Tourism and Travel - Adventure and Ecotourism Ontario College Diploma
ObjectivesThe Tourism and Travel - Adventure and Ecotourism 2-year diploma program is a distinctive hybrid travel and tourism program where students directly explore the travel trade and the outdoor tourism industry. This program has been designed to meet the increasing need for educated tourism professionals in many facets of the global tourism industry as well as within Ontario. We have achieved the national standard (Level I Endorsement) set by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC), which is an organization that advances the professional development of travel counsellors and promotes national industry designations. Students become proficient in using the ‘Galileo Canada’ Global Distribution System which contains airline schedules, fares and other pertinent information for the tourist travelling abroad. Emphasis is placed on the business side of tourism, travel industry technology, selling techniques, and the newest trends in tourism. Students will learn about different cultures and destinations around the world through the language of geography. The students will be required to obtain Industry Certifications, choosing from a variety of outdoor pursuit programs, CITC destination specialist certifications, or online flight attendant training with the Inflight Institute.
Practical experienceStudents will also gain valuable experience and contacts by working in the tourism industry, part of a 16-week mandatory cooperative education program. During the fourth semester, students will experience another culture by participating on the International Field Trip. This ‘Familiarization Trip’ (as it is known in the industry) is a training device in which students will tour and visit major tourist attractions, resorts and other facilities to acquire tangible knowledge about a product or an international destination for future use as a sales tool.
Academic titleTourism and Travel - Adventure and Ecotourism Ontario College Diploma
Course descriptionFirst Semester
Course Number / Title Credits
CS 021 Communication Fundamentals I * 3
HO 100 Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism Computers 3
TA 100 Discover North America 3
TA 101 Dimensions of the Tourism Industry 3
TA 103 Group Dynamics for Leadership in Tourism Activities 3
TA 107 Creating Service Excellence 3
TA 108 Basic Accounting Applications 3 Total 21
TA 104 Industry Certifications 2
Second Semester
Course Number / Title Credits
CS 031 Communications Fundamentals II * 3
GE 275 Experience Northern Traditions 3
TA 200 Discover Europe and Asia 3
TA 202 Air Travel Orientation I 3
TA 206 Marine and Land Tours I 3
TA 218 Parks and Heritage Interpretation 3 Total 18
TA 204 Co-op Education (16 weeks, May - August) 480
Third Semester
Course Number / Title Credits
LA 135 Spanish I 3
TA 300 Discover Central and South America 3
TA 301 Adventure Trends and Specialities 3
TA 302 Air Travel Orientation II 3
TA 306 Marine & Land Tours II 3
TA 307 Marketing for Tourism 3 Total 18
Fourth Semester
Course Number / Title Credits
General Education Elective 3
TA 400 Discover Africa and Oceania 3
TA 401 Risk Management, Law and Insurance 3
TA 402 Air Travel Orientation III 3
TA 407 The Business of an Outdoor Enterprise 3
TA 408 Principles and Practices of Ecotoursim 3
TA 409 Study Abroad Experience 3 Total 21