Tourism Service Organisation
Enrol in the “Tourism Service Organisation” higher vocational education programme and find yourself a world of possibilities that can shape your future career!
Short-cycle higher vocational education programmes are the highest-level vocational education that provides a possibility to acquire the fifth level of professional qualification “Tourism Service Organiser”. “Tourism Service Organisation” higher vocational education programme is a good starting point for students who would like to continue their professional careers in tourism and related fields, as well as to develop their professional expertise, skills and knowledge.
As of currently, the tourism industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled specialists since tourism has almost fully rebounded and international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Get yourself a chance to discover the world through the prism of tourism!
Study programme | Tourism Service Organisation* |
---|---|
Qualification | Tourism Service Organiser |
Programme volume | 120 ECTS |
Form of study | Full-time, part-time, part-time extramural (e-studies) |
Programme duration | Full-time studies – 4 semesters (2 years); |
Programme language | Latvian, English |
Programme tuition fees | from EUR 2500 / year |
* According to the Study Quality Commission’s decision Nr. 2024/18-L from 07.08.2024, the study direction “Hotel and restaurant service, tourism and leisure organisation” and the short-cycle higher vocational education programme “Tourism Service Organisation” are licenced till __________. The accreditation procedure for the study direction is scheduled to take two years from the first day of the study program’s implementation, until _________.
Aim of the Study Programme
To provide highly qualified, competitive, responsible and knowledgeable specialists in the tourism industry following professional standard requirements of the fifth level of professional qualification (PKL 5) “Tourism Service Organiser” (corresponds to the fifth level of the Latvian qualifications framework (LKI 5). A comprehensive curriculum teaches students about numerous aspects of tourism management, including customer service, destination marketing, digital skills for tourism, tourism organisation, tourism project management, and sustainable tourism practices.
- To provide full-fledged theoretical knowledge and practical skills so that graduates can fulfil the duties of tourism service organisers in tourism companies both in Latvia and abroad.
- To ensure the acquisition of modern general knowledge and skills, which would facilitate the start of a career for graduates in the tourism industry.
- To create an opportunity for students to practically learn the skills necessary for the profession, by attracting lecturers with practical work experience in the field of tourism and cooperating with employers in providing internships.
- Encourage students to learn skills, analytical abilities, and readiness to formulate and solve professional problems and tasks.
- Able to identify problem situations and find their solution, based on versatile knowledge in business and the tourism sector;
- Can coordinate and manage the activity of a structural unit of a small company;
- Able to select, analyse and interpret information, and make appropriate decisions within their competence;
- Able to develop, evaluate and introduce new tourism products according to market demand;
- Able to assess the economic profitability of tourism products;
- Able to organise teamwork, and work effectively individually and in a group, including in a multi-disciplinary environment;
- Can effectively communicate with customers, suppliers, and business partners in an international environment.
- Professional English
- Professional French
- Legal norms and labour rights
- Professional communication and ethics
- Applied research methods and basic statistics
- Entrepreneurship fundamentals
- Workplace ergonomics and occupational safety
- Human resource management
- Civil defence and environmental protection
- Study paper and presentation guidelines
- Latvian language for foreign students
Study internship (24 ECTS):
- Study internship I
- Study internship II
Qualification paper (12 ECTS):
- Qualification Paper
- Introduction to travel and tourism
- Reservation systems in travel and tourism
- Tourism services sales
- Marketing for tourism
- Sustainable and responsible tourism
- Tourism business environment
- Geography of Latvian and world tourism destinations
- Tourism product development
- International tourism supply chains
- Customer experience management in tourism
- Project management in tourism
- Contemporary tourism types and trends
- History of world cultures and heritage
- Tourism study project
- Digital marketing for tourism
- Tourism consumer behaviour
Study Programme Academic Staff
College academic staff comprises professionals from both academic and vocational backgrounds, which ensures the full implementation of the tasks of the programme and achieving the intended learning outcomes. The College collaborates with tourism industry professionals for guest lecture organisations and professional field trips.
Practical Studies
At least 30% of all lectures are aimed at developing practical skills
Guest Lectures
Industry experts are often invited to share the knowledge with students
Case Studies
Real-world industry instances are being analysed regularly
Field Trips
Visits to local travel agencies, tour operators and hospitality providers
Student Research
Students participate in the annual applied research conference
Computer Lab
Modern computer lab is equiped with Amadeus reservation system
An internship is a crucial component of vocational studies since it allows students to obtain on-the-job experience in the tourism industry. The college provides internship placements in Latvia and abroad. Please see the Internship section for more information.
The programme aims to prepare graduates for a variety of professional roles in the tourism industry by offering practical experience, industry insights, and a foundation in tourism business organisation concepts. Graduates can successfully enter the labour market, work in companies, institutions and public organisations as travel agents or consultants, tourism route planers, guides or tour leaders, airline and cruise line clerks, tourism development and planning specialists, and digital tourism specialists – these are just a few examples where the graduate will be able to build a career.
Graduates will have an opportunity to continue their studies in higher education institutions in Latvia or abroad, starting from the third year of a bachelor’s programme in a similar direction of the studies, for example, Tourism Management. More information is in the Academic Partners section.
General Admission Requirements
Enrolment in the study programme is based on the competition of the results. A higher secondary education certificate that proves passing all the centrally organised state examinations is a prerequisite for competition selection. Applicants seeking to enrol in an English language program must be proficient in English at least at the B2 level according to the CEFR. International applicants must pass an extra entrance examination (interview), which is conducted to ascertain the applicant’s reasons for enrolling in a study programme. See more in the Admission Procedures section.