The Tourism and Travel - Adventure and Ecotourism 2-year diploma program is a distinctive hybrid travel and tourism program where students directly explore the travel trade and the outdoor tourism industry. This program has been designed to meet the increasing need for educated tourism professionals in many facets of the global tourism industry as well as within Ontario. We have achieved the national standard (Level I Endorsement) set by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC), which is an organization that advances the professional development of travel counsellors and promotes national industry designations.
Students become proficient in using the 'Galileo Canada' Global Distribution System which contains airline schedules, fares and other pertinent information for the tourist travelling abroad. Emphasis is placed on the business side of tourism, travel industry technology, selling techniques, and the newest trends in tourism. An important component of the program is learning about different cultures and destinations around the world. The students will be required to obtain Industry Certifications, choosing from a variety of outdoor pursuit programs, CITC destination specialist certifications, or online flight attendant training with the Inflight Institute.
A key component of the program is the opportunity for students to experience and acquire ecotourism and outdoor adventure skills. Students will begin the program with an orientation canoe trip with their fellow classmates and faculty, through the pristine waters of Northwestern Ontario. As an outdoor classroom, students will discover that Northwestern Ontario is a renowned four-season destination which provides a ready-made environment for practical learning.
Students will also gain valuable experience and contacts by working in the tourism industry, part of a 16-week mandatory cooperative education program. During the fourth semester, students will experience another culture by participating on the International Field Trip. This 'Familiarization Trip' (as it is known in the industry) is a training device in which students will tour and visit major tourist attractions, resorts and other facilities to acquire tangible knowledge about a product or an international destination for future use as a sales tool.
Coordinator's Welcome
Tourism is the world's fastest growing sector, and with that growth comes the need for workers at all levels. While tourism has always been a hospitable entry point into the world of work, many individuals also benefit from its potential for lifelong career opportunities. Jobs tend to offer plenty of opportunities for advancement, widely transferrable skills, and continuous professional training. Whether you are a youth who wants to discover the world of tourism or a mature adult, there is a job that will fit your lifestyle. Turn your passion into a career. It is up to you to decide what your final destination will be.
