Some colleges of business offers bachelor's degrees in marketing with a specialization in tourism marketing. In addition, many hospitality management undergraduate degree programs provide extensive coursework in marketing subjects. Many, if not most, graduate programs in hospitality management have a marketing component to their degree requirements. Seminars provide strong training in tourism marketing trends for practicing tourism marketers. Professional associations also provide training for the tourism industry, including certification programs.
Undergraduate programs in marketing or hospitality management last as long as most other undergraduate programs, though some may take more than four years if a practicum at an attraction, restaurant or hotel is required. Graduate degrees normally require about 30 credits of graduate work, and students can complete them in 18 months if full time. Seminars normally take one hour to one day. Conferences lasting several days provide more extensive training on many aspects of tourism marketing.
In making the decision of whether to pursue graduate work or attend more informal programs, cost and time are important factors for most professionals. Seminars are often free or low-cost, especially those provided by local tourism bureaus to staff at member organizations, while degree programs can be costly. However, factors such as the prestige and depth of a degree versus informal training can make a degree program more attractive.
Tourism marketing training should provide a solid grounding in all the basics of marketing, while also adding a specific focus on the channels most relevant for tourism marketing, such as familiarization tours for public relations.
Admission to most undergraduate hospitality management programs is normally the same as for any degree program. Many master's programs require experience in the field of hospitality in addition to an undergraduate degree. Many seminars are open to all, while some programs offered by professional organizations require that attendees be members of the organization.