Tourism Management

The rapid growth of domestic and international tourism and migration has led to an increasing demand for graduates who have a thorough understanding of tourism in its wider social, cultural, economic and political contexts.

Tourism and hospitality is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing export industries, and it can take your career to new places.

The industry encompasses hotels/resorts, cruise ships, sport and leisure operators, restaurants, cafes, bars, theme parks, entertainment, arts and cultural attractions, special events, and much more.

The study of tourism involves predicting the future – working out what people want from their leisure and travel pursuits, and how those wants are delivered and managed. You'll study the structure of different tourism organisations, aspects of hospitality and leisure, and the environmental and economic impacts of tourism operations.

Employers are looking for skillful, business-savvy managers who can plan, control, make strategic decisions, and understand the legal requirements for this sector - and that's where you come in.

• Learn how to design and deliver memorable travel experiences
• Build practical knowledge in areas such as service management, designing operational systems, business strategy, leading teams of staff, and managing financial resources.
• Gain skills in destination marketing, event management, and inter-cultural communication.

Internationally recognised

Waikato is recognised as a global leader in this field, with a ranking of 23rd best university in the world in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019.

We're also in the top 300 universities for Business and Management Studies in the prestigious QS Worldl University Subject Rankings 2019.

You'll study at our internationally recognised Waikato Management School, which is in the top 1% of all business schools globally, thanks to our Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.

Global research impact

Our Management School has such a strong international reputation that the United Nations asked us to host New Zealand's first-ever Tourism Monitoring Observatory in 2017. This means our academics are now part of a global network of research centres examining the benefits and impacts of sustainable tourism on the natural, social and built environments.

We also host the China-New Zealand Research Unit, which offers opportunities for Chinese students to conduct doctoral and masters degree research with some of the top scholars in both New Zealand and China.

We offer personal supervision with two supervisors per student, with students forming a peer group cemented by a programme of seminars and social events.

Qualifications

You can specialise in this subject at postgraduate level for the Master of Management Studies or the Doctor of Philosophy.

If you're interested in undergraduate study, such as a bachelor's degree or graduate diploma, please refer to the subject page for Tourism and Hospitality Management.