them to work for national and international organisations across areas such as business, events, management, entertaining and marketing as well as more traditional tourism sectors. Past graduates have worked at organisations including:

Build relevant skills and experience

Relevant part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Experience in promotional activities such as hospitality or sales workers, sports or events assistants or tour guides can be particularly helpful. Programmes such as Wellington Plus, Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) and a Tourism Practicum at 300 level develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience. Government programmes may also offer relevant internship opportunities, as does the University's WFHSS internship course. The Business Consulting Club offers real-word opportunities to work on business problems with local employers during competition events.

Make career connections

Networking and making connections with individuals and groups while you study can help you learn more about career opportunities. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals offer various events and opportunities for students to meet other professionals. VicCom is a student led group that offers a range of business networking and social events for Commerce students. The University’s Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students can also help enhance your connections and employability while studying. After graduating, Young Tourist Export Council (YTEC) provides networking and mentoring opportunities for those under 36 years of age working in the tourism industry. There may be opportunities to connect with Tourism Management university alumni, at their regular events.