Overview
The BCIT Tourism and Hospitality Associate Certificate is your gateway to the dynamic world of tourism—a thriving industry that generates more than $18 billion in annual revenue(1), more than any other resource industry in B.C. This program focuses on the business of tourism, providing you with practical, job-ready skills and a solid foundation in essential business areas such as digital marketing, event management, indigenization and sustainability.
As one of B.C.’s top economic drivers, tourism offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. With the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, this is an ideal time to gain a deep understanding of how tourism works while learning how to contribute to responsible and environmentally conscious practices that benefit local and global communities.
Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning into a new career, BCIT offers hands-on learning that prepares you to lead and succeed. With this associate certificate, you’ll gain a versatile business toolkit and leadership expertise, empowering you to shape your own career path in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Source (1): Destination BC
https://www.destinationbc.ca/news/opinion-bcs-tourism-industry-a-resilient-economic-driver/
Entrance Requirements
About Flexible Learning
Part-time courses are offered in various scheduling formats, including at night or on weekends, flexible daytime delivery, or you can opt for distance or online learning. If you meet the prerequisites and there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring/Summer (April).
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year with intake options available during the following periods:
- Winter (January) intake: open February 1* and close January 2*
- Spring (April) intake: open May 1* and close April 1*
- Fall (September) intake: open October 1* and close September 1*
Intakes may fill before the deadline. If you are currently registered in a course or planning to start, submit your application early to secure your spot in the program.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 52.0903)
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Bring your own device
Most courses and programs in the School of Business + Media are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Please ensure you bring a laptop to every class. Plug-in outlets will be provided at most stations in classrooms, but not in all classrooms, so please ensure you have at least 2 hours of battery life available at the beginning of each class. Check the following recommended computer requirements prior to the start of class. If a program or course does not require you to provide your own device, that information will be provided by your instructor or indicated in the course outline.
For online classes, it is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Important updates to Flexible Learning
Please note: part-time programs and courses are open enrolment and although we make every effort to accommodate demand, course registration cannot be guaranteed in every semester. High demand courses fill quickly and may result in students unable to register for a course that semester. Courses may also be cancelled due to low enrolment.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| 1. Required Courses (12.0 credits): | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| MKTG 1000 | The Business of Tourism and Hospitality | 3.0 | |
| MKTG 1030 | Leisure Travel Marketing and Sales | 3.0 | |
| MKTG 1120 | Event Planning Essentials | 3.0 | |
| MKTG 1352 | Digital Marketing | 3.0 | |
| 2. Complete 3.0 credits from the following list of electives: | Credits | ||
| COMM 1103 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | 3.0 | |
| MKTG 1060 | Tourism Entrepreneurship | 3.0 | |
| MKTG 1146 | Introduction to Sustainable Marketing | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 15.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Employment opportunities may be found in the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
- 1123 – Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
- 1226 – Conference and event planners
- 4163 – Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants
- 4167 – Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- 6513 – Food and beverage servers
Examples of job titles include:
- Tourism Public Relations Coordinator
- Hotel Sales Coordinator
- Destination Marketing Coordinator
- Event Coordinator
- Guest Experience Coordinator
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Contact Us
If you have questions that you could not find the answer to online, or if you require further assistance, please contact us:
Candace Marrington – Student Inquiries
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8723
Email: Candace_Marrington@bcit.ca
Tracey Renzullo
Flexible Learning Program Head
Tel: 604-451-7033
Email: Tracey_Renzullo@bcit.ca
Contact a Flexible Learning Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Course selection and program planning
- Declaring your program
- Making changes to your approved program plan
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Laddering options
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Questions or comments?
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