Tourism - Travel Services
Transform your love for tourism into a breathtaking career.
- Graduates are well-equipped with transferable skills across global markets that are adaptable to the evolving landscape of the tourism industry
- Gain professional experience and networking opportunities through fieldwork and real-world industry projects
- Excellent reputation, achieving the highest (5-star) accreditation from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Spring 2025
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
This program provides you with two delivery options to fit into your lifestyle:...(read more)
Overview
Transform your love for tourism into a breathtaking career.
The Tourism - Travel Services Ontario College Diploma provides you with the technical knowledge and expertise for a career in the global field of tourism and travel.This program provides you with two delivery options to fit into your lifestyle:
- Option 1 - Complete the program at a regular pace over two years (4 semesters/levels)
- Option 2 - Select the compressed and intensive 42-week program delivery format and finish within a year.
Learn the fundamentals of the evolving tourism and travel sectors such as airlines, accommodations, sea and surface transportation. Explore sustainable tourism practices and develop an understanding of its social, environmental and economic impacts. Hone your customer service skills and apply marketing principles for destination and attraction development. Additionally, train within the live Global Distribution Systems to arrange travel itineraries and reservations gaining the career-ready experience you need.
In the final semester, you`ll complete a field placement to gain a hands-on learning experience in the tourism and travel sector of your choice. Throughout the program, there are opportunities to volunteer and network with industry professionals providing insights into the dynamic field of tourism and travel.
Graduates may find employment in a wide range of sectors including:
- tourism development
- tourism associations
- tour operations
- travel services (motor coach, rail, auto, cruise lines or attractions)
- accommodations
- airline industry
- retail and wholesale travel sales
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are passionate about travel and exploring new destinations.
- Enjoy meeting new people and interacting with others.
- Have a desire to provide customer service excellence.
- Enjoy working in an exciting and evolving environment.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813H
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEO1003
Course Name:
Geography for Tourism Destination Development
Course Description:
A region's natural site's history, architecture and cultural aspects can play a major role in attracting tourism and contribute to the local... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2224
Course Name:
Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management
Course Description:
The hospitality and tourism industry includes diverse and interconnected sectors. Students examine fundamental principles of management with... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2255
Course Name:
Wine, Food and Culture
Course Description:
An understanding of culture can be discovered by exploring eating and drinking customs. Students experience a virtual global tour, exploring... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT0032
Course Name:
Hospitality and Tourism Mathematics
Course Description:
As future managers or leaders, a solid grasp of business mathematics is crucial for informed decision-making. Students build essential busin... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
TOU1003
Course Name:
Legal and Regulatory Standards for Tourism and Travel
Course Description:
The tourism and travel industries are subject to a variety of laws, regulations and best practices. Therefore, it is important to be familia... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
TRV1003
Course Name:
Distribution Systems 1: Transactions and Client Management
Course Description:
Professionals in the tourism and travel industry are required to create booking information for various types of travel and accommodations a... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ACC2248
Course Name:
Hospitality & Tourism Accounting
Course Description:
An awareness of fundamental financial accounting principles and the accounting cycle are central to understanding of how organizations manag... + Read More
Hours:
42.00
Code:
ENL1823H
Course Name:
Communications II
Course Description:
Employers emphasize the need for communication skills that are effective in challenging workplace situations. Using a practical, vocational ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MKT2235
Course Name:
Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism Marketing
Course Description:
Contemporary marketing skills are required to remain competitive in the diverse hospitality and tourism industry. Students explore the proce... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
TOU2003
Course Name:
Transportation and Accommodation Sectors for Tourism
Course Description:
The tourism experience is heavily reliant on the accommodation and transportation sectors. Students are introduced to accommodation, air, ra... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TRV2003
Course Name:
Distribution Systems 2: Advanced Booking Applications
Course Description:
Tourism professionals require a strong understanding of how to secure tourism and travel products for clients and to make the necessary modi... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED0224
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DAT2236
Course Name:
Hospitality Management Applications
Course Description:
Databases and data analysis are integral in today's business environments to collect, manage, and interpret information that can be used to ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MGT1003
Course Name:
Sales and Customer Relationship Management
Course Description:
Sales and customer service form the foundation of delivering tourism and travel knowledge, products and services. Students practise customer... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT2241
Course Name:
Hospitality Human Resources Management
Course Description:
Industry leaders must be able to manage within the complexity of organizational systems, individuals, and groups in the hospitality and tour... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TOU2004
Course Name:
Tourism and Travel Career Preparation
Course Description:
Planning and preparing for job searching can be beneficial in the tourism and travel industry where opportunities are diverse. Students ref... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
TOU2210
Course Name:
Introduction to Conferences and Event Management
Course Description:
Events and conferences have flourished and are directly impacting the hospitality and tourism industry. Conferences and events require caref... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0224
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD0004
Course Name:
Field Placement: Tourism
Course Description:
Real-world practical experience allows students to further develop and refine their skills. Students benefit from opportunities to apply the... + Read More
Hours:
60.0
Code:
MKT3003
Course Name:
Destination Marketing Development
Course Description:
The objective of destination marketing is to identify tourism opportunities, assess viability of visitation gaps and to promote destination ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TOU2005
Course Name:
Tourism Attraction Development
Course Description:
Attractions play an important role in tourism, travel and destinations development. Students examine visitor attractions and how they play a... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TOU2006
Course Name:
Sustainable Tourism and Emerging Issues
Course Description:
Sustainable tourism recognizes the important balance between the natural, cultural, social and economic realities of responsible tourism man... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TOU2212
Course Name:
Tourism Entrepreneurship
Course Description:
In the coming years, the economic drivers for growth in the tourism industry must be fostered and anchored in entrepreneurship. Succeeding i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates of this program may work within the tourism and travel industries in roles such as: government tourism representative, destination marketing representative, attractions marketing and sales representative, tourism industry trade association representative, travel service representative (motor coach, rail, auto), retail travel planner, tour operator travel planner, airline customer service agent, airport operations administration, cruise line service representative, hotel representative, rail attendant, flight attendant.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Support an industry and workplace service culture by adopting a positive attitude and professional decorum, accommodating diverse and special needs, and contributing as a team member.
