Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management

The Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is a practical qualification for people who want to work in the tourism industry. It covers how travel businesses operate, how to sell travel products, manage bookings and reservations, and look after clients from enquiry through to return. You study destination knowledge, both Australian and international, and learn how to put together itineraries and packages that actually work for the traveller and the business. There is also a strong focus on the business side: budgeting, rostering, marketing, and the legal and safety responsibilities that come with running tours or a travel agency.

How the course is structured

This diploma runs for 1.5 years. Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each with a set number of credit points, and you need to complete all required units to graduate. Delivery is usually across semesters or trimesters, with a mix of classroom learning, practical tasks and assessment. Some providers offer a work placement or industry project as part of the course, which gives you real experience in a travel agency, tour operation, visitor information centre or hotel. Because the course is competency-based, you are assessed on what you can do, not just what you know.

What you will learn

You will learn how to use reservation systems, interpret fare rules, handle customer complaints, and work within Australian consumer law and tourism industry codes. You also cover workplace health and safety, risk management for tours, and how to deal with emergencies. Marketing and social media for tourism businesses are often included, along with financial record-keeping and team leadership. By the end, you should be able to supervise a small team, manage a tourism operation, or work independently in a travel or tourism role.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want a hands-on qualification that gets them into the workforce quickly, or who are already working in tourism and want formal recognition to move into a supervisory role. It also works as a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in tourism, hospitality or business, with credit for your completed units. If you are an international student, you will need to meet English requirements. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, and TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the provider's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Check the official page for current details on units, delivery and intake dates.

• Travel agency consultant
• Tour guide or tour operations coordinator
• Reservations agent
• Visitor information officer
• Tourism marketing assistant
• Inbound tourism coordinator
• Hotel or resort front office supervisor
• Airline or cruise customer service roles

These roles are found across Australia in travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, visitor information centres, and government tourism bodies. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study in tourism, hospitality or business.