Top 10 Reasons to Study Tourism (Some May Surprise You)

Rachel Lacaille

30 November 2017

1. You’re interested in joining a booming industry

Tourism is the largest service sector industry in the world — and it continues to grow. In fact, according to the Global Business Travel Association, global travel spending is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2020. You'll find endless opportunities to pursue career paths in areas that range from high-end travel to rugged outdoor adventure, and even management and event planning.

2. You want to follow the money

Getting in at the ground level can help. A recent study by the US Travel Association found that, overall, Americans whose first job was in a travel-related industry obtained an average career salary of $81,900. And nearly 40% of workers who began their career in travel reached an annual career salary of more than $100,000.

3. You like working with people

You’ll have lots of opportunities to meet new people during both your academic and professional life — after all, the tourism industry is about cultivating relationships and making connections. The JWU community is diverse: Our students come from all 50 states and 100+ countries, allowing you the opportunity to experience different cultures and customs right on campus — creating experiences that will serve you well in the tourism industry.

4. You want to stand out from the crowd

It’s forecasted that, due to rapid growth, the tourism industry will face a shortage of skilled employees in the coming years. By gaining a holistic view of the tourism and hospitality industries through JWU’s College of Hospitality Management, you'll master the skills necessary to help fill this need and position yourself for an impactful career — helping you stand out from the crowd.

5. You’re looking for transferable skills

Tourism has an impact on almost every industry — something JWU has recognized for decades. Marketing, conflict management, negotiation, sustainable business strategies, event planning and more are among the many skills needed to succeed in the industry.

At JWU, acquire these skills and more by taking part in planning a Familiarization (FAM) Tour, for which you and your team research, negotiate schedules and implement a once-in-a-lifetime tour to an exciting destination, either in the US or abroad. You’ll get industry-based experience that prepares you for life in the tourism industry.

6. You embrace opportunities to travel and visit new places

It may seem obvious, but it's also one of the most important reasons to join the industry. And since your experiences at JWU go far beyond the classroom, you’ll get the opportunity to experience course topics firsthand: Travel on student-led tours, intern within the industry, take classes at various locations, study abroad, and obtain the JWU Global Learning Distinction.

7. You enjoy solving problems on the go

Problems and crises can happen at any time in the tourism industry, and successful industry professionals are the ones who know what to do when problems arise. Your JWU experience can help you hone all-important skills in problem solving and conflict management through your coursework, FAM trip and internship.

10. You crave adventure — and fun

No two days in the industry are the same. This fast-paced, ever-changing field provides the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity to enhance travelers’ experiences. Get started during your time at JWU through student organizations, traveling, academic courses and internships, and be prepared for any direction in which the tourism industry may take you.