Studying Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management

If you see yourself managing a hotel, resort (or even a castle-hotel!), then studying for a degree in hospitality management might be just the course for you.

Far from being a fluff degree, pursuing a degree in hospitality and tourism will equip you with skills in management, logistics, finance and accounting, marketing and communications and cultural awareness. You will learn to manage a hotel, resort or a similar place of leisure and hospitality. As this is quite a broad subject, you will be able to specialise in either hotel, resort, events management and/or a combination of these and pickup hospitality specific skills and technical know-how in addition to time management, communication and organisation skills.

Some of the most sought-after New Zealand universities, colleges and institutes you could study at are:

• PIHMA
• NMIT
• ARA
• Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
• Aspire 2
• TOI-Ohomai Institute of Technology

Salary and Career Prospects

Hospitality, tourism and events management professionals find work in restaurants, hotels, spas, cruise ships, resorts and exhibition centres.

Some of the wide-ranging roles they take up are Reservations Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, General Manager, Marketing Executive and Food and Beverage Manager.

Salaries vary based on job role, experience, qualifications, skills and location. As a guide, hospitality, tourism and events management professionals earn around $62,000 year (28 lakhs INR).

Why study in New Zealand?

New Zealand is fast emerging as one of the best study destinations for international students. Most universities, colleges and institutions in New Zealand are government-owned and funded and maintain high teaching and learning standards.

It terms of economy, New Zealand’s is largely home-grown. Some of biggest companies based there are Air New Zealand (airliner), Spark New Zealand (telecoms company), Progressive Enterprises (retail) and Fletcher Building (construction company). Auckland ranks consistently among the world’s most liveable cities and has a thriving start-up scene.

Kiwis, as people living in New Zealand are affectionately called, enjoy year-round good weather, high salaries, access to spectacular beaches and a healthy work-life balance. The country’s breathtakingly beautiful landscape, ski resorts, lakes and national parks attract millions of tourists every year.

International graduates are typically offered post-study work visas of up to 3 years upon graduation.