Tourism Management

Overview

Pursue your passion for adventure and travel while meeting new people and gaining job-ready skills in a hands-on learning environment connected to industry.

Learn the processes and best practices involved in creating, developing and managing visitor experiences, strategies for providing culturally-relevant customer service and entrepreneurial business practices – from human resources and leadership to finances and strategic marketing.

In addition to a focus on the recreation, entertainment, event and travel sectors of the tourism industry, this program introduces you to the operational and management skills and concepts of accommodations and foodservice operations.

Co-operative education

• This program includes a mandatory co-operative education (co-op) credit course.
  • Co-op placements provide the opportunity for paid, full-time work in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in the third and fourth terms and must be a minimum of 600 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

• This program offers an elective that allows students to participate in an International Learning Expedition course during the spring term of the second year of study. Additional fees apply for participation in this elective.

Choose NSCC

• This program was developed with industry for industry, ensuring your skills are current and relevant.
• Our instructors have world-class experience and skills.
• You'll have many opportunities to network with tourism industry partners both on and off campus.
• Participate in local and/or provincial tourism activities and events, such as active exploration projects, event management opportunities, excursions, networking with industry partners, and many other progressive learning experiences.
• There is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the annual Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) conference.
• You experience hands-on learning and real-world business environments through our on-campus restaurant, labs, simulations, project-based learning, applied learning, service learning, collaborative learning and mentorship activities.
• You develop an awareness of the global economy, corporate social responsibility and green business practices. You also develop the skills and professionalism you need to work in a business world that focuses on people, organizations, strategy and leadership.
• You learn the latest practices and technologies that employers and business owners in Nova Scotia, across Canada and around the world are looking for in their future employees and partners.
• You learn in small classes, from experienced instructors.
• You graduate well-prepared with workplace-ready skills to provide a broad range of services to businesses of many sizes.
• Our programs and faculty maintain strong community and industry connections and use a proactive approach to prepare students for industry trends and demands.
• You get access to other exciting learning opportunities beyond your program such as international learning programs and entrepreneurship workshops.

Other info

• A strong work ethic and a professional approach are key elements to your success in this program and career.
• Punctuality and attention to cleanliness are absolute necessities.
• As this program mirrors working in industry, you should be prepared to work industry-type hours, including early mornings, late nights and some weekends.
• If you have food allergies, dietary requirements or sensitivities to environmental conditions, be aware that you'll frequently be exposed to substances that may affect these sensitivities.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• You're required to complete industry seminars and certifications, including Responsible Beverage Service, Basic Food Certification and Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C.
  • Additional certifications may be required depending on the electives you choose.
  • There may be additional fees associated with seminars or certifications related to your electives.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Tourism Management - Year 1
• Tourism Management - Year 2

Career options

• Whether you seek employment with tourism operators, community or government agencies, or are interested in creating your own business to showcase your passion for experiences in tourism, your range of career options is as varied as the industry itself. You can work in:
  • Outdoor adventure
  • Cultural and heritage tourism
  • The airline or cruise ship sector
  • Visitor services
  • Attractions
  • The craft beverage sector
• In the next decade, Nova Scotia will need thousands of new and highly skilled employees, across all tourism sectors. The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) estimates that by 2035, 240,000 jobs will be available in tourism (CTHRC 2015).

Future study options

• Graduates of the Tourism Hospitality program can apply for advanced standing to the second year of the Event Management Graduate Certificate program. This program prepares you to begin a career in the tourism industry with a focus on events such as:
  • Festivals
  • Weddings
  • Conferences, tradeshows and meetings
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree