To work as a hotel front desk clerk in B.C., you may choose to earn the Tourism Certified Professional (Front Desk Agent) certification. The certification is earned by completing the emerit Front Desk Agent training program requirements.

Hotel front desk clerks

To work as a tour or travel guide in B.C., you may need to have basic first aid and CPR certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing a relevant course.

To work as a tourism professional in B.C., you may choose to receive tourism training from emerit created by Tourism HR Canada. 

Tour and travel guides

To work as a hot air balloon pilot in BC, you must complete ground school, practical experience, and be licensed by Transport Canada.

Outdoor sport and recreational guides

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to manage travel-related enterprises and related convention and/or tour services. These programs include courses in travel agency management, tour arranging and planning, convention and event planning, travel industry operations and procedures, tourism marketing and promotion strategies, travel counselling, travel industry law, international and domestic operations, and travel and tourism policy.

Tourism and travel services management

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a conference or event planner, you may require a Certified Meeting Professional designation. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of the certifying examinations.

Conference and event planners

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a travel counsellor in B.C., you may choose to pursue certification and/or membership with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). Contact or visit the association's webpage to view the various membership levels or to enroll in certification examinations. 

Travel counsellors

Tourism Diplomas

Tourism Certificates

Hotel front desk clerks make room reservations, provide information and services to guests and receive payment for services. They are employed by hotels, motels and resorts.

Tour and travel guides escort individuals and groups on trips, on sightseeing tours of cities and on tours of historical sites and establishments such as famous buildings, manufacturing plants, cathedrals and theme parks. They also provide descriptions and background information on interesting features. They are employed by tour operators, resorts and other establishments or may be self-employed.

Outdoor sport and recreational guides organize and conduct trips or expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists and resort guests. They are employed by private companies and resorts or may be self-employed.

The  Tourism and Hospitality Associate Certificate focuses on the business of tourism and will prepare you for a role in B.C.’s tourism industry. You'll also develop a solid understanding of core business concepts including marketing, finance, and leadership. 

Tourism and Hospitality: Associate Certificate (Part-Time)

The Tourism Marketing Citation provides the basics of sales and marketing and explore your interest with an elective in eco-tourism, hotels, events and more. If you don't have the admission requirements to enter the diploma or degree, this introductory program enables you get started on your tourism management studies while completing your academic upgrading. You'll learn the basics about the industry and how the different relationships between partners work. You'll also learn about the sales process and explore different marketing strategies. Once you've completed your upgrading you can ladder directly into the diploma or degree.

Tourism Marketing Citation

This Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) Certificate focuses on business skills you need to work in the tourism industry or to start your own tourism business, including entrepreneurship, marketing, sustainability and business training. Your ATBO instructors are highly skilled guides in avalanche safety, rock climbing, mountaineering, whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, canoeing, and sea kayaking. This program includes the latest industry-developed training material, and includes BC provincially-endorsed programs’ standards. 

Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate

 
The Tourism Management Certificate provides students with the skills necessary to become employed in the tourism industry. We ensure a high-quality post-secondary program that is responsive to the needs of learners and is linked to labour market opportunities and employment in the field of Aboriginal Tourism. The foundation of the program is on cultural and applied tourism and small business skills. This certificate is available for delivery in communities throughout the interior of British Columbia. The program is designed to be completed in one calendar year and combines general tourism and business studies with Aboriginal culture and heritage

Educational Path

Tourism Certificates

Programs

Careers