A Student of the Bachelor of Tourism Management program on campus of VIU's tourism school on Vancouver Island

Bachelor of Tourism Management

Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 4 Years

Program credential icon Credential

  • Bachelor Degree

Program option icon Options

  • Co-op

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Nanaimo

Vancouver Island University is the heart of a tourism and recreation hub, which means your backyard could be both your classroom and your playground.

The Bachelor of Tourism Management program is a continuation of the knowledge developed through the hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation diploma programs. With community-based projects and two paid co-op semesters, students gain opportunities to forge valuable industry connections and experience.

Upon graduation students find exciting career opportunities in commercial recreation and tourism, adventure tourism, tour operations, not-for-profit agencies, and inclusive leisure. VIU’s Tourism degree gives students the leading edge in this high-demand and growing industry.


The Bachelor of Tourism Management Program

The Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM) program builds on existing diploma programs in Recreation and Sport Management, Tourism Studies and Hospitality Management that stress career-entry skills. Students may apply to the third year of the degree program after completing a diploma in various fields including Recreation, Travel and Tourism, or Hospitality, Physical Education, and Outdoor Recreation.

The degree program will provide applied skills and concepts related to the design of tourism products and management of tourism services. The degree will focus on the development of management and entrepreneurial skills needed for people wishing to assume greater responsibilities within an organization, or for those wishing to start new enterprises.

Students starting in Year 1 of the Bachelor of Tourism Management program will choose either the Recreation and Sport Management option or the Tourism Studies option. Students who have completed a Diploma in Recreation and Sport Management, Tourism Studies, or Hospitality will start in Year 3.

 

Recreation and Sport Management Option

Year 1Credits
RMGT 100 - (Introduction to Recreation)3
RMGT 101 - (Marketing Recreation Experiences)3
RMGT 110 - (Co-operative Education Preparation)1
RMGT 126 - (Risk Management and Legal Liability in Recreation)3
RMGT 150 - (Information & Communication Technologies in Recreation)3
RMGT 153 - (Diversity and Inclusion in Recreation)3
RMGT 161 - (Organizing and Leading Recreation Activities)3
RMGT 190 - (Program Planning I)3
ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research)3
ACCT 101 - (Accounting for Non-Financial Managers)3
Elective3
Total Credits31
SummerCredits
RMGT 109 - (Co-op Education Work Placement I)9
Year 2Credits
RMGT 205 - (Recreation Administration)3
RMGT 210 - (Co-operative Education Preparation)1
RMGT 220 - (Recreation Places and Spaces)3
RMGT 230 - (Leisure Across the Lifespan)3
RMGT 251 - (Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Recreation)3
RMGT 259 - (Sustainability in Recreation)3
RMGT 290 - (Program Planning II)3
ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing)3
Three Electives9
Total Credits31
SummerCredits
RMGT 209 - (Co-op Education Work Placement II)9

 

Tourism Studies Option

Year 1Credits
TOUR 100 - (Introduction to Tourism)3
TOUR 101 - (Marketing Tourism Experiences)3
TOUR 110 - (Co-operative Education Preparation)1
TOUR 126 - (Risk Management and Legal Liability in Tourism)3
TOUR 150 - (Information & Communication Technologies in Tourism)3
TOUR 153 - (Diversity and Inclusion in Tourism)3
TOUR 161 - (Organizing and Leading Tourism Activities)3
TOUR 190 - (Event Planning I)3
ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research)3
ACCT 101 - (Accounting for Non-Financial Managers)3
Elective3
Total Credits31
SummerCredits
TOUR 109 - (First Co-Operative Education Work Placement)9
Year 2Credits
TOUR 202 - (Understanding Visitor Behaviour)3
TOUR 205 - (Tourism Management Principles and Practice)3
TOUR 210 - (Co-operative Education Preparation)1
TOUR 220 - (Tourism Places and Spaces)3
TOUR 251 - (Market Research in Tourism)3
TOUR 259 - (Sustainability in Tourism)3
TOUR 290 - (Event Planning II)3
ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing)3
Three Electives9
Total Credits31
SummerCredits
TOUR 209 - (Second Co-operative Education Work Placement)9

