Year 12 Travel and Tourism

“We have an opportunity to listen to communities and design the future of tourism in New Zealand so that it benefits our people and our home.” 

Stephen England- Hall, Former Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand.

The Tourism industry in NZ is being re-imagined.  This means that the industry will need to adapt and pivot to the changing times. A post-Covid industry will need people who are adaptable and have a solid understanding of the challenges the industry is facing now and into the future. The government has made a commitment to the Tourism industry that it will be an important 'cog in the wheel' of NZ's economic recovery. NZ is in a great place, being a country that has dealt with the Covid-19 crisis well. This means we will be a desirable location for travellers from all over the world and it is predicted that our Tourism Industry will recover more quickly than other global destinations.

Now is the time to get involved in TOURISM!

Year 12 Travel and Tourism is an option designed as a direct pathway into the Travel and Tourism Industry. The course is structured differently to other subjects offered at BHS.

Students will be in Level 2, but completing Level 3 standards. Traditionally Tourism has been taught at Level 2 onwards, but with this two year course now offered from Level 1 it means students will have a real understanding of careers and pathways available to them. This could give participants the option to move into a job or further training outside school at the end of Year 12.

As part of a commitment to a two year course which began at Level 1 in 2024; a huge advantage in 2025, is that students have the opportunity to do work experience and GATEWAY. This enables students to experience the Tourism industry first hand. This opportunity could even lead on to future employment or an after school job!

Both in New Zealand and worldwide, the tourism industry has an increasing demand for confident, skilled people with a passion for providing great services and experiences to visitors from all over the world. If that gets you interested then this course is for you! Getting to experience the industry in-depth is a big part of this subject.

Throughout the year students will be exposed to a range of career pathways in the Tourism and Travel industries. This includes meeting a number of guest speakers who currently work and train people in the industry. There are also further opportunities for students to experience 'taster days' from some of the local Tourism and Travel providers such as The New Zealand School of Tourism (NZST), the International College of Tourism (ITC), Queenstown Resort College (QRC) and Ara. Examples of short courses include:

• Walt Disney World Florida taster. (NZST)
• Hotel Management taster. (NZST)
• Adventure short course (Adrenaline Forest). (ITC)
• Flight Attending short course. (ITC)
• Tourism sales short course (International Antarctic Centre). (ITC)
• Communication and Customer Service short course. (ITC)
• Aviation short course (ITC)
• Employment Skills short course (ITC)

Students will gain an insight of the five main sectors - Transportation, Accommodation, Sales, Attractions/Activities and Visitor Services. They develop knowledge of domestic and international tourist destinations, attractions/activities, major host countries/cities and generating tourist market/regions and tourism sustainability. Other skills attained include; good communication, recognising people's needs, developing digital literacy, research skills, experience teamwork and develop leadership skills.

Other skills attained include; good presentation and communication, statistical analysis, making calculations, recognising people's needs, developing digital literacy and research skills.

Upon completion, students may progress to a tertiary provider for subsequent study in Travel and Tourism at Levels 3 and 4. Another option for students is to choose Year 13 Geography which has focus on Tourism Development. 

The World is waiting. Make your career, travel!!