Tourism - Travel TTC6

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Grade 12 English is required.  Speaking an additional language (preferably French) would be useful. High school courses in Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology would be useful preparation for this program.

Math Good math skills are needed (need grade 11 or grade 12 math course).

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• The ability to adapt to changing customer needs and the unexpected
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to get along with all kinds of people
• Well-developed sales skills
• Leadership and decision making skills
• Possess tact and courtesy
• Excellent organizational skills
• The ability to respond to unexpected situations calmly, quickly and effectively

Useful background experience for this program would be

• Participation in a youth exchange or multi-cultural club
• Part time work in the hospitality industry (restaurants, clubs, hotels, etc.)
• A keen interest in travel
• Interested in the customs of other cultures

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

• Travel Counsellor
• Tour Manager
• Reservation Agent
• Tourism Counsellor
• Specialist Agent
• Tour Wholesaler Sales Manager

Places you may find yourself employed include

Travel agencies; transportation companies; government tourism offices; wholesale tour companies; travel insurance companies; or hotel chains.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• May work in an office environment for travel agency or work from home for an online company
• Majority of day is spent consulting with clients and completing paperwork
• May work overtime during peak times or when travel plans change
• Long periods of sitting in front of a computer

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Travel Agent/Counsellor

• Describe and sell travel destinations, products and services to clients
• Access information about costs, routes and schedules from computerized reservation systems and the Internet
• Make reservations using telephone, fax, computerized systems and the Internet
• Issue required documentation such as electronic tickets, travel insurance policies and itineraries
• Notify customers about changes in travel plans and required documentation
• Calculate and prepare invoices, accept payment from customers and pay suppliers
• Make adjustments when routes or schedules change or other factors create the need to alter customer travel plans

Tour Manager

• Take the itinerary provided by the tour company and conduct research of the area to develop commentary for the route
• Research all stops along the tour to provide passengers with information about attractions
• Verify and confirm previously made transportation, meal and accommodation arrangements
• Co-ordinate activities with bus drivers, tour guides, hotel staff and other service personnel
• Resolve any problems that may arise
• Answer questions and provide relevant information
• Look after the special needs of people on the tour
• Complete and submit tour reports and other paperwork

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO)
• Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
• Cultural Human Resources Council
• Discover Tourism
• emerit (A government website listing national occupational standards for the tourism industry)
• Canadian Hospitality Association
• Jubilee Hospitality Association of Canada (JHA)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may apply for admission to the Concierge Services - Guest Relations Specialist graduate certificate program.
• Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at Royal Roads University, Ryerson University and the University of Lethbridge, and many other schools. More information.

Last Modified: January 23, 2024