Travel and Tourism

You don't need extensive travel experience to succeed on this course. What matters most is curiosity about the world, an interest in people and places, and a willingness to learn about how the industry operates. Many learners develop their first real understanding of global destinations, transport systems, and tourism organisations through the course itself.

Travel and tourism is a highly practical and vocational course, combining classroom learning with real-world experiences. Alongside written assignments, learners take part in a wide range of enrichment activities, trips, and employer-led opportunities designed to bring the industry to life.

These include guest speakers from across the travel and tourism sector, such as representatives from local and national tour operators, air cabin crew, and professionals working in transport, hospitality, and attractions. Learners also benefit from work experience opportunities with local employers including transport providers such as Hovertravel and South Western Railway, as well as opportunities with organisations such as British Airways, local hotels, restaurants, and museums.

The course is enriched through educational visits and trips, including visits to London, local and national attractions, and a residential trip abroad. Learners are encouraged to be actively involved in shaping enrichment opportunities, helping to choose destinations and experiences that reflect their interests and career ambitions.

In addition, students can take part in the Turing Scheme, enabling international travel and work or volunteering experiences in destinations such as Cambodia, Nepal, and Thailand. These experiences help learners build confidence, independence, cultural awareness, and employability skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

These programmes are designed to prepare learners for a wide range of future career ambitions and progression pathways, both immediately after study and in the longer term. Travel and tourism is a diverse, fast-paced, and global industry, where careers often evolve and branch into related sectors as skills and experience grow.

A qualification in travel and tourism can lead to opportunities across areas such as airlines and airports, cruise lines, travel agencies and tour operators, hotels and resorts, visitor attractions, events, customer service, marketing, and business administration. The transferable skills developed on the course - including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, customer focus, and professionalism - are highly valued by employers both within and beyond the sector.

Many learners also choose to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, or further professional training, or move into related industries such as hospitality, business, aviation, and international studies, giving them the flexibility to shape a career pathway that reflects their interests and ambitions.

Of course. Communication skills are developed gradually throughout the course. Tutors provide clear guidance, modelling, and structured feedback to help you improve written work, speaking, and presentations. Confidence grows over time, and support is available for learners who may need additional help.

Level 2 is for those who need to focus on developing their Maths and English or want to build confidence, focusing on core knowledge and practical skills.

Level 3 Introductory and Extended Diplomas are more in-depth and analytical, designed for learners aiming for higher education or skilled employment. Your tutors will guide you to the level that best suits your starting point and career goals.

While holidays are part of tourism, the course explores much more. You will learn about customer service, business operations, sustainability, marketing, global destinations, transport systems, and the economic and social impact of tourism. This gives you transferable skills valued across many industries. 

The College offers a supportive learning environment with access to academic support, study skills guidance, and additional learning support where needed. Tutors work closely with learners to ensure expectations are clear and that progress is monitored throughout the course. All lesson resources are available on Microsoft Teams alongside links to useful websites and other resources to support you. 

You will develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, customer service, research, digital skills, and professional behaviours. These are highly transferable skills that employers value both within travel and tourism and across the wider business and service sectors.

Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.

Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.

Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.

Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.

Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.

Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.

After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.

Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.

Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.

If you are unsure which course is right for you, our admissions and curriculum teams are here to help.

They can talk through subject options, entry requirements, career ambitions and progression routes, offering personalised advice based on your interests and strengths. Whether you are deciding between pathways or exploring a completely new direction, you wi'll receive clear and practical guidance.

We are committed to helping you choose a course that challenges you, supports you and gives you the space to grow, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.