Travel and Tourism Degree Program

The Travel and Tourism program prepares students for an exciting career in the tourism industry. The goal of the program is for students to understand the interrelationships between tourism and the local, state, and global economies. The emphasis throughout the program is on relationship marketing, sales, and service. Students have the opportunity to explore the diverse career avenues one may take in the tourism industry. Examples of tourism careers include home-based travel agent, travel agent, airline agent, tour guide, guest services, and tourism marketing assistant. Growth within the industry continues at a good pace with good starting salaries and benefits.

At NHTI, emphasis is placed on the components of the tourism industry: transportation, geography, hospitality, quality service, attractions, and food and beverage operations. Internships are encouraged to gain experience in the tourism industry. Students have worked in a variety of locations including the New Hampshire State Tourism Office, Concord Chamber of Commerce, AAA of Concord, and Walt Disney World.

There are many travel opportunities through NHTI's travel education programs. Past trips have included: World Travel Market Expo, London, England; New York Times Travel Show, NYC; Boston Globe Travel Show, Boston; China; Bermuda; Spain; and Orlando, FL. (Additional fees may apply.)

The degree of Associate of Science with a major in Travel and Tourism will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.

The Travel and Tourism program is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Information about transferring to other institutions

Specific Admission Requirements

1. College preparatory course (or equivalent) in English and/or Communications; good verbal abilities and writing skills are major considerations for acceptance into the Travel and Tourism and Hotel Administration programs;
2. High school Algebra I with a grade of “C” or higher or NHTI's MT 103 and MT 104 with grades of “C” or higher;
3. Computer keyboarding skills are essential.

Technical Standards

Technical standards have been established to provide guidance to students regarding skills and abilities required to function successfully in the Hospitality programs and ultimately in the Tourism/Hospitality profession. Students in the Travel and Tourism and Hotel Administration associate degree programs and any of the related certificate programs must be able to demonstrate:

1. the ability to act in a professional manner on field trips or at internship locations;
2. sufficient vision, hearing, and verbal abilities to express and exchange information and ideas, as well as to interpret important instructions in the classroom or at internship locations;
3. the ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately to unexpected situations, and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.

Although not a technical standard for entry into the Hospitality programs, applicants should be aware that some positions may require the physical ability to stand for long periods and to lift up to 70 pounds.

Internship Considerations

The college must ensure that individuals (customers, employees, etc.) at internship and service learning sites are not placed adversely affected by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students participating in internship and field experiences must demonstrate the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employees, customers and clients.

Information about transferring to other institutions

Travel And Tourism/Hotel Administration Internship Sites

American Automobile Association (AAA), Concord, NH
American Automobile Association (AAA), Manchester, NH
Apollo Travel Services, Concord, NH
Comfort Inn, Concord, NH
Continental Airlines, Manchester, NH
Fairfield Inn, Merrimack, NH
Hampton Inn, Concord, NH
Holiday Inn, Concord, NH
Horizons Unlimited Travel, Danvers, MA
Ramada Inn, Manchester, NH
State of New Hampshire Department of Tourism, Concord, NH
Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming