Top Travel Management Skills to Learn During a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism
With the tourism industry growing at an unprecedented rate, the demand for a degree in tourism management continues to increase. This popular programme provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of careers in the tourism industry and offers a truly global degree.
From the practical experience to the diverse industry exposure and connections that tourism management students can gain, there are many reasons to pursue a bachelor’s degree in tourism.
So, let’s explore some of the top tourism management skills students can develop during a bachelor’s degree in tourism.
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What is a bachelor’s degree in tourism?
A bachelor’s degree in tourism is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for various careers related to the tourism industry, from human resource management to travel consultancy.
The degree covers a broad range of topics, including the fundamentals of tourism management, hospitality and marketing. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the global tourism industry, students gain knowledge of market trends, sustainable practices and cultural differences, as well as in-demand skills to stand out in the competitive field.
A bachelor’s degree in tourism is usually delivered over three or four years and includes lectures, seminars, workshops and practical components. Tourism management degrees focus on the real-world application of management theories and business administration principles to prepare students for a seamless transition into the tourism industry after graduation.
Top tourism management skills during a bachelor’s degree in tourism
Many tourism management skills are transferable, providing students with various opportunities to develop in-demand practical and soft skills required for roles in the tourism industry.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in tourism is the best way to develop tourism management skills. Gaining exposure to the global tourism industry and benefitting from opportunities to apply skills and knowledge to real-world case studies and practical work gives tourism management students an advantage in a highly competitive industry.
So, what are some of the top tourism management skills to develop during a bachelor’s degree in tourism?
- Cross-cultural communication
The tourism industry requires professionals to obtain skills that translate globally, and one of the most important skills is communication. Whether it’s communicating with air traffic control or speaking with tourists at an information desk, communication is at the centre of all tourism roles.
Adapting your communication style is key to success, from conveying clear messages and clarifying information to providing detailed answers to difficult customer queries. Tourism management professionals must communicate with people from different countries and cultures, making cross-cultural communication skills essential.
Studying alongside students from around the world, a bachelor’s degree in tourism mirrors the day-to-day communication requirements for tourism management professionals.
- Customer service
Good customer service is integral to the tourism industry’s success. You are responsible for ensuring the customer has a positive experience, from planning a trip itinerary to welcoming them to their accommodation.
Many skills feed into customer service, including problem-solving, communication, efficiency and empathy. Combing these skills enables those working in tourism management to resolve any issues and create memories that last a lifetime.
- Problem-solving skills
Due to the unpredictable nature of the tourism industry, tourism management professionals must adopt a flexible approach to adapt to any changes, requests or emergencies.
From last-minute cancellations to complex requests, the tourism industry can be difficult to navigate and always full of surprises. It is your job to adapt and resolve any unforeseen issues that customers face.
A flexible approach enables you to embrace challenges and prepare for any surprises that occur.
- Business skills
Business skills encompass a broad range of practical skills in areas such as marketing, finance and human resources. Business operations are taught during a bachelor’s degree in tourism, and awareness of how a business operates is key to understanding the wider context and importance of the global tourism industry on the economy.
Covering modules such as marketing tourism and e-commerce to human resources management in tourism, students will develop practical business skills to enhance their knowledge of the tourism industry.
- Leadership skills
A bachelor’s degree in tourism provides students with a practical education and opportunities to collaborate with other students. This helps students develop leadership skills that transfer directly to roles such as tour guides, instructors and cabin crew, where leadership qualities are paramount to success.
What career opportunities can tourism students pursue?
After completing a bachelor’s degree in tourism, students can explore a diverse range of career opportunities. With essential tourism management skills to accompany a passion for travel and customer service, students can pursue rewarding careers in the tourism industry.
During a bachelor’s degree in tourism, students will gain insight into different aspects of the tourism industry, including sustainable tourism, hospitality management, event planning and travel consultancy. This allows students to tailor their education and practical experience and align with their chosen career path within the tourism industry.
Learn about the top 10 career opportunities with a BA in Tourism and Hospitality Management here.
Study a BA in Tourism and Hospitality Management at BSBI
A bachelor’s degree in tourism is an effective way to develop in-demand skills to pursue various exciting careers within the tourism industry. Choosing a programme that offers practical experience and the opportunity to apply learning in real-world settings is essential to developing tourism management skills and building a successful career.
The Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) offers a BA in Tourism and Hospitality Management programme, delivered in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).
Offered as a three or four-year international route programme, this degree can be tailored to suit your preferences and is delivered 100% on-campus with full access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Join our diverse student body and choose to study tourism in Berlin, a global hub for travel and hospitality. Find out more here.