Bachelor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management

Become a leader in the fast-evolving tourism and hospitality sector.

This programme has been created in direct response to the substantial growth in tourism and hospitality forecast for New Zealand, and the corresponding need for skilled professionals to fill management roles in this fast-evolving sector. It's designed to ensure that when you graduate you'll have the knowledge and skills needed for this dynamic industry, and that you can be a flexible, future-focused, creative leader who can adapt to changing circumstances.

Your studies will cover: hospitality and tourism trends; marketing strategies for local and international hospitality and tourism contexts; financial management strategies; business analysis for hospitality and tourism; communication; self-management; problem solving; teamwork and planning. In addition, you'll explore New Zealand's heritage and indigenous Māori culture, and gain an understanding of sustainability issues relating to tourism, such as its impact on the environment.

You'll learn how to operate in a broad range of contexts and you'll examine the technology used in the industry (including the impact of social media on marketing, revenue management, customer relationships, and reputation management). Much of your study will take place in simulated tourism and hospitality environments using authentic situations. You'll also undertake a research project investigating a real-world hospitality workplace issue, and work experience within the sector.

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.