 

Years 3 and 4

Year 3Credits
TRMT 330 - (Niche Tourism)3
TRMT 324 - (Financial Management in Recreation and Tourism)3
TRMT 358 - (Data Analysis for Decision Making)3
TRMT 300 - (Managing Human Resources and Behaviour)3
TRMT 357 - (Applied Research Methods in Recreation & Tourism Management)3
TRMT 360 - (Experiential Product Development in Tourism)3
Four General Electives12
Total Credits30
SummerCredits
TRMT 309A - (Co-operative Education Work Placement III)
or 
TRMT 309B - (Internship)
9

 

Year 4Credits
TRMT 421 - (Entrepreneurship in Recreation and Tourism)3
TRMT 462 - (Strategic Leadership & Innovation)3
TRMT 410 - (Leisure Planning for Resilience)3
TRMT 490 - (Issues & Trends in Professional Practice)3
TRMT 415 - (Project Management)3
TRMT 449 - (Tourism Marketing)3
Four General Electives12
Total Credits30

 

Major in Recreation Management

The BTM Major in Recreation Management is a well-rounded program that provides students with a solid grounding in recreation governance, leisure behaviour, leisure education, and leisure service management. Students wishing to pursue a career in recreation service delivery with public and non-profit organizations are encouraged to complete the Major in Recreation Management as part of their BTM.

Major Requirements

In addition to VIU degree English requirements, students wishing to earn the Major in Recreation Management must complete the courses listed below.

Years 3 and 4

Year 3Credits
TRMT 357 - (Applied Research & Evaluation Methods in Tourism)3
TRMT 300 - (Managing Human Resources and Behavior)3
TRMT 320 - (Leisure Innovation for Change)3
TRMT 333 - (Leisure Lifestyles)3
TRMT 358 - (Data Analysis for Decision Making in Tourism)3
TRMT 360 - (Experiential Product Development in Tourism)3
TRMT 344 - (Recreation Governance) 
 
3
Total Credits21

 

Year 4Credits
TRMT 459 - (Outdoor Recreation Administration)3
TRMT 410 - (Leisure Planning for Resilience)3
TRMT 435 - (Leisure Education)3
Total Credits

9

 

Completion Requirements

The expected, normal time required to complete the degree program (years 3 and 4) will be two years for full-time students. Part-time students who may require a longer time to complete the program are encouraged to apply, as the department is committed to the provision of coursework through a variety of alternative methods (Prior Learning Assessment, online, evening, short intensive sessions).

CONTINUING REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM SESSIONAL GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Students must maintain a GPA of 2.33 (C+) in order to qualify for work placement activities.

Students must maintain an average "C+" grade and must perform satisfactorily in work placement activities in order to graduate. 

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

Students who have gained required skills, knowledge and competencies taught in the degree program in Tourism and Recreation may consider seeking recognition and assessment of their prior learning. Students who are successful in demonstrating prior learning to the extent required by the faculty will be granted appropriate credit toward the degree.

Admission Requirements – Year 1

The following are admission requirements for students applying to Year 1 of the Bachelor of Tourism Management program:

Note: Students applying online should select either the Tourism Studies option or the Recreation and Sport Management option. Students applying with a printed application form should identify which of the two options they are interested in.
 

Notes on Admission

  • Field work may require a criminal record check prior to placement.
  • Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
  • All new students must participate in a compulsory orientation held early in the Fall semester.
  • Students admitted to the degree can exit after Year 2 and apply for a diploma in Tourism Studies or Recreation and Sport Management.

Admission Requirements – Year 3

Students may apply to the third year of the degree program after successful completion of a diploma in Recreation and Sport ManagementTourism StudiesHospitality Management, or by permission of the department.

Notes on Admission

  • Admission to the third year of the program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
  • All students must participate in a compulsory orientation which takes place early in the Fall semester.

