Burnside High School Burnside High School

NCEA Level 3 Tourism

13TOU
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms D. Lee.

Recommended Prior Learning

Nil - an interest in the travel and tourism industry would be helpful.


“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.

Re-imagine how Tourism will operate in the post-Covid world and be an integral part of reconnecting people again in the future!  New Zealand will be an exemplar on rebuilding its tourism industry!  Future tourism careers will play a pivotal role in the "bounce back" of tourism in New Zealand and beyond. There will be places for everyone - customer service, operations, sales and marketing, technology, human resources and finance.

Both domestically and internationally, the tourism industry will increasingly demand confident, skilled people with a passion for providing great services and experiences to visitors from all over the world. The qualifications gained from this course provides students with specialist understanding of this diverse and exciting sector. 

Tourism students will be learning what the airline, travel and tourism industry wants them to know: 

• Attain in-depth knowledge of New Zealand, Australia and Europe as tourist destinations.

• Gain insight on the economic significance of tourism to local, regional and global  economies.

• Delve into the tourism industry and how it operates at different levels.

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) 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)

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

Upon completion, students may progress to a tertiary provider for subsequent study in Travel and Tourism Levels 3 and 4.  Alternatively, specialist industry knowledge attained also provides a solid foundation for University level study in this field. 

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




Learning Areas:

Social Science


Career Pathways

Sales and Marketing Manager, Aeroplane Pilot, Hotel/Motel Manager, Travel Agent/Adviser, Customs Officer, Outdoor Recreation Guide/Instructor, Flight Attendant, Receptionist, Sales Representative, Retail Manager, Deckhand, Waiter/Waitress, Bus Driver, Retail Sales Assistant, Chef, Event Manager, Maitre d’Hotel, Human Resources Adviser, Helicopter Pilot, Translator, Ship's Master, Recreation Co-ordinator


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

In 2024 learning resources will cost approximately $60. In addition, there will be a cost of approximately $50 for a range of local field trips. Optional career 'tasters' may also incur additional expenses.

This course will have an online learning component that would suit Bring Your Own Device - students bringing a netbook or laptop to class.