Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest industry, employing approximately 10% of the workforce. Central Otago offers a wide range of job opportunities for our students.

This is a vocational course – it is designed to help you acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the tourism industry.

The course requires you to be a motivated and independent learner. There are no external exams. You will work to complete different assessments during the year that cover a range of areas relevant to the industry. Students will promote a New Zealand tourist destination of their choice, learn about the economic impacts of the industry, explore Pacific Islands as visitor destinations and develop their knowledge of world geography. 

Students can pick this subject up in Y13 without having taken Tourism in Y12. 

*Please note that Tourism is not a UE subject, this does not mean you cannot take Tourism and go to University please read the below statement. 

From NZQA, To be awarded UE, a student needs to attain NCEA Level 3, with a minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 in each of 3 UE-approved subjects.

There are a range of tertiary courses available in Travel and Tourism through Polytechnics and 

private providers such as Queenstown Resort College.  Possible careers in Travel and 

Tourism could include flight attendant, tour guide, travel agent, hotel management and event management.

Studying Tourism can lead to diverse career opportunities, including:

• Tourism Manager: Manage tourism operations, destinations, or attractions, ensuring optimal visitor experiences and sustainable practices.

• Event Planner: Organize and manage events such as conferences, festivals, and corporate retreats, leveraging tourism principles and customer service skills.

• Hospitality Manager: Oversee operations in hotels, resorts, restaurants, or cruise ships, ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction.

• Tourism Consultant: Provide expert advice to destinations, businesses, or governments on tourism development, marketing strategies, and sustainable tourism practices.

• Travel Agent: Assist clients in planning and booking travel arrangements, providing personalized recommendations and ensuring memorable travel experiences.

There are no prerequisites for this course.  

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