travel and tourism diploma syllabus

Hospitality and Tourism Management - Travel and Tourism Major

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies .

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Program length

Estimated program length if you study full-time (nine or more credits per semester.) Actual program length will vary based on the number of courses you are registered in and successfully complete per semester.

You must complete your credential within the timeframes listed below:

• Applied degree: up to seven academic years to complete all courses.
• Diploma: up to seven academic years to complete all courses.
• Certificates: up to five academic years to complete all courses.

The location (also known as delivery mode) is where your classes will take place. For programs with multiple locations, some delivery options may not be offered in every intake or semester.

You'll take all your classes in person on the specified campus.

You'll take all your classes online.

You'll take some classes in person at the specified campus and others online.

This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option).

International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

This program is available to international applicants , however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.

This program only accepts international applicants if taken as part of a program bundle - two programs taken consecutively. Find available bundles that include this program under specialized intakes in the program overview.

If you complete both programs in the bundle, you will be eligible for a post-graduation work permit for up to three years.

Find available international program bundles and details .

This program does not accept international applicants at this time.

On this page:

Are you looking to embark on a career in the vibrant world of travel and tourism? Our Hospitality and Tourism Management program, specializing in Travel and Tourism, is tailored to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this exciting industry.  

This program will give you insights into travel products and help you understand the travel and tourism ecosystem. It equips you to design memorable travel experiences and prepares you for travel jobs, destination planning, and travel consultancy.  

Our program offers small classes covering various aspects of the global travel environment. Throughout the program, you’ll:   

• learn how to manage travel inventories proficiently and estimate costs 
• delve into the financial intricacies of the travel industry and apply accounting concepts to real-world business challenges 
• master guest experience by prioritizing guest satisfaction, understanding needs, and providing solutions
• learn impactful sales strategies and marketing techniques tailored for the travel sector 
• develop effective and respectful communication skills for diverse groups
• learn to embrace leadership roles and instill a sustainable, ethically driven corporate culture 
• implement economic theories and data-driven insights
• leverage technology to heighten productivity
• gain an understanding of how policy, planning, and execution can achieve operational success.  

Our program ensures you stay updated with industry trends and technologies, ensuring relevance in an evolving market. 

It also includes hands-on experience through collaborations with our on-campus Travel Centre industry partners.  

As a graduate, you’ll emerge as a well-rounded professional in the hospitality sector, with potential roles such as travel agent or counsellor, tourism jobs such as sales and marketing coordinator, working with a destination marketing organization, airline sales and reservations, and many other customer-service roles.  

The Hospitality and Tourism Management Travel and Tourism specialization sets the foundation for your success in the dynamic world of travel and tourism. Whether you see yourself as a travel consultant, event planner, or an entrepreneur in the world of hospitality, it will prepare you for a rewarding career in this industry. 

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in the travel and tourism industry tend to be social, methodical and innovative. 

You need: 

• a good memory 
• patience and a pleasant manner to deal with all types of people 
• attention to detail 
• well-developed sales skills 
• typing and computer skills 
• organization skills 
• a working knowledge of global geography 
• the ability to serve customers quickly and efficiently 
• the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively. 

You should enjoy working with people, performing detailed work, and working on a computer. You should also have a love of travel and promoting travel experiences.

Academic path

Graduates of this program may continue their education in the SAIT Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program and earn their degree with a further two years of study. 

Learn more about  program and institution transfer options .

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning

Between your first and second year, you’ll complete an internship where you’ll complete 400 hours of industry work.  

The choice of worksite is flexible and can include hotels, restaurants, tour operators, car rental agencies, resorts, and other approved hospitality and tourism operations. 

You’ll also work in Destinations, SAIT’s student-run travel agency throughout the program. 

Accreditations, designations and certifications

The Travel and Tourism specialization is well aligned with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) endorsement standards to allow you to pursue the Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) accreditation once you graduate. 

You’ll also acquire key industry certifications in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), food safety, ProServe, and hospitality and tourism awareness.  All these certifications must be completed in your first semester. 

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Hospitality and Tourism Management diploma with a specialization in Travel and Tourism. 

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 60030, 60031, 62022, 64310, 64314, 64320, 65210.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz , which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management - Travel and Tourism diploma requires 63 credits (22 courses) to complete.

The program spans 2 years, with two semesters in year one and two semesters in year two.

View classes by semester

Suggested schedule of study

Required courses, hospitality and tourism core, travel and tourism core, progression.

You must pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program. Admission to SAIT and other post-secondary programs can be highly competitive. Grades higher than a minimal pass improve opportunities for admission to post-secondary programs.

See our course upgrading pathways .

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

• Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

• at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30 or at least 60% in Applied Math 30
• at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options .

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions .

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate  English language proficiency  prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for a full list of transfer opportunities within the province.

Credits this program transfers to

University of victoria.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree at the University of Victoria.

Applicants will be evaluated for admission into the BCom program based on:

• their final GPA from the Hospitality and Tourism Management program (60% as determined by the University of Victoria)
• a qualitative assessment (40% as outlined in the university calendar and the Gustavson School of Business.)

A minimum GPA of B or 73%, as calculated by the University of Victoria, is required. 

The following courses are also entry requirements. You should complete these courses within or alongside the SAIT Hospitality and Tourism Management diploma program.

You must also complete a course satisfying the academic writing requirement, equivalent to English AWR 100 level. ENGL 1101 or CMNS 1811 are suggested acceptable options offered through Thompson Rivers University Open Learning.

If you receive an offer of admission to the BCom program, you will need to complete COM 200, a condensed online summer class through the University of Victoria, prior to beginning the degree.

The required courses must have a combined average of a B- (70%) with no grades below a C+ (65%).

These courses must be completed by August 31 of the year you intend to start at the University of Victoria.

Griffith University

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be eligible to receive up to 45 credits (1.5 years) toward Griffith's Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management program.

This degree is a three-year program with intakes offered in February and July each year.

Available intakes

Start dates:

• Sep 03, 2024
• Application deadline: Extended
• Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

• Jan 06, 2025
• Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
• Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Spring 2025

• May 05, 2025
• Application deadline: April 30, 2025
• Application deadline: March 28, 2025

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

International students, books and supplies.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page .

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's  website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking   more   or   less   than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Tuition fees

For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables. Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Hospitality and Tourism Management. You will be able to select Travel and Tourism as your major during the application process.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants. 

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.  We recommend you add the  [email protected] domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

• What sets SAIT apart
• An introduction to the program and area of study
• Future career paths
• Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

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Travel and Tourism

You are passionate about travel. You want a job in an exciting, fast-paced industry that requires professionals with excellent skills in communications, sales techniques, customer service and automation. Study here and we will take you places.

If you are organized, have a keen eye for detail and are flexible enough to deal with storms, strikes and schedule setbacks, MacEwan's Travel and Tourism program is for you. This two-year diploma is condensed into an accelerated 13-month format so you can fast-track your studies to get right to work.

The world awaits.

Let your career take you places.

Admission Requirements

Program & Courses

Your Future

Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)

MacEwan University's Travel and Tourism diploma has a five-star rating from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). Completion of the program puts graduates on their way to professional ACTA certification.