Take your travel career further – learn about special interest tourism, from women’s only treks through outback Australia to organic wine tasting adventures and whale watching in Antarctica. This course is ideal for travel agents, tour guides or anyone interested in a career in special interest tourism (SIT).
The Certificate of Special Interest Tourism is an online program that will explore niche travel experiences that provide clients with rewarding, enriching, learning or adventure holidays.
In this professional development course, you will learn about unique travel experiences and how to plan this type of experience for a client. You will also learn about risk management, how to package a tour and plan the perfect SIT itinerary.
You will also explore matters relating to visitor management, contingency planning and the effects of tourism on the host community.
On completion of this course, you will have gained vital knowledge to develop your skills in planning, packaging and managing special interest tours for clients.
Course Structure
Tourism Special Interest
Unit 1 – Sectors of the Tourism Industry
- Scope of the travel product (natural & cultural, events & sites)
Unit 2 – Types of Tourism
- Regional
- Rural
- Urban
Unit 3 – Accommodation Types
- Resorts and hotels
- Camping
- Back packers
- Cruise
- Special interest accommodation
Unit 4 – Cultural Tourism
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Theatre
- Indigenous tourism
- Historic parks
- Cultural vs heritage tourism
- Religious tourism
Unit 5 – Events and Festivals
- Concerts
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Seminars
Unit 6 – Environmental Tourism
- Natural attractions
- Nature based tourism
- Definitions
- Wildlife tourism
- Sustainable tourism and ecotourism
Unit 7 – Health and Adventure Tourism
- Health tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Walking tours
- Cycle tours
- Soft vs hard adventure tourism
- Rock climbing
- Space tourism
Unit 8 – More Special Interest Tourism
- Food and wine tourism
- Senior tourism
- Sex tourism
Unit 9 – Visitor Management and Contingency Planning
- Effects of tourism on the host community
- Managing visitors
- Planning for contingencies
- Common problems with visitor services
- Risk management (safety, financial, etc)
Unit 10 – Packaging a Tour
- Planning the itinerary;
- Costing
- Presenting the package
- Reviewing the package
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Travel Agents
- Tour Guides
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