A two-year post-secondary tourism management program - cultural and heritage prepares high school graduates for exciting and rewarding careers in this sector. The program equips them with the knowledge and skills required to seek employment in heritage and cultural tourism.

1. Building a Career in Cultural and Heritage Tourism
Management
Cultural and heritage tourism involves travelling to explore and experience the cultural, historic,
traditional and natural attractions of places that authentically represent the stories of people of
past. The art, architecture, religion and culture have always been a subject of exploration. The
traditions have been passed from one generation to another, and sometimes transmitted from one
nation to another.
Art and culture has been appealing people for centuries. However, large-scale development of
theme parks and other similar sources of entertainment in last few decades had resulted in
slowdown of cultural and heritage tourism. But in recent years, it has been rediscovered as an
interesting way to experience destinations offering distinct and authentic sense.
Cultural and heritage tourism not only allows travellers to explore the legacy of a place but it’s
also important for several reasons. It:
• Has a significant impact on the economy of a city or country
• Establishes harmony among people belonging to different backgrounds, regions and
religions
• Is an instrument for authentic visitor experiences
• Has a positive social impact
• Supports conservation of heritage resources
Building Careers in Heritage and Cultural Tourism
As mentioned earlier, cultural and heritage tourism has been rediscovered in recent years. There
is an increasing population of special interest travellers who look for educational, authentic,
historic and more engaging travelling experience. This has resulted into a significant demand for
professionals who can guide them and organize tours for them.
However, in order to build careers in this field, you will need to undergo a tourism management
program in Toronto and gain necessary knowledge, skills and attitude. Centennial College’s two-
year post-secondary provides you with an interdisciplinary learning approach by integrating the
challenges as well as operative requisites commanded by the tourism industry.
Program Structure
The program offers an in-depth understanding of tourism fundamentals and hands-on experience

2. through industry field placement. You will study a wide range of subjects, including cultural and
heritage tourism, Ontario cultural and heritage tourism product, world geography for tourism,
hospitality accounting, dimensions of tourism, responsible tourism, managing cultural and heritage
facilities, cultural and heritage tourism principles and practices, hospitality and tourism marketing,
cross-cultural behaviour in tourism, tour planning and management, customer relationship
management, meetings and incentive travel management, principles of hospitality management
and festival management.
Program learning
A Centennial College's tourism management course in culture and heritage prepares you to:
• Promote sustainable tourism
• Contribute to daily operations of a tourism organization
• Promote and market tourism products, services and experiences consistent with a
marketing plan
• Appropriately access, document and distribute detailed product knowledge and destination
information
• Control operational costs of a tourism organization
• Effectively deal with customers while ensuring highest satisfaction
• Develop ongoing relationships with clients
After Graduation
once you graduate from the program, you may find employment with major hotel chains, tour and
travel agencies, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, museums, municipal government, heritage
parks, historic establishments, resorts and festival and events organizations.
You may also apply your academic credits towards higher studies and enroll in a degree program
at the university. This will prepare you for more advanced career opportunities in this sector.