Six Best Spots for Tourism Studies

Travel is one of the most popular hobbies shared by people all over the world. After all, there’s no better way to discover new adventures, experience new things, and make new friends than by traveling to far-off places. Just how popular is travel? Peopleandtheplanet.com says, “By some measures, tourism may already be the world’s largest industry, with annual revenue approaching $500 billion.”

Of course, few people can spend all of their time traveling. Why not? Because earning a living has to enter the picture at some point. But following your wanderlust and having a job don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Tourism, hospitality, and leisure studies prepare students to take on vital roles in this sought-after sector while simultaneously supporting the love of travel. Not sure where to begin? Read on to discover the top six countries for studying travel and tourism.

1. Sweden
If IKEA, ABBA and Volvo are the extent of your knowledge of Sweden, it may be time to broaden your horizons. Considered by many to be one of the planet’s most livable places, Sweden is known for its gender equality, gorgeous scenery (and inhabitants), rich history, and sustainability.

Sweden is also celebrated for its strong degree programs in tourism, including Mid Sweden University’s Master in Tourism Studies. This year-long program, drawn from leading tourism research entity the European Tourism Research Institute, offers degrees in two disciplines: tourism studies and human geography. Students learn through a number of different modes, including everything from independent research to field trips. And what better place to learn more about sustainable development than Sweden? Looking to do some travel of your own while you’re there? Mid Sweden University’s campus is situated in Östersund -- close to both Swedish and Norwegian mountain ranges with easy proximity to Europe’s other leading destinations.

2. Switzerland
Switzerland has long been lauded as a premier international study destination for its unbeatable combination of quality of life and top universities. But did you know that Switzerland also has a legacy as the “birthplace of hospitality”? Home to the world’s first grand, palace-style hotels, Switzerland has played host to international luminaries drawn to everything from the country’s precision to its innovation.

More than 100 years later, Switzerland continues to set the standard in the hospitality industry, making it an unbeatable place to study tourism in programs like the Sustainability Management School’s Master in Sustainable Tourism and Protected Areas (MAM), The University of Applied Sciences HTW Chur’s MSc Business Administration in Tourism, ESOAD’s Master Européen de Management et Stratégie Touristique, and UIBS’s Master in Business Studies -- Tourism and Hospitality Management.

3. The United States
More than 75 million people traveled to the U.S. in 2014, according to figures from the World Bank. And the vast majority of them need lodging, food, and other guidance along the way regarding how to best experience the country Lonely Planet describes as a “watercolor masterpiece.”

What makes the US a great place to study tourism? For starters, the breadth and depth of its offerings across hundreds of courses and programs, many of which are located in the country’s biggest tourism destinations. Factor in a commitment to innovation and top global rankings, and it’s no surprise that world’s most prestigious hospitality companies recruit grads with tourism degrees from the U.S.

4. Thailand
As tourism to Thailand continues to rise, so does the appeal of hospitality studies in this vibrant and visually stunning destination. The recent boom in English language course in Thailand means there are plenty of options for English speakers -- as well as those looking to hone their English language skills -- amidst Thailand’s hospitality degrees.

Have a love of tourism and a mind for business? Consider the Bangkok School of Management’s MBA in International Tourism Management to position yourself for a leadership role in this red-hot industry.

5. France
France is one of the world’s most visited countries, with Paris alone laying claim to 45 million tourists annually. Why do so many people yearn to visit the city of lights? In addition to its amazing food, breathtaking architecture, and impossibly chic people, France is also known for its unparalleled offerings when it comes to tourism and hospitality.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a consummate learning experience, look no further than France’s tourism degrees focused on everything from hotel management to global tourism with applications across multiple sectors including hotels and resorts, restaurants, spas, wellness centers, theme parks, and many others.

6. The Netherlands
In attempting to encapsulate the many charms of The Netherlands, Lonely Planet writer Catherine Le Nevez enthuses, “What I love about the country above all is its spirit. If something doesn't exist, the Dutch will design it, build it, manufacture it, recycle it, craft it, launch it (the Netherlands is one of the world's hottest startup hubs) and make it a reality. There's a sense that anything's possible here (and it invariably is).”

While this remarkable national attitude makes The Netherlands a wonderful place to visit, it also makes it an exceptional destination for students in the cutting-edge field of tourism. With so much growth and so many ongoing changes, businesses in this industry must evolve just to keep up. The Netherlands’ fusion of tradition and innovation make its tourism degree programs ideal environments for fostering the skills necessary to survive and thrive in a multifaceted career in tourism.

According to the world tourism organization UNWTO, tourism accounts for 12 percent of all jobs. Are you ready to step into one of them? A tourism degree from one of these six countries -- or from another tourism program destination of your choosing -- can help you get your tourism career journey off to a terrific start.