Tourism Management

Tourism is and will stay an important economic driver. The tourism sector is growing continuously leading to many opportunities for graduates. The International Tourism Management programme educates students to achieve mastery and professionalism in an interdisciplinary curriculum comprising several disciplines. The mission of International Tourism Management is “The education of future tourism managers who, through mastery of practical competencies, have the ability to work in an international context and, through bridging divides between economics, ethics and ecology, contribute to the further professionalization of the tourism industry”.

“Travel & Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, supporting 255 million jobs and generating 9 percent of world GDP.”

World Travel & Tourism Council

The programme: what can you expect?

The core of this programme is sustainable tourism. Students will learn to prioritise the needs of the environment and community of a tourist destination. Throughout the course, students will learn about the impact that tourism has on cultures and the economic factors that play a role.

During the first year, students will gain a general introduction and an overview of topics such as business economics and management skills. Students are introduced to all aspects of a management position and are taught how to market a product or service using specific marketing tools and put theory into practice by creating their own tourism product. The second year will consist of students exploring how to find the right balance between people, planet and profit (aka the “triple bottom line”).

The third-year enables students to take more control over what they learn by allowing students to choose their own minor. Students can choose 2 minors to follow in the Netherlands or at our other campus sites located in Bali, Thailand, South Africa and Qatar (this is also known as the Grand Tour). Just a few examples of the minors students can choose from are Community Based Tourism, International Destination Branding and Online Marketing and Revenue Management. The final year of the study will be dedicated to students conducting a 7-month internship and completing their graduation project.

Upon graduation, graduates will be ready for the real world and carry the title of Bachelor of Business Administration. With this internationally recognised title, graduates are able to find work anywhere in the world.

Depending on your educational background you may also be eligible for the Fast Track programme in Tourism Management which takes 3 years instead of 4 years. After completion of the course, students could also obtain their Master’s degree by enrolling in NHL Stenden’s International Leisure and Tourism Studies Master course.

What can I become?

Tourism Management is the perfect programme for students who have a mindset for creativity, communication, intercultural cooperation and skills for organising. This international course prepares students for a management, consultancy or advisory position in the tourism industry. Graduates will work on the development of new tourism concepts and products and contribute heavily to the professionalization of the field of tourism. It’s a broad programme focused on sustainable tourism and a graduate’s future role in the industry. The programme literally, takes students anywhere and consists of an international character.

A degree in Tourism Management could provide you with career possibilities in positions such as:

• Purchasing Manager buying in travel products such as hotel rooms, apartments and flight seats, negotiating prices, and negotiating partnerships with companies providing transfers and excursions at the place of destination.
• Marketing and Communications Manager for a city marketing agency, responsible for ensuring that tourists to your city know what’s happening and attracting new tourists.
• Regional Manager of travel agents acting as the first point of contact for the travel agency managers and providing the link between head office and the agencies.
• Policy Officer for the civil services liaising between government, companies and other organisations, applying organisational skills to activities such as creating new provincial cycle routes.

Good for the world

The Tourism and Hotel Management programmes of NHL Stenden have successfully met the standards of Excellence. Stenden has been welcomed as Associate Member of the International Centre of Excellence.

The International Centre of Excellence (ICE) is an independent international accreditation body that specialises in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts and events education. According to the Centre of Excellence NHL Stenden “places considerable emphasis on the development of focused and effective research skills. Students contribute to identified-fields of activity which develops their research competence and contributes to the school's research capabilities. The facilities at NHL Stenden University are exceptional and the use of the Stenden Hotel and other facilities for the development of students results in highly competent graduates who are fully prepared for work positions in today’s industry.”

Programme start dates

You can start this programme in either September or February.

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