The management of recreation and tourism services is a challenging career in this increasingly leisure-oriented society. Dynamic, creative, and innovative people are needed to plan, organize, and supervise recreation and tourism experiences in a variety of settings, and VIU’s degree program prepares individuals for positions in areas, as follows.

  • Supervisory/Management positions: usually found in organizations where diploma graduates require continual upgrading of their leadership knowledge base to make strategic business decisions.
  • Independent entrepreneurs: small business opportunities in the tourism and recreation industries.
  • Front line-positions: where most people begin their career, these positions require an understanding of the industry and the ability to anticipate, respond to, and satisfy customer needs.

Examples of specific employment opportunities include:

  • Commercial Recreation and Tourism Enterprises, such as private tour companies, leisure related retail outlets, tourism attractions, health spas, fitness complexes.
  • Adventure Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Park Management, providing nature-based leisure experiences like camping, wilderness experiences, risk recreation, as well as environmental education and managing the resources required for nature-based leisure.
  • Tourism Services,including destination resorts and hotels, theme parks, tourist attractions, convention and meeting business, and special events and festivals.
  • Tour Operations, including packaging, marketing and operation of tours, tour guiding and interpretation services.
  • Sport Management, Public Recreation and Tourism,including parks and recreation departments in municipalities and regional districts, government tourism agencies, community schools, recreation associations, and public recreation facilities.
  • Not-for-profit Agencies, including YM/YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, and others represented within our communities.
  • Accommodation and Food Services, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, and large food service companies providing management services to hospitals, universities and airlines.
  • Inclusive Leisure, involving the provision of recreation and tourism services to individuals or groups with special needs in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health and community health centres, etc.

Work Placement Opportunities

Students in the third year of the degree will participate in either a Co-operative Education work term or an Internship. In order to receive a Co-operative Education designation, transfer students must have successfully completed two Co-op work terms in their diploma activity. Participation in the third Co-op work term is based on availability of space and academic performance with a minimum 3.0 (“B”) grade point average.

Co-operative Education

Co-op Fees for co-operative education and internships are due during the second month of each work term.

All fees and costs are subject to change without prior notice.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year: Years 1-2 Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) 4,992.00
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) 239.64
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) 264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) 331.20
Co-op Fee ($722.68 per term) 722.68
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies per year: Years 1-2 1,800.00
Fees for One Year: Years 3-4 Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) 4,992.00
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) 239.64
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) 264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) 331.20
Co-op Fee ($722.68 per term) 722.68
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies per year: Years 3-4 1,400.00
Notes

Students taking the Co-operative Education Preparation course for one credit should adjust their fees accordingly.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year: Years 1-2 Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) 23,993.10
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) 239.64
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) 264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) 331.20
Co-op Fee ($2399.31 per term) 2,399.31
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies per year: Years 1-2 1,800.00
Fees for One Year: Years 3-4 Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) 23,993.10
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) 239.64
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) 264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) 331.20
Co-op Fee ($2399.31 per term) 2,399.31
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies per year: Years 3-4 1,400.00
Notes

Students taking the Co-operative Education Preparation course for one credit should adjust their fees accordingly.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus Options
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Tourism Mangement program has one intake each Fall.

Application Fee:
$45.16
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Melanie Cousins
Email: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Amanda Johnson
Email: Amanda.Johnson@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

July 31, 2024

Comments:

This is a limited entry program. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Tourism Management program - Recreation Option has one intake each Fall

Application Fee:
$45.16
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Melanie Cousins
Email: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Amanda Johnson
Email: Amanda.Johnson@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

July 31, 2024

Comments:

This is a limited entry program. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus Options
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Tourism Mangement program has one program start date each Fall.

Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Amanda Johnson
Email: Amanda.Johnson@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Melanie Cousins
Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:

Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Tourism Mangement program has one program start date each Fall.

Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Amanda Johnson
Email: Amanda.Johnson@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Melanie Cousins
Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:

Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Get more information on The Bachelor of Tourism Management Program

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.