Travel and Tourism

• Two-year diploma
• Fall start
• Includes a professional internship program
• High industry demand

Program Description

Explore the exciting and always evolving travel and tourism industry with a program designed to provide learners with the relevant skills needed to work in the travel and tourism industry. Students receive in-depth instruction related to travel and tourism products, technology used to document and sell North American and International airfares as well as the marketing, selling and communication skills required by the industry.

This campus-based full-time diploma program consists of four 15-week semesters plus an eight-week professional internship to be taken between the first and second years. Learners will receive “hands-on” training using the latest computer technology and SAIT issued laptop computers.

Travel and Tourism is still one of the fastest growing businesses in Canada, and offers graduates professional career opportunities in the areas of both retail and corporate travel counselling, tour wholesale operations, airlines, cruise lines and other segments of the industry.

• Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with at least 50% in the following courses: Pure Math 20, Applied Math 20, or Math 24, and English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• For upgrading options, please refer to the Academic Upgrading program.
• For international students, please refer to the International section.
• For mature students, please refer to the Admissions section.
• Advance credit may be granted to applicants who have completed equivalent education at a post-secondary institution or have demonstrated equivalent experiential learning. Please refer to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

Selection Criteria

Seats in this program are offered in the order that qualified applications are received.

It is recommended that students entering the program have:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• A desire to work with people in a sales and service environment
• Some travel experience
• Basic computer skills

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Travel and Tourism.

The Travel and Tourism Diploma Program is endorsed by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC) which is the national association that certifies and designates travel professionals across Canada. Endorsement is granted when a travel program meets or exceeds the educational standards that are based on the nationally validated occupational standards for travel counselling. Completion of the program prepares students to write the Knowledge Exam that is part of the certification requirements to become a Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC). Students that pass the exam receive an Occupational Knowledge Certificate from CITC. For more information on becoming a Certified Travel Counsellor, contact the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors.

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books, supplies and fees associated with laptop usage are approximately $1,500 per calendar year.
• A $500 security deposit to use a SAIT issued laptop.

Program Outline (2010 - 2011)

To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (I.E. DMST-350) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

Information: 403.284.8612
Email: hospitality.info@sait.ca
Website: School of Hospitality and Tourism

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• Capilano University
• Griffith University
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge (Co-op Education)
• University of New Brunswick, Saint John
• Vancouver Island University

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar