Tourism Studies (TRM3)

In this course, you will learn the impact of global tourism on the world economy. The industry was worth $12 trillion in 2025, accounting for 10% of Global GDP, supporting 376 million jobs worldwide. This course is great for you if you are planning a career in tourism, marketing, event management and planning. If you enjoy travelling, this might be a course worth taking.

To be successful in this course, you should have achieved the NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy co-requisite. Previous study in a Level 2 Social Science subject and/or participation in a Gateway programme would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Students will develop an understanding of tourism development and the relationships between people and their environments at a global scale. 

A multi-disciplinary subject, students will apply knowledge from a range of social science subjects to understand tourism from a wider perspective. Students will understand regenerative and ethical tourism and how it offers the chance to use innovative planning to redefine the industry, considering how Tourism is governed and managed to create a more sustainable industry. Students will learn how the industry operates, the behaviour of industry and tourists and how they impact natural and cultural environments; global perspectives; environmental and cultural issues; and how to manage and protect both natural and cultural tourist environments. By the end of this course, students will process information, interpret ideas, understand others’ values and perspectives, and form their own conclusions. 

Issues studied can include: the management and use of global tourist destinations e.g.  Asia, Europe and Australia. The socio -economic and environmental impacts of tourism on a variety of global destinations.

Field Trip 1: Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU). 

The purpose of learning is to explore and understand how TAU markets the Auckland Region to the World, attracting major events such as the Rugby World Cup, Cruise Ships, economic forums, as well as key business and cultural opportunities like the Lantern Festival and Diwali Festival. 

This field trip is a fantastic additional opportunity to support the authentic environment of the Tourism Sector and Industry.

Cost: (estimate TBC only) $50 per student.  This cost includes ALL transportation and Koha to TAU. The cost is subject to class numbers, and participation is optional.

Further details of all Field Trips 2027 will be discussed in Class, and information will be provided for parents/guardians in Term 1.

Field Trip in Term 2: Rotorua, either 2 days / 1 Night or 3 days/2 Nights (TBC).   

The purpose of learning beyond the classroom is to discover and experience how tourism development and industry have shaped Rotorua's natural and cultural environment through field investigations and guest speakers. Rotorua is a major tourist destination in New Zealand.

This field trip is a fantastic additional opportunity to support the learning of all facets of the tourism industry in an authentic environment.

Dates:  TBC

Cost: (estimate only) $450 per student (2 days/1 Night only).  This cost includes ALL accommodation, transportation, guides/guest speakers and meals.   Please note that the cost is subject to class numbers and not compulsory.