Department Of Tourism University Of Otago

By | January 4, 2022

Study tourism and gain all the right skills for a fun and fulfilling career in a re-energised industry.



Help re-establish one of New Zealand’s largest industries.

Tourism teaches you about:

  • the global principles that structure tourism
  • the nature and operation of the tourism industry
  • the impact, development and management of issues that arise in the industry
  • hospitality, planning, managing and marketing
  • destination management, tourist behaviour and tourism and hospitality enterprise management

Career opportunities

Tourism needs motivated, educated people who understand the wider environmental, social and economic issues affecting tourism businesses. With the broad business education gained by Otago graduates, you can work in:



  • marketing co-ordinators
  • events and meetings co-ordinators
  • economic development officers
  • accommodation and restaurant/business managers
  • operation co-ordinators or managers
  • museum curators
  • tourism organisations – e.g. Tourism New Zealand
  • tour guides and operators • Self-employed
  • researchers, academics, policy makers and planners
  • hotel management – sales and marketing, front office, reservations, revenue
  • event management – business and corporate events, exhibitions and convention events, private events such as weddings and celebrations
  • food and beverage management – sales, quality assurance, regional outlet management
  • online travel company roles – market development, pricing and revenue, marketing and sales

“Graduates who studied across multi-divisional subject areas have a more systemic perspective and better critical thinking skills – they are more resilient and can contribute to multiple areas. We like that Otago graduates have made the decision to go out of their comfort zone and become independent by moving to Dunedin to study.”
Saskia Verraes, GM Responsible Management, Tourism Holdings Ltd