Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management

This Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is a two-year qualification delivered by AAPoly, AMI Education. It sits at the diploma/advanced diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a hands-on, industry-facing qualification rather than a research degree. You will study the mechanics of the travel and tourism industry: how tourism products are sold and distributed, how to manage a travel business, how to build and price itineraries, how to handle customer service and complaints, how to market destinations, and how to work within the legal and safety frameworks that apply to tourism operators in Australia.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency. Each unit has a credit point value, and you need to complete all the required units, plus any electives the provider offers, to be awarded the qualification. Delivery is usually split across semesters or trimesters, with a mix of classroom learning, practical tasks, and assessment that mirrors real tourism work: role plays, case studies, projects, and group activities. Because this is an advanced diploma, the content goes further than a basic certificate: you look at operational planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and the kind of decision-making a team leader or duty manager does day to day.

What you actually learn

You learn how to research destinations and put together travel packages, how to use reservation and ticketing systems, how to manage relationships with suppliers such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators, and how to comply with Australian consumer law and work health and safety rules. There is a strong focus on communication, dealing with clients face to face, over the phone, and online, and on solving problems when flights are cancelled, bookings go wrong, or customers change their minds. Many providers include a work placement or industry project as part of the course, which gives you direct experience in a travel agency, tour operation, visitor information centre, or hotel. Confirm with AAPoly, AMI Education whether placement is included and how it is arranged.

Who it suits

This course suits people who want to work in the travel industry and prefer practical training over a theory-heavy university degree. It also suits someone already working in tourism, in a hotel front desk, a tour desk, or a call centre, who wants a formal qualification to move into a supervisory or management role. International students often choose this pathway because it is shorter and more applied than a bachelor degree, and because it can lead to post-study work options in Australia. If you are an international applicant, you will need to meet English requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, though you should check the exact score AAPoly, AMI Education requires. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the provider's own English programmes may be accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so make sure you meet both. While studying, a Student visa usually allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has started. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for the current amount and for any material changes to the course structure.

• Travel agency consultant or manager, selling flights, hotels, and packages, and supervising a retail or online travel team.
• Tour operator or tour coordinator, designing and running day tours, multi-day trips, and special-interest tours for domestic and inbound visitors.
• Visitor information officer or centre supervisor, working for local councils, tourism boards, or regional tourism organisations.
• Reservations or front office supervisor, in hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments, managing bookings and guest services.
• Destination marketing assistant, helping tourism bodies and private operators promote regions and events.
• Inbound tourism coordinator, looking after international visitors, handling itineraries, and liaising with overseas agents.
• Cruise or airline customer service roles, ground operations, call centres, and onboard hospitality.
• Events and conferences assistant, supporting business events, exhibitions, and functions with a tourism focus.

Australian industries that hire these roles include retail and online travel agencies, tour and experience operators, hotels and resorts, visitor information centres, regional tourism organisations, airlines and airports, cruise companies, and event management firms. The qualification can also be a stepping stone to further study, such as a bachelor degree in tourism, hospitality, or business, with credit for units you have already completed. If you are an international graduate, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may allow you to stay and work in Australia after you finish, provided you meet the visa requirements.