The Bachelor of Tourism Planning and Development (BA) program helps students obtain an understanding of the basic nature and driving forces behind the tourism industry by focusing on tourism planning, marketing or management. The Bachelor of Tourism Planning and Development (BA) program is offered online via distance learning. After evaluating both academic record and life experience, (CSUNY) staff working in conjunction with Faculty and Academic Advisors will assist students in setting up a custom-made program, designed on an individual basis. This flexibility to meet student needs is seldom found in other distance learning programs. Our online program does not require all students to take the same subjects/courses, use the same books, or learning materials. Instead, the online Bachelor of Tourism Planning and Development (BA) curriculum is designed individually by the student and academic advisor. It specifically addresses strengths and weaknesses with respect to market opportunities in the student’s major and intended field of work. Understanding that industry and geographic factors should influence the content of the curriculum instead of a standardized one-fits-all design is the hallmark of (CSUNY)’s unique approach to adult education. This philosophy addresses the dynamic and constantly changing environment of working professionals by helping adult students in reaching their professional and personal goals within the scope of the degree program.
Important: Below is an example of the topics or areas you may develop and work on during your studies. By no means is it a complete or required list as (CSUNY) programs do not follow a standardized curriculum. It is meant solely as a reference point and example. Want to learn more about the curriculum design at (CSUNY)? (Course and Curriculum)
Core Courses and Topics in Tourism Planning & Development:
Tourism
Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives
Agriculture and Natural Resource Product Marketing
Statistical Methods and Applications
Tourism Planning and Development
Economics of Travel and Tourism
Marketing Communications Research
Ecotourism
Physical Geography
Cultural Geography
Tourism in Asia Pacific
Conventions, Meetings and Exhibitions Management
Business Law and Ethics for Tourism and Hospitality
Special Interest Tourism
Tourism Planning and the Environment
Food and Beverage Management
Orientation Courses:
Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
Organization Theory (Portfolio)
Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
Seminar Administrative Development (Book Summary)
Seminar Cultural Development (Practical Experience)
Seminar International Development (Publications)
Research Project in Tourism Planning and Development:
Bachelor Thesis Project MBM300 Thesis Proposal MBM302 Bachelor Thesis (5,000 words) Publication: Each Bachelor of Tourism Planning and Development graduate is encouraged to publish their research papers either online in the public domain or through professional journals and periodicals worldwide.
Skills for Success
It helps if individuals are well-organized, accurate, and detail-oriented in order to compile information from various sources and to plan and organize travel itineraries. Individuals also must be professional and courteous when dealing with travel representatives and clients. Other desirable qualifications include good writing and interpersonal skills and sales abilities. Personal travel experience is an asset because knowledge about a city or foreign country often helps influence a client’s travel plans. Business experience or training increasingly is important because individuals need to know how to run a business profitably. As the Internet has become an important tool for making travel arrangements, more companies use websites to provide their services to clients. This trend has increased the importance of computer skills in this occupation.
Employment Opportunities
ConciergeTravel & Tourism, (CSUNY)
Tourism Development Authority
Special Event Coordinator
Travel Agent
Tour Guide
Tourism Development Coordinator
Professional Associations
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
Interactive Travel Services Association (ITSA)
Resources and Tools
Travel and Tourism Research Association
