Tourism studies are the
threshold of a successful carrier in the tourism and travel industry and many
institutes either private or public are trying to advance the level of their
programs in order to attract more students.
Tourism is a huge industry
that yields millions in revenues every year. Tourism studies play a major role
in the preparation of future leaders and a well trained labor force can boost a
destination or make the difference in a more globalized environment and more
competitive market.
Specialized studies in the tourism field are growing
fast as global travel is increasing both in the business and in the leisure
field. This means that the trained staff must be prepared to cope with a
multicultural clientele and has to have the right qualifications to fit in
today’s environment.
Today’s educational programs are trying to adjust in
this kind of thinking and concentrate both to the industry and to the students
needs. The hospitality sector is a strong segment within the tourism industry
and many schools are offering hospitality studies based on a constant contact
with hotel operators which gives the opportunity to students to practice in real
conditions. Practice is the key for a successful carrier in the tourism industry
as the real environment gives the whole idea and taste as the theoretical basis
and knowledge acquired in schools sets the fundamental steps for the
future.
Tourism management is essential also in the academic programs
especially in US and many US institutes either private or public have management
studies in their academic programs. Important though is the fact of the
internship and how the studies that one student is receiving will lead to a
future job in the tourism field. Many schools in Europe and US are working
closely with companies and organizations within the industry and offer
internship credits that help them to have access to the market.
Furthermore the number of the
students who choose to follow a carrier in the tourism sector is increasing. The
biggest markets in the tourism industry that offer equal level of studies are
the USA, Canada and Europe. Asia – Pacific region’s tourism growth is increasing
fast and this will help the opening of more tourism related schools in the
continent as there is a significant lack of specialized institutes in the
region.
An important aspect of the increasing demand of tourism studies
in Asia is the fact that many universities from Japan, Korea, Singapore and
China have signed memorandum of understanding with universities from US in order
to open new faculties or advance the level of the studies in their existing
programs.
The various institutes and tourism colleges around the world,
especially in the big markets are hosting many students who are from different
countries. Undergraduates or future students that choose tourism as their future
carrier depends on their needs and standards but its crucial if the college or
the institute can open the door to the working place.
Differences
among US, Europe and Asia
There are some important differences in the
educational programs offered by institutes in US, Europe and Asia.
Unquestionable, the systems in US and Europe – where the heart of the tourism
industry lies – are the most advanced and comply more with the needs of the
industry.
Until the mid to late 90's European schools were more
technically or skill oriented but now include management related
courses.
“The undergraduate programs in the US, are oriented to the
business aspects of tourism such as management, planning and development,”
Dr. Lalia Rach Associate Dean and HVS International Chair NYU Preston
Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management
said.
“Historically, the difference between US, European and Asian
programs has been the focus on management, internship credit and the years of
study.”
Qualifications that are in the top list of tourism
companies and organizations :
According to Deans from respectful
universities and schools, tourism companies and tourism organizations around the
world are searching for those most skilled persons that can be trustworthy and
adjust easily in the rapid changes of the industry. People who are responsible
and don’t hesitate to take action are highly appreciate it in a more tough and
competitive environment. But two requirements are in the pole position of the
preferences:
- Staff that is trained in multicultural norms
- Teamwork and leadership
Research advances academic
programs
Research is very important for understanding the trends of
the global travel market. This market is changing rapidly and private and public
institutes are launching research programs or trying to advance the already
existing ones in order to cope with the industry needs.
Many institutes
in Europe and in US are in close cooperation with companies and conduct
researches. The institutes pay attention to the results of the surveys or
research either being conducted by them or by the companies in order to come out
with useful information and data which will give guidance lines to their
academic programs.
Finally, another growing factor in the education in
the tourism sector today is the e-learning method. This method is gaining ground
as many universities and private schools have enhanced this system by giving
more significance to the e-learning method. The imminent results were the
growing number of students both in local and international level. But if this
method is going to surpass the traditional way of teaching is still unclear.
Michael Verikios
([email protected]) -- Thursday, August
24, 2006