Tourism - Travel Studies TTS

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. High school courses in Tourism and Hospitality, Information and Communication Technology would be useful in preparation for this program.

Math and Science Good math skills recommended (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
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Well developed sales skills
• The ability to get along with all kinds of people
• 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 Tourism and Hospitality industry
• A keen interest in travel
• Interested in 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, Home-based travel agent.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Travel Agencies, Travel Call Centres, Wholesale Tour Companies, Travel Insurance companies.

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 consultant with clients and completing documentation
• 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

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

• Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
• Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO)
• 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.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

• NOC Code 6531 Tour and travel guides
• NOC Code 6313 Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors
• NOC Code 6521 Travel counsellors

The Working in Canada website is an excellent resource for labour market information (wages, jobs available). Go to the website, type in the NOC code from this program and your postal code to get detailed information.

Last Modified: January 23, 2024