Your love for travel and adventure can bring you to greater heights! Pack your bags and get ready to fly out for that tourism degree! Here, we will be looking at some of the best countries to study tourism management.
Tourism is among the biggest industries in the world. It oversees the management of restaurants, shops, amusement parks, natural sights, historical architecture, and event organization. As countries race to provide the best tour packages, industry professionals with a global perspective are in great demand. An international degree in tourism management will provide you with skills and experience that traditional programs and internships cannot.
Best Countries to Study Tourism Management
1. the Netherlands
- Reasons: home of the world’s happiest people, iconic bridges, land of windmills, and renewable energy
The glorious landscapes and rustic shops of the Netherlands are a dream come true for many international students. Amsterdam and its many bridges alone attract hundreds of people every day. The Netherlands has a lot of beautiful sights, both artificial and natural, historical and modern. It is the most densely populated country in Europe, making the Netherlands the perfect country for tourism management majors.
European countries pride themselves on the excellent quality of education they provide. The Netherlands is home to some world-ranking universities, with tourism and management as a popular courses. In the tourism industry, the Tio University of Applied Sciences ranks first in the country. Its international tourism management program has been the standard for 50 years. It copes well with the advancement of technology, providing students with specialized training in e-commerce. Tio also brings you experience and work opportunities with its rich network of trade associations and experts. Tio’s tourism management program costs around $24,000 a year.
Check out: Best Scholarships in the Netherlands
2. Thailand
- Reasons: inexpensive living costs, diverse business sectors, learning to speak Thai
Did you know that only 11% of U.S. students pursue international studies in Asia? Thailand is not a typical study destination but has a lot of experiences to offer that is unique from a European study abroad program. Thailand welcomes over 40 million visitors from far and wide every year. This strong attraction towards Thailand supports and reinforces the country’s tourism industry. Strategically placed in the center of Southeast Asia, it is the perfect travel hub to fly out to neighboring countries or plan an itinerary to see Thailand’s breathtaking jungles and rice fields. Indulge yourself with savory noodles, authentic milk tea, and inexpensive coffee for a much-deserved study break.
Thailand’s tourism industry is attractive in that it aligns tourism with sustainability standards. Tourism management students can benefit from learning this firsthand in Thai universities. Bangkok University (BU) is the country’s oldest private higher education institution. It offers an international tourism and management degree focusing on a global perspective and skills in international tourism and hospitality, health and wellness tourism, and hotel business. You can also take up BU’s dual degree in international tourism and management. A semester of studies at Bangkok University costs around $2,300.
3. New Zealand
- Reasons: temperate weather, astounding nature, and wildlife, the booming tourism industry
Fun fact: New Zealand, alongside Samoa, are the first country to see a new day’s sunrise. If that doesn’t convince you to pack your bags and fly out to New Zealand, there are always the iconic kiwi birds, flocks of sheep out on the road, and the delicious milk of New Zealand cows. New Zealand’s outdoors provides a great learning environment for tourism majors as the country wonderfully preserves natural sights and indigenous lands while incorporating modern-day attractions. The Lord of the Rings movie was filmed in New Zealand, and the government took advantage of the franchise’s popularity to boost the country’s tourism.
Tourism is among New Zealand’s fast-growing industries, which makes New Zealand one of the best countries to study tourism management. With its internationally recognized degree programs, success in tourism and related fields is sure to become part of your future. The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) offers a bachelor’s program in international tourism and management. It is accredited by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) and is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. Develop and contribute to a sustainable tourism industry with a touch of Kiwi perspective with AUT. Tuition fees cost about $24,000 per year.
4. United States
- Reasons: diverse degree programs, multicultural community, plenty of career opportunities
The United States welcomes more people than any other country in the world. The U.S. is a leading figure in research and development, sciences, arts, and humanities. It has also an advantage for tourism, as establishments observe an increase in the demand for their services. The U.S. is one of the best countries to study tourism management if you are interested in working in one of the largest countries for tourism. With the multitude of universities and business organizations, you develop interpersonal skills and connections that will bring you to the top of the workforce.
The influx of visitors raises travel expenses, which contributes to a country’s overall economic performance. The United States witnessed 80 million visits in 2019 alone, generating more than a trillion dollars. There’s no better opportunity than to study tourism management in a frequently visited country like the U.S. Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university with an international reputation. ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business offers a Bachelor in Tourism Development and Management degree program. It provides students with essential marketing techniques and skills in tourism planning, marketing, and recreation policy. Tuition fees for ASU cost about $30,000 per year.
Discover more: Free Universities in the United States
5. France
- Reasons: gorgeous sights, developed infrastructure, strong international relations
There’s more to France than just the iconic Eiffel Tower. The grand Notre Dame de Paris is a favorite among tourists, receiving around 13 million visits each year. The picturesque view of lavender fields in Provence also pulls in the attention of French locals. France demands all eyes and focuses be on its gorgeous natural sights, art, fashion, cuisine, and infrastructure that is exclusively in this powerhouse of Western Europe. So, have you purchased a plane ticket to see France yet?
The sheer number of tourist attractions presents France’s competitive tourism industry. The distinctive, high-end French culture is also an intriguing foundation for tourism management. To get the most out of your academic stay in France, check out the Y SCHOOL‘s School of Tourism. The Y SCHOOLS is a grande ecole, separate from the French public university system. The School of Tourism offers a bachelor’s degree in tourism, leisure, and travel management and a master’s in tourism management. The Y SCHOOLS emphasizes management skills and theory to prepare the students for all tourism sectors in France and abroad. Tuition fees for Y SCHOOLS start at $8,300 per year.
6. Hungary
- Reasons: cheaper tuition and living costs, supportive and hospitable locals, soothing hot baths
Hungary is rich with a long history as one of Europe’s oldest countries. Tourists flock to the famous Balaton Lake- the largest lake in central Europe and a favorite summer destination. And in Hungary, you can’t skip out on their historical hot baths. There are over 1,500 hot springs in Hungary, with a majority found in Budapest. As the country’s capital, Budapest is chock-full of hot baths, bars, museums, and age-old castles like the Buda Castle. Hungary has a lot to offer with a culture and social atmosphere unlike any other.
Hungary offers quality education for those who wish to enter the tourism industry. The Budapest Metropolitan University delivers the country’s best Master’s program in tourism management. You are creative and interested in managing destinations or employee assignments in the different tourism sectors, and the Budapest Metropolitan University can make a globally competent professional out of you. Tuition fees range from $5,500 to $5,700 per year.
See Also: Cheapest Universities in Hungary
7. Russia
- Reasons: high-tech cities and public transport, delectable Russian cuisine, learning to speak Russian
Russia is an excellent country to study tourism management. It is well-known for its colorful churches, well-developed cities, and the great Lake Baikal- the deepest freshwater lake. Russia is a myriad of cultures because of the geography’s effects on the different regions’ quality of life. Russia has developed its tourism industry well. Tourism routes like the Golden Ring introduce you to the diversity of Russia, from sleek architecture and trains to ski resorts and volcanic sites. Whatever sector of tourism you prefer, Russia is sure to deliver.
Embark on your graduate studies in Russia with the Belgorod State University (BSU). BSU is the oldest and largest university in the Belgorod region, catering to over 4,000 international students. Its master’s degree in international tourism and hospitality management trains you with practical work experience and introduces you to tourism centers in the country and across Europe. Tuition fees for BSU start at $3,000 per year.
We hope this article on the best countries to study tourism management was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out Available Hospitality and Tourism Management Programs for International Students!
