BS in Tourism Management

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management is a four-year college course recommended for people who wants to have a career in the field of Tourism and Event Management. This course leads to expertise in management of tour-operating agencies, as well as other jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector. 

The BS in Tourism Management course consists of several CHED-mandated general subjects, while the focus of the study is on the administrative aspect of Tour Operating business, particularly entrepreneurship and trade planning. The curriculum also includes operational competencies, event management classes, investment, market study and more. The combination of theories learned inside the classroom and on-the-job training will prepare the students to be globally competitive in tourism management operations. 




​In comparison with BS in Tourism which deals with the general aspect of Tourism, BS in Tourism Management focuses on the corporate and administrative side of the Tourism Industry, particularly proficiency in working on and eventually operating a Tour-providing Company. This course is very much related to BS in Travel Management, which concentrates on skills for working in Travel agencies. 

Is Tourism Management a profession?
No, Tourism Management is not considered as a profession because working in this field does not require unique knowledge or licensing. Nevertheless, BS Tourism Management graduates are very well-qualified for a career in the field of tourism and travel. 

What are the admission requirements for BS Tourism Management?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements: 

• Must be a high school graduate. 
  Those who did not complete high school education may opt to first attend Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities only offer selected courses for PEPT passers admission.
• Must passed the college entrance examination
• Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission officer
• Medical laboratory results and health certificate
• Good Moral certificate from the previous school (sometimes from enrollees Barangay)
• Particular ratings in the National Secondary Assessment Test (NSAT)
• Some schools require particular rating in the National Secondary Assessment Test (NSAT)
• Some schools require particular high school grade or gross point average
• Height requirement of 52 for the ladies, and 54 for men

What skills will help you succeed in this course?

• Interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others
• Good written and verbal communication skills, particularly in English
• Organizational and time management skills
• Administrative skill
• Some career choices will require sales and marketing abilities
• Ability to learn and operate computer applications
• Ability to work under pressure
• Out of office jobs in this field require an extrovert personality who loves nature, outdoor and adventure
• Creativity which helps in tour and event production

How difficult is this course?
The BS in Tourism Management course is relatively easy. Several subjects require memorization such as in the study of places, history, culture and languages, and some subjects require critical thinking and calculation since this is a management course. The latter part of the program is considered the most interesting; it will be spent with site tours, practicum and on-the-job training where students can apply their theoretical know-how into practice. 

How long does it take to complete BS in Tourism in the Philippines?
The BS in Tourism Management program takes 4 years to complete, however, there are some schools that use the trimester system and complete the program in a shorter time. 

On the Job training / Internship
On the last year of BS in Tourism Management, about 640 hours will be spent on internship or on-the-job training in a tourism related institutions such as Tour agencies, travel ticketing offices, event organizing institutions or at the Department of Tourism. 

Specializations:

• BS in Tourism Management major in Events Management is a program of Tourism Management that focuses on developing the skills and creativity of event organizers and managers.
• BS in Tourism Management in Housekeeping is a specialized training program that consists of classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience necessary for providing housekeeping services.
• BS in Tourism Management in Housekeeping is a specialized training program that consists of classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience necessary for providing housekeeping services.

Is there a board examination for BSTM?
There is no board examination for BS in Tourism Management graduates. However, if you want to work in the government sector, you have to take and pass the Civil Service Examination to qualify for civil service eligibility necessary for admission to government service such as in the Department of Tourism. 

Career opportunities for BSTM graduates

• Entry Level jobs
• Jobs requiring no prior to minimal level of experience:
  • Tour Escort – accompany a client or groups of people on an organized trip or packaged tour arranged for them by tour companies
  • Tour Agency Clerk – perform secretarial tasks behind the counter such as encoding clients inquiries, personal information and booking their necessary travelling requirements and documentations
  • Hotel and Resort Personnel – provides hospitality and accommodation assistance to travelling patrons
  • Tour Agents or Representative – sales and marketing personnel who offer and assist customers in choosing their destination, transportation, lodging and travel plans. Promotes vacation packages, cultural tour and heritage site voyage, religious pilgrimage, expedition, field trip or panoramic sight-seeing through continuous solicitations.
  • Government Tourism Staff – works under the tutelage of local tourism officer in bringing about its agencys mission
• Mid-Level Positions
• Require trainings and prior job experience of a few years:
  • Reservation Personnel for Tour Agencies – responsible for scheduling Tour packages for particular clients. An authoritative penchant for haggling is necessary when negotiating with hotels and travel agencies for schedules and reservations at the most affordable cost.
  • Event Coordinator or Assistant – helps in the successful execution of touring plans and schedule such as room assignment and facility approval in fairs, festival and conferences.
  • Tourist Language interpreter – guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area. This person must possess an area-specific qualification and certification issued and/or recognized by the appropriate authority.
  • Flight Attendants – airline crew members who undergo specialized training to assist air passengers in their flight on-board
• Advanced Positions
• Require years of extensive experience and practice:
  • Tour Agency Operator – owns a Destination Management Company and takes charge of its overall administrative profile, from office staffing to the approval of final minutes of a touring event.
  • Tour Agency Supervisor – the office manager who directs the flow of organizational functions of the company. Delegate responsibilities, organize complex projects, and establish priorities consistent with the company objectives. Initiates headship and collaborative competence with the company workforce as team leader.
  • Assistant Agency Manager – support the General Manager or Supervisor with all aspects of the Tour Agency operations. Must also demonstrate strong communication skills and superior leadership abilities.
  • Front Office Manager – responsible for all duties of the front desk operation which includes: staff training, inter-department communications, and staff scheduling.
  • Event Organizer – plans and manage touring events, vacations, promotions, cruise, expedition, etc. from conception through to completion
  • Destination Specialist – expert in providing information on various tourist spots such as its historical, cultural, and geographical value; route direction, flight or cruise planning; lodging and accommodation suggestions and possible expenses.
  • Travel and Tour Counselor – handles inquiries and provides travel advice in making reservations for international and domestic flights, hotel accommodation, package tours, and other transportation arrangements. Attending sales calls and meetings for travel sales presentations.
  • Government Tourism officers – develop and promote tourism activities to attract visitors and generate significant economic benefits for a particular region or site.
  • Tourism Researchers – provide market research, analysis, planning and marketing strategies/services for tourism-related businesses
  • Tourism Academicians – faculty members, instructors, and teachers in an institution that provides tourism education
  • Travel Writer – authors guide books and reviews, with the intent being to educate the reader about the destination, provide helpful advice for those visiting the destination, and inspire readers to travel to the destination
• Jobs not related to BSTM that graduates can apply to
  • Call center agent – answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and provides customer support, usually to people from other countries
  • Administrative Staff – personnel responsible for the organization and management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office secretary, personal assistant and office clerk
  • Freelancer working online – doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support, administrative support etc., which mainly depends on your skills
• Career Opportunities Abroad
• Filipinos are in demand abroad for many tourism-related jobs, including tour escorts, tour guides, ticketing attendants, agency clerks for tour companies, travel consultants, destination specialists, language interpreters, event organizers, corporate managers for travel agencies, and more. 
  
  The main countries where jobs are available are Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf countries and South Korea.
• Salary Levels
• For fresh graduates in the Philippines, the salary range for entry level jobs in the travel industry is about php 15,000-php 20,000 monthly. More advanced positions can earn up to php 28,000 per month.
  Salaries for those who work abroad are generally much higher.

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