Why Study Tourism?
Tourism has become a major recreation pursuit, and commercial industry worldwide. It is so significant today that some regions (even some countries) economies, are more heavily dependent upon tourism than anything else.
The tourism industry encompasses the provision of all those services used by people when travelling away from home. The reason for travel is most obviously "a holiday"; but may also be "business".
The tourism industry provides goods and services that are primarily for consumption by tourists, for example: transport services, accommodation, travel agencies, package tours, reservation systems, and tourist attractions such as theme parks, guided tours, and retail outlets.
Tourism is a diverse industry that often encompasses the skills and resources of other industries. Industries that may start out as primary or secondary producers can very easily become (at least in part) a tourist facility. For example:
- Farms might offer bed and breakfast facilities to supplement their income
- Local Government may develop parks to service locals, but also as a tourist attraction
- Factories conduct factory tours
- Shops that originally catered to local trade add new products to their shelves to cater for tourists
- Local craftspeople can cooperate to attract tourists to their workshops, galleries etc.
Whilst some businesses only cater for tourists (e.g. cruise ships and guided tours) others, such as restaurants and car rental firms, might be predominantly a tourism product in one locality but attract a different clientele (e.g. local and businesspeople) in another locality.
The tourism industry provides a wide range of services: some essential, others optional. Accommodation, transport, food and toilet facilities are essential services. Sightseeing might not be essential, but without appropriate points of interest, the tourism value of a destination is certainly diminished.
Different people travel for different reasons and, dependent upon the reason for travel, the facilities required will also be varied. Through an understanding of the diversity that can occur within the travel product, you become better equipped to select, develop and provide a more diverse variety of services to accommodate the traveller.
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
This course is suitable for anyone who wants to work in the tourism industry.
You might be an industry professional who wants to expand their knowledge of the tourism industry. Or a complete beginner who wants to get a foot in the door working to start a new career.
What do our students think?
" I have never found the staff at any other learning institution as supportive as the staff at ACS. This gives one a lot of peace of mind and confidence to go on - at every squeak from my side, you guys have always been there, immediately to sort me out. The feedback on my lessons has always been really good and meaningful and an important source of my learning. Thanks!"
- Student with ACS
What Will You Learn in This Course?
During the course, you will learn more about –
- Tourism generally
- The travel industry
- Transport
- Destination
- Legalities
- Accommodation
- And much more.
This course is suitable for professional/career development, CPD or personal interest.