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 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 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 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.