Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism

About the Course

This online hospitality course provides an introduction and overview of the global hospitality and tourism industry, its growth and development, industry segments and their distinguishing characteristics, trends and current concerns. Students are introduced to professional hospitality career opportunities and the employability skills needed to succeed in specific hospitality career.

The Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism (IHT) course shows students how to analyze the key factors responsible for the growth and development of hospitality and tourism, identifying current trends and challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism industry, and understanding hotel classifications and the different types of hotel ownership and development.

This course will help identify possible career paths for hospitality graduates with emphasis on the vast opportunities open to those who possess the knowledge, skills and personal qualities expected of potential industry leaders. We will also discuss the importance of exercising effective leadership and management techniques, as well as the defining characteristics of effective leaders in the hospitality industry.

You Will Learn

• The key factors responsible for the growth and development of hospitality and tourism
• Hospitality industry trends and challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism industry, in the context of global economic, environmental, health and other social concerns
• Hotel classifications and describe the different types of hotel ownership and development, i.e. franchising and management contracts
• Possible career paths for hospitality graduates with emphasis on the vast opportunities open to those who possess the knowledge, skills and personal qualities expected of potential industry leaders
• The importance of effective service leadership and management, and the characteristics of effective leaders in the hospitality industry

Program Syllabus

• M1 The Hospitality and Tourism Industry

  In this first module, you’ll explore the key differences between tourism and hospitality and identify the main sectors that make up this dynamic umbrella industry. You’ll also discover what makes its products and services unique—and why this industry is all about creating memorable experiences.

• M2 Tourism and Today’s Traveler

  Tourism never sleeps—it’s a 24/7, year-round global industry. In this module, you’ll explore tourism’s powerful economic impact and its role as one of the world’s largest sources of employment. You’ll also examine why people travel, identify current travel trends, and discuss the wide-ranging effects of tourism on communities and economies.

• M3 Lodging Sector

  The world of lodging is dynamic and ever-evolving. In this module, you’ll explore the rich history of the lodging industry, discover the different types of accommodations and how they’re classified, and examine current trends shaping top hotel companies around the world. Get ready to deepen your understanding—and your excitement—for this essential sector of hospitality.

• M4 Hotel Operations

  Guests don’t want isolated moments of service—they want a total quality experience. This module explores the key departments and roles within a hotel and how each contributes to creating seamless, memorable guest experiences through teamwork and service excellence.

• M5 Food and Beverage Sector

  Dining out has become a global lifestyle. Around the world, people are spending more money on food prepared away from home than ever before. This growing trend has fueled one of the most dynamic and diverse sectors of the hospitality industry—the restaurant and food service industry.

• M6 Restaurant Operations

  Running a restaurant is truly a team effort. Behind every great dining experience is a coordinated group of professionals ensuring that service runs smoothly, food is purchased and prepared correctly, and budgets are carefully managed. In this module, you’ll gain an inside look at the daily operations of a restaurant—from the front of the house, where guest service and ambiance matter most, to the back of the house, where culinary skill and organization keep everything on track.

• M7 Cruise Sector

  All hands on deck! Get ready to set sail as this module takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of the cruise industry—one of the fastest-growing and most exciting sectors in global tourism. You’ll explore how cruising has evolved from luxury ocean voyages to today’s floating resorts that offer something for everyone.

• M8 Gaming Entertainment

  Welcome to the exciting world of gaming and entertainment! This module explores one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors of the hospitality industry—the gaming and entertainment field. You’ll learn how this sector has grown far beyond traditional casinos to include integrated resorts, theme parks, live performances, sports venues, and immersive entertainment experiences that attract millions of guests each year.

• M9 Event Management

  Step into the fast-paced world of conventions and event planning! This module provides an in-depth overview of the conventions, meetings, and events sector—one of the most dynamic and collaborative areas of hospitality and tourism. You’ll learn how this industry brings people together for conferences, trade shows, festivals, weddings, and corporate events, while drawing on the expertise of many other hospitality sectors including lodging, food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment.

• M10 Spirit of Hospitality

  Service excellence is the heartbeat of the hospitality industry. With growing competition and guests demanding ever more unique and memorable experiences, exceptional service has become the true differentiator between success and mediocrity. In this module, you’ll explore what defines outstanding guest service and learn how every interaction—no matter how small—shapes the overall guest experience.