If you own a tourism business or intend to start one, certain skills are essential to ensure your business thrives. Whether it’s getting an introduction to tourism systems, learning about customer service, or expanding your knowledge on how to source customers for your business, you should learn these skills.
In this article, we explore three essential courses for tourism business owners that ensure they have sustainable tourism businesses.
1. Tourism Management Short Course
This Tourism Management Short Course equips those looking to upskill themselves with the essential skills needed to work in the tourism industry. The duration of this course runs for 4 months, during which you will learn two subjects. The subjects are:
Tourism Basic
In these subjects, students will go through four modules to learn about the foundational aspects of tourism. The modules are;
Introduction to Tourism, which covers the very basics of tourism, from definition, systems of tourism, as well as the different categories. The second module is The History of Tourism, which explores the evolution of South African tourism.
Thirdly, students will cover The Geography of Tourism, where they’ll learn how tourism and Geography interlink. The fourth module is Managing Visitor Attraction, where they will familiarise themselves with the aspects of sourcing support for a tourism business, such as marketing, management principles, and tourism attractions.
First Aid Concepts
This subject is crucial for tourism entrepreneurs who still need to gain knowledge on the safety aspects of tourism. Here, you’ll gain skills in CPR techniques, emergency response, and essential procedures for life-saving.
The modules here include: Emergency Scene Management, which teaches personal and casualty safety. The second module is Anatomy and Physiology, where you’ll cover the body systems of a human for your first aid training.
The next module is Emergency Situations and Common Injuries, which will equip you with the necessary skills to respond in emergencies. The fourth module in this subject is First Aid/Life-Saving Procedures, a course focused on the recovery position, choking response, and mastering CPR.
2. International Culture and Tourism Management
If you are ready to go global and want to ensure you have a thriving tourism business, this course is for you. This course explores international tourism and the processes behind tourism research. This course runs for 22 weeks, provided that you dedicate 4 hours every week towards the course.
The course is broken down into four parts, which are as follows:
International Culture and Tourism Management: Cultural Heritage and Tourism Management
This part of the course explores international cultural and heritage tourism, including managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll delve into definitions, historical context, safeguarding systems, and the values of cultural landscapes. The course also covers sustainable indigenous tourism and the emotional impact of heritage performance.
Tourism Policy and Planning
The second part of the course offers an insightful introduction to the global tourism industry. You’ll explore sustainable tourism processes, planning principles, and strategic planning.
The curriculum covers the history of tourism planning, destination area planning, and the development of tourism events and experiences. You’ll also learn about the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism, with case studies on special issues.
Research Methods in Tourism Studies
This section delves into tourism research methods. It covers qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection, research design, emerging issues, and ethical considerations for journal publication. You’ll learn to analyse the travel and tourism industries effectively.
China’s Role in Global Tourism Development
The last section of the course explores China’s vital role in global tourism. You’ll learn about the history of Chinese tourism, the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative, and sustainable planning. Key current trends like medical and smart tourism, alongside risk perception, are also covered, offering a comprehensive look at the industry’s past, present, and future.
3. Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices in Tourism
The Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices in Tourism course by Regent Business School is essential in equipping tourism entrepreneurs with ethical practices in the tourism industry. Learn the core principles needed to operate a tourism business. This course is 3 hours long. However, it is a self-paced course.
Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive a certification of completion. The learning outcomes you can expect from this course are as follows:
- Learn about sustainable business practices within the tourism sector.
- Gain a strong foundation in the ethics of tourism.
- Learn how to minimise the environmental impact of tourism.
- Gain tools and knowledge on how to engage with communities for the best social responsibility practices.