- Deliver customer service and solutions that anticipate, meet and/or exceed individual expectations, as well as organizational expectations, standards and objectives.
- Use marketing concepts, market research, social networks, sales strategies, relationship management skills and product knowledge to promote and sell tourism products, services and customer experiences.
- Apply business principles as well as basic accounting, budgeting, financial and administration skills to support the effective management and operation of a variety of organizations delivering tourism products and services.
- Comply with relevant organization and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and apply risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, safe, secure, accessible and healthy tourism operations.
- Use appropriate technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences, to measure the effectiveness of tourism operations and to participate in tourism development.
- Keep current with tourism trends and issues, and interdependent relationships in the broader tourism industry sectors to improve work performance and guide career development.
- Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools, as well as knowledge of organizational behaviour, employment standards and human rights to contribute to a positive work environment.
- Respond to issues and dilemmas arising in the delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences by using and promoting ethical behaviour and best practices of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $500 during the program.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subjec-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Application Information
TOURISM - TRAVEL SERVICES
Program Code 0224X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Contact
Martin Taller
Program Coordinator
Room H204a
Martin Taller is a professor in the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) Honours Program and the Tourism -Travel Services program.
Previously, he developed, coordinated and taught in the Marketing and Business Intelligence Research (MBIR) Graduate Studies Program. He has been an instructor at the College since September 2005.
His international education experience includes work with the International Department at Algonquin and as an integral member of a mission to China in May 2006. He has acted as a mentor as well as instructor to Chinese delegation of Professors from Shangdong Jioatong University as well as visiting Professor from various Universities from Iraq.
Martin recently has been co-author of a collaborative Journal of essays published in Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) in 2012 of the most current issues and trends in the Hotel and Hospitality sectors. He has been the lead investigator of several internal and external research projects as well projects with the Applied Research and Innovation Department at the College. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Carleton University.
Andrea Dixon
Professor
Room H204e
With over two decades experience in entrepreneurship, finance, product development and marketing, Andrea understands small and large business issues and enjoys sharing her experiences with the next generation of retirement industry professionals.
Prior to joining Algonquin College, Andrea was co-founder and president of an internet-based business with 13 employees. Over the years, Andrea worked as a research associate, finance officer and product development manager for not-for-profit organizations and large corporations. She obtained her Masters in Tourism Administration from The George Washington University and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (finance) from McGill University and a Bachelor of Education degree from The University of Ottawa.
Donna Gravel
Professor & Academic Advisor
Room H204d
Donna Gravel joined Algonquin College with a strong industry background of over 20 years working with major tour operators and Canadian Airlines as a sales manager. She has a good knowledge of all components of the tourism industry. Donna has been with the college for over 15 years, and has her Business Administration diploma from Algonquin College, her tourism diploma from Fleming College, and Tourism Marketing from Florida International University. She currently teaches Dimensions of Tourism, Tours, and a course on travel industry law.
Jamie Ledoux
Professor
Room H204g
Jamie Ledoux is a proud Algonquin College Tourism and Travel Program graduate. Upon graduation she was immediately employed as a travel counselor. She spent several years assisting leisure and corporate travel clients as well as organizing and escorting groups. Her continued passion for traveling helps keep her current in the tourism industry. She shares this knowledge and passion in the classroom.
Jamie has been with the college for over 11 years and actively advises students in her position as coordinator and academic advisor. She enjoys teaching all tourism subjects, especially Airline Systems and Computer Reservations. Jamie is a certified travel counsellor (CTC), from the CITC (Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors).
Dr. Ameet Tyrewala
Professor
Room H217d
Dr. Ameet Tyrewala has received his Master’s and PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University, USA and his Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from University of Pune, India. His industry experience includes working in fine dining restaurants, independent and chain hotels at various management and upper management positions in India, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Ameet has taught several courses and labs which include Food Safety and Sanitation, Quantity Food Production and Advanced Food Service Management, which is a capstone course for graduating seniors at Purdue University. Since joining Algonquin College in 2012 Ameet has taught several courses in the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Program (BHTM) as well as the Hotel and Restaurant Diploma Program.
Ameet recently founded the BHTM Student Alumni Society with Alumni Cassie Doyle. The goal of this organization is to build a community of BHTM Students and Alumni who will interface, network, communicate, share their experiences, learn and get inspired from each others successes and failures on their path to becoming future Industry Leaders. Ameet was the 2015 NISOD award recipient that recognizes teaching excellence, learning and leadership.
Jun Xia
Professor
Room H204g
Jun Xia has been teaching in the Tourism and Travel Program since September 2008. He is very passionate about both teaching and travel. He has six years of experience in the travel industry working as a travel agent both in leisure and corporate travel agencies, as a home-based travel agent and as a teacher. Jun has a diploma in Tourism and Travel, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Technology and an MA in Tourism Management. Jun brings to his students the knowledge and experiences acquired in his extensive travels. He has traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. Jun is a certified travel counsellor (Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors) and remains an active member of the Institute. Jun is enthusiastic to assist students to achieve greater success in their studies by applying the technology advances available to the 21st century educational community.