This article breaks down the type of environment that is fostered within Centennial College’s Tourism and Travel program, which includes training in the latest software students will encounter once they graduate.

1. Tourism and Travel Programs Enjoys Vital Endorsement
Endorsements from recognized and respected organizations associated with the
field for which a post-secondary program prepares students are vital. They signal
to employers a high standard of learning and often allow students special privileges
once they graduate.
Centennial College’s Tourism and Travel offering is one of the Travel and Tourism
Programs in Ontario that is endorsed by the Canadian Institute of Travel
Counsellors (CITC). As such, the CITC knowledge exam and Travel Industry Council
of Ontario minimum standards exam are included as part of the program. CITC
student membership and attendance at the annual Students in Travel
conference are also available to students.
That, however, is just the beginning of the benefits students enjoy by attending
this offering. From the campus to the Tourism and Travel courses and faculty
members, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for work
either retail or wholesale travel companies such as: tour operations, retail travel
agencies, Internet booking agencies, tourist offices, cruise lines and airlines.
Among the organizations at which Centennial College grads have been hired are
Marlin Travel, Sears Travel, Thomas Cook Group, Carlson Wagonlit, Air
Transat/Nolitours, Goway, Sunwing, Travel Corporation and Kensington Tours.
How does the campus benefit students of this offering? As home to all of the
programs within School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture, it contains facilities
that boast the latest software students will work with in the field. For students of
this offering that means Apollo and Sabre computerized airline reservation system
training. Additionally, the housing of all Hospitality, Tourism and Culture programs
at this one location ensures that students have plenty of networking opportunities
with peers as well as industry professionals. Networking (and an enhanced
experience) is furthered even more through an optional international field trip that
provides practical exposure to all aspects of travel as well as volunteer
opportunities at major events in and around Toronto (such as the Walk of Fame,
Rendezvous Canada and a range of trade shows).
In terms of particular courses, this offering rivals any travel and tourism degree
program as they offer students in-depth knowledge of airline tariffs and ticketing,
accommodation and ground transportation and the cruise industry. Students also
have extensive world destination knowledge, including culture and heritage
training, passport and visa requirements, travel security, customer sales and
service, and much more. Specific courses within this undertaking include:
Wholesale Tour Operations, Destinations (Western Hemisphere/ Europe and
Africa/Asia and the Pacific), Travel Agency Operations, Sales and Marketing for the
Travel Agency, and many others.
It is worth noting that cruise line training includes the Cruise Line International
Association (CLIA) two and a half-day “training fest” conducted by CLIA-Trainers.
To apply for this offering, students are required to have completed an Ontario
Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19
years or older) as well as English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade
required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission.