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Travel and explore the relationship between tourism, recreation and resort management in conjunction with the natural environment and gain an understanding of the challenges facing tourism managers and operators. You will explore the relationship between tourism, recreation and resort management in conjunction with the natural resources they use while hearing directly from industry, stakeholder, and government speakers.
Courses in entrepreneurship, special events management and law provide a broader perspective of the industry, and an international field trip gives you a chance to see it all in action.
An Education that Meets Industry Needs
Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing industries offering a wide variety of career possibilities. It employs over 200,000 people in BC and, according to Statistics Canada, 354,000 job openings are predicted nationwide in the next 10 years. Over 65,000 of those openings are anticipated to be for supervisors and managers. So, whether you are just starting out, looking to advance your current situation, transferring yours skills from another industry or run your own businesses, NIC can put you on a path to a successful career.
We recognize that people are central to the success of every tourism business, and your interpersonal development while at NIC will be critical to your professional future. That’s why, throughout the program, employability skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and public speaking are strongly emphasized, giving you a marketable advantage in the workplace.
As a graduate of this two-year diploma, you will have the confidence and knowledge you need to launch your career in this global industry or continue into a degree program, here at NIC or at one of many hospitality, tourism, or business degree programs across Canada.
You’ll gain a strong foundation in key management functions such as accounting, marketing, human resource management, leadership and computer skills, have an opportunity to visit one of Canada’s top tourism destinations and receive a practical introduction to restaurant and hotel operations. You will be introduced to the major tourism sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, adventure tourism and recreation, events and conferences, transportation, attractions, tourism services and travel trade.
You will have an opportunity to specialize in hospitality, sustainable tourism, a combination of both or adventure guiding. If you choose hospitality or sustainable tourism options you can use your electives to take more
sustainable tourism and hospitality courses, to study a foreign language or prepare for transfer directly into the third year of a number of tourism, hospitality, or business degree programs across Canada.
To Be Successful
- You are encouraged to gain as much tourism industry experience as possible before the program starts, either through work experience or volunteering. The more service industry experience you bring to the program, the more relevant your learning will be.
- Serving it Right (TFB-011) should be completed before classes begin. Separate fees are required for registration in this course.
- You will be required to a use variety of Microsoft Office software immediately upon entering the program. Refreshing or developing your computer skills before entering the program is encouraged.
- It is strongly recommended you take ENG-160 in your first semester of studies. This course focuses on the theories and principles of effective business communication and provides foundational skills for the tourism and hospitality program.
- If you wish to apply your diploma toward a university degree, you should book a planning meeting with an educational advisor as early as possible.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate you will be qualified for employment in all areas of the tourism and hospitality industry, including luxury hotels, ski and golf resorts, restaurants, tourism services and the travel trade. Some graduates have chosen to operate their own tourism business, while many others choose to work in small or large tourism organizations on Vancouver Island, Whistler, Vancouver and elsewhere in Canada. The possibilities are endless.
Co-operative Education
A mandatory component of the program, co-operative education alternates paid, program-related work experiences with academic study. The practical experience gained on your supervised and structured work terms is an integral part of your education. The result is increased confidence, new employment contacts and practical work experience.
Co-op staff and program instructors work closely with you to determine how your work term can best fit your individual interests and career goals. You may find work locally, on Vancouver Island, provincially or internationally.
You must complete Co-operative Education Pre-Employment-Seminar (EMP 100 ) as a prerequisite to Co-operative Education Internship Work Term (THM 197 ).
Field Trips
In each year of the program you will participate in a required field trip as part of your studies. You will receive academic credit for these dynamic courses.
As a first year student, you will travel to major Canadian tourist destinations, such as Vancouver and Whistler, stay in a four or five-star property and experience its daily operation, guest accommodations and services. Lab fees over the cost of travel.
During year two, you will travel to an international tourist destination where you will experience tourism and/or hospitality operations first hand. Lab fees cover the cost of travelling to destinations such as Vegas, but in previous years students have chosen to participate in fundraising activities to increase field trip options, travelling to popular destinations such as New Orleans, Hawaii, Mexico and Cuba.
Study Abroad options
Tourism and hospitality students at NIC can travel the world and expand their education. Check out our Study Abroad page to learn more.
Transfer and Pathways
Read more about the Transfer and Pathways agreements to DisneyWorld and Robert Gordon University-Aberdeen Scotland.
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