Tuesday
Feb 07, 2012
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New tourism program poised to satisfy Alberta’s growing demand for trained professionals
CALGARY — Tourism is big business and continues to be a key contributor to Alberta's job creation and economic health. To help fill critical roles in this sector, Bow Valley College (BVC) is introducing its Tourism Management and Marketing Diploma in fall 2012, allowing learners to enter the tourism industry in just two years.
This business-oriented program combines tourism-sector knowledge with marketing, management and product development.
"When we think about careers in tourism, we often only think about retail travel agencies, but there are so many other career paths and opportunities available out there for someone with the right education," says Beverley DeSantis, Coordinator of Business Programs at Bow Valley College.
"Graduates of our tourism program can move into dynamic roles in the corporate sector or use their expertise to find a job in tourism marketing and managing."
Following the 68-week program, graduates will have the skills to manage tourism products and services. Tourism-specific knowledge is applied in a business context to examine marketing, branding, relationship selling, communication, revenue management, eCommerce and product development.
Examples of job titles include: Business Development Manager; Convention Services Manager; Corporate Sales Manager; Destination Marketing Manager; Group Sales Manager; Incentive Travel Manager; or Meetings and Convention Sales Assistant - just to name a few.
"The Government of Alberta has made tourism growth a priority and sees it as a major source of revenue," says DeSantis.
"Graduates from this program will see a high demand for qualified individuals to work in all areas of tourism with opportunities in local and international government, as well as private and public sector organizations."
To learn more about BVC's Tourism Management and Marketing Diploma, visit www.bowvalleycollege.ca/tourism
Media are invited to attend a BVC employer appreciation event at the Calgary Zoo's ENMAX Conservatory Atrium on February 7, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Staff and faculty from the College's Business department, as well as work placement employers will be available for interviews at the event.
