Tourism Management – Business Development (Co-op)

Program Overview

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The Tourism Management – Business Development (Co-op) program at Niagara College is a 2-year Diploma designed to equip students with the skills needed to manage tourism operations and develop innovative marketing initiatives. The program focuses on business development, attraction operations processes, sales practices, and conference operations. It is taught by industry experts and includes a co-op work term for practical experience.

Program Outline

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Tourism Management – Business Development (Co-op) Program at Niagara College

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Degree Overview:

This program is a 2-year Diploma designed to equip students with the skills needed to manage tourism operations and develop innovative marketing initiatives. The program focuses on business development, attraction operations processes, sales practices, and conference operations. It is taught by industry experts and includes a co-op work term for practical experience.

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Objectives:

• Develop business career in the fast-paced and thriving tourism industry.
• Manage tourism operations.
• Develop innovative marketing initiatives.
• Stand out from the crowd in the tourism industry.

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Highlights:

• Explore destination success factors through cultural experiences in culinary and beverage tourism course.
• Unique curriculum focused on business development, attraction operations processes, sales practices, and conference operations.
• Build supervision skills based on current industry practices, including equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Gain practical experience via a co-op work term, and benefit from additional service learning opportunities with wineries, cruise lines and tour companies.

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Outline:

The program is structured over 5 terms, including a co-op work term.

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Term 1 (2024 Fall):

• BUSN1100 - Business Student Success (1 credit): This course focuses on developing essential business skills for success in the program.
• CAPL1199 - Computer Applications (3 credits): This course introduces students to various computer applications relevant to the tourism industry.
• COMM1133 - Writing Strategies (3 credits): This course develops students' writing skills for effective communication in a business context.
• HOSP1120 - Hospitality and Tourism Marketing (3 credits): This course introduces students to the principles of marketing in the tourism and hospitality industry.
• MATH1107 - Mathematics (3 credits): This course covers essential mathematical concepts and skills relevant to business and tourism.

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Term 2 (2025 Winter):

• COMM1420 - Business Communications - Workplace Writing (3 credits): This course focuses on developing effective written communication skills for the workplace.
• EVMT1325 - Event Management (3 credits): This course covers the planning, organization, and execution of events in the tourism industry.
• HOTL1519 - Accommodation Operations Management (3 credits): This course explores the management of accommodation facilities, including operations, guest services, and revenue management.
• TOUR1200 - Destinations (3 credits): This course examines the factors that contribute to the success of tourism destinations.
• TOUR1322 - Tourism Sales (3 credits): This course focuses on sales techniques and strategies specific to the tourism industry.
• TOUR1360 - Culinary and Beverage Tourism (3 credits): This course explores the role of food and beverage in tourism, including wine tourism, culinary experiences, and beverage trends.

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Term 3 (Co-op) (2025 Spring):

• COOP1332 - Co-op Work Term (0 credits): This term provides students with practical work experience in a tourism-related organization.

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Term 4 (2025 Fall):

• HOSP1114 - Hospitality Supervision (3 credits): This course covers the principles of supervision in the hospitality industry, including leadership, motivation, and team management.
• TOUR1221 - Applied Tour Planning (3 credits): This course focuses on the practical aspects of tour planning, including itinerary development, logistics, and customer service.
• TOUR1405 - Destination Marketing (3 credits): This course explores the strategies and techniques used to market tourism destinations.
• SOCL1430 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada (3 credits): This course examines the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Canadian context.
• TOUR1150 - Niche Tourism (3 credits): This course explores specialized forms of tourism, such as adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism.

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Term 5 (2026 Winter):

• ACCT1311 - Hospitality Accounting I (3 credits): This course introduces students to the principles of accounting as applied to the hospitality industry.
• TOUR1344 - Tourism Technology (3 credits): This course explores the use of technology in the tourism industry, including online booking systems, social media marketing, and mobile applications.
• TOUR1350 - Attractions Management (3 credits): This course covers the management of tourism attractions, including operations, marketing, and visitor experience.
• TOUR1450 - Tourism Entrepreneurship (3 credits): This course explores the process of starting and running a tourism-related business.

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Learning Outcomes:

• Ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction while promoting tourism products, services and experiences in a professional manner, both individually and as part of a team.
• Market, promote and sell tourism products, services and experiences and assist in the development of a marketing plan.
• Apply a knowledge of the various industries of tourism and their interaction, in the promotion of sustainable tourism.
• Perform effectively, both as an individual and as a member of a team, in the daily operations of a tourism organization.
• Apply tourism knowledge to customers’ unique requirements in order to create an appropriate tourism product, service or experience itinerary.
• Comply with government legislation, regulations and policies when accurately preparing and issuing travel documentation to customers.
• Apply accounting and financial knowledge and skills to the operation of a tourism organization.
• Develop ongoing personal and professional development strategies for the purpose of enhancing tourism sector knowledge and leadership skills.
• Apply the principles of risk management to the operation of a tourism organization.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments, case studies, and research projects.
• Presentations: Oral presentations on various tourism topics.
• Projects: Practical projects that allow students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
• Co-op Work Term: Evaluation of work performance during the co-op work term.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty members with industry expertise. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Interactive lectures to deliver key concepts and theories.
• Discussions: Class discussions to encourage critical thinking and engagement.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world case studies to apply theoretical knowledge.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals share their insights and experiences.
• Experiential Learning: Practical activities, simulations, and field trips to enhance learning.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Tourism Management – Business Development (Co-op) program are prepared for a variety of careers in the tourism industry, including:

• Customer service director
• Event and festival coordinator
• Front desk agent
• Group tour coordinator
• Heritage interpreter
• Hospitality sales representative
• Outdoor adventure guide
• Sales and marketing coordinator
• Winery tour and retail operator

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Other:

• Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements.
• Students need a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets specific requirements.
• Students are responsible for all costs associated with program requirements.
• Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits.
• The program offers scholarships and awards to help students fund their education.
• The program includes a co-op work term, which is paid.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop valuable skills for their future careers.