Are you passionate about the tourism industry? Do you want to pursue a career in this ever-growing field? Tourism Management is an excellent choice for you if you are interested in the tourism sector. The course prepares students with the managerial and operational abilities required in the tourism sector. But is Tourism Management marketable in Kenya?
The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in Kenya. Because of its rapid growth, institutions in the country have introduced a wide range of courses to meet the needs of the industry. Tourism Management is one of the courses you can pursue if you want to work in the tourism and hospitality sector.
What is Tourism Management?
Tourism management refers to everything related to the hospitality and travel industries, including travel, accommodation, tour destination planning, and food management. Its most essential component is to provide excellent customer service so that tourists can have a positive and memorable experience.
Tourism management courses equip learners with knowledge, skills, and requisite attitudes in preparation for professional occupation in the tourism industry and related service sectors.
There are several options you have at your disposal if you want to study hospitality and tourism management in Kenya. You can enroll for certificate, diploma, or degree courses. Here are some courses you can pursue:
- Tourism Management
- Tourism and Travel Management
- Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Travel and Tourism Management
- Sustainable Tourism and Wildlife Management
- Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Travel and Tour Guiding
- Air Travel Services Management
Tourism Management course requirements
If you wish to pursue this course, you must meet the minimum course requirements. The course requirements vary depending on the level of study as follows:
- KCSE Aggregate grade of D+ for certificate courses.
- KCSE Aggregate grade of C- and above for diploma courses.
- KCSE Aggregate grade of C+ and above for degree courses.
In addition, you should have scored the minimum grade in the required subjects.
Jobs for Tourism Management graduates in Kenya
After completing the course, Tourism Management graduates can be employed in airlines, tour companies, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, car-hire companies, and other related organizations. Here are some of the most common jobs for Tourism Management graduates:
- Tourism Officer
- Reservation Agent
- Travel Consultant
- Guest Relations Manager
- Travel Agent
- Tours Consultant
- Resort Manager
- Tourist Information Centre manager
- Tour Operator
- Destination Manager
- Tours and Travel Sales Manager
Tourism Management salary in Kenya
The salary for tourism management graduates varies depending on various factors, including the role, experience, and level of education. Graduates with bachelor's or master's degree in Tourism Management earn more than diploma and certificate graduates. The more experience you have in tourism management, the higher your earning potential.
The salary for Tourism Management graduates ranges between Kshs 400,000 and Kshs 3.5 million per year, depending on these factors. Tourism managers are the highest-paid professionals in the sector, pocketing up to Kshs 1.2 million per year.
Is Tourism Management marketable in Kenya?
Tourism Management is highly marketable in the country. The tourism industry is the fastest-growing sector of the economy. Kenya is also the leading tourist destination in the world thanks to its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
As the country continues to attract millions of visitors annually, there is a high demand for skilled professionals in the field who can ensure exceptional guest experiences and maintain high service standards. Tourism Management graduates are highly sought after by employers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Wrapping up
So is Tourism Management marketable in Kenya? Yes, this is one of the most marketable courses you can pursue because the tourism industry is the most lucrative sector of Kenya's economy. There is a high demand for skilled professionals in the sector. Therefore, the chances of securing a job after graduation are very high.
Tuko.co.ke listed the most marketable courses in Kenya. There numerous options to consider after leaving high school. You can enroll for university studies and or join a college or a technical institution of your choice. While it's advisable to consider your passion, a course's marketability is quite essential.
The most marketable courses are relevant to the current job market and provide skills and knowledge applicable to the local economy. Some of the courses featured in the post include medicine, digital marketing, agriculture and related studies, nursing, journalism, and special needs education. Read this post to learn more.
