Tourism and Hospitality Management
The field of Tourism and Hospitality Management focuses on the study and management of activities related to travel, accommodation, leisure, and the business of tourists across various destinations. This discipline aims to develop and enhance the tourism industry and improve tourists’ satisfaction with their travel experiences. It is a branch of social sciences that involves studying and analyzing the development of tourism in different societies and its impact on the economy, culture, society, and environment. The program centers on the science of tourism, leisure, and travel, providing students with the necessary techniques to create optimal tourism experiences.
Academic Curriculum
In this field, students are introduced to the history of tourism, theoretical and practical aspects of tourism development, management, and marketing of the tourism industry, recreation and entertainment, societal and environmental impacts of tourism, and ways to ensure tourists’ well-being through facilities and tourism products. The curriculum is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills, preparing them to handle various aspects of the tourism and hospitality sector.
Career Prospects
Experts in Tourism and Hospitality Management are involved in managing and ensuring the quality of tourist experiences, as well as engaging in marketing and guaranteeing sales for tours. They play a pivotal role in the strategic development and operational efficiency of tourism enterprises. Students graduating from this program can expect to find opportunities in diverse areas such as tourism planning, event management, travel consultancy, hospitality services, and more.
Studying Tourism and Hospitality in Malaysia
The field of Tourism and Hospitality is one of the most popular and lucrative academic disciplines in Malaysia. As a globally renowned tourist destination, Malaysia boasts a dynamic and thriving tourism industry. Consequently, Malaysian universities offer high-quality education in this field and enjoy international recognition. Here are some reasons why pursuing a degree in Tourism and Hospitality at Malaysian universities is recommended for international students:
- Wide Range of Specializations: Students can choose from a diverse array of specializations related to tourism, such as Tourism Management, Tourism Development Planning, Religious Tourism, Ecotourism, Geotourism, and more.
- Renowned Universities: Malaysian universities are highly regarded in global rankings and have academic collaborations with other prestigious institutions worldwide.
- English Language Instruction: The programs are offered in English, allowing students to enhance their language and communication skills in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: International students can benefit from various scholarships and financial aids provided by the Malaysian government and universities.
- Practical Experience: Students gain practical and professional experience within Malaysia's tourism industry and establish connections with employers and entrepreneurs in the field.
- Permanent Residency Opportunities: After graduation, students may have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency and migrate to Malaysia, provided they meet the legal requirements.
Studying Tourism and Hospitality in Malaysia not only provides a robust academic foundation but also opens doors to a wealth of career opportunities in a vibrant and rapidly growing industry.
Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Specializations in Malaysia
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| Geotourism | This specialization focuses on the study and management of tourism activities that aim to appreciate, enjoy, and conserve areas with geomorphological, geotectonic, geoclimatic, and geo-historical values. It is designed to provide responsible and sustainable services to geotourists while preserving and promoting geomorphological heritage. |
| Ecotourism | This specialization emphasizes the study and management of tourism activities aimed at appreciating, enjoying, and conserving natural ecosystems and environments. It is designed to offer responsible and sustainable services to nature tourists and to protect and develop natural and environmental resources. |
| Religious Tourism | This specialization involves the study and management of tourism activities conducted for religious, spiritual, cultural, and historical reasons. It aims to provide appropriate services to religious tourists while preserving and enhancing religious values and heritage. |
| Tourism Marketing | This specialization focuses on the study and implementation of marketing processes and communications related to tourism. It aims to offer methods and tools for identifying, attracting, satisfying, and retaining tourists while increasing the market share of tourism. |
| Tourism Development Planning | This specialization examines and plans sustainable tourism development strategies at national, regional, and local levels. It aims to provide solutions for optimizing tourism resources and capacities while minimizing its negative impacts on the environment and society. |
| Tourism Studies | This specialization explores and analyzes various aspects of tourism from scientific, cultural, social, economic, political, and environmental perspectives. It aims to provide new knowledge and theories in tourism and its connection with other disciplines. |
| Travel and Tourism Management | This specialization involves the study and management of travel and transportation for tourists. It is designed to teach the skills needed for planning, organizing, executing, and controlling travel tours and providing appropriate transportation services to tourists. |
| Hotel and Tourism Management | This specialization focuses on the study and management of hotel and tourist accommodation operations. It aims to teach the necessary skills for efficiently managing hotels and providing suitable services to tourists and travelers. |
| Hospitality and Tourism Management | This specialization focuses on the study and management of hospitality services such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, amusement parks, and others provided to tourists. It aims to improve the quality and efficiency of these services while creating added value for tourists and related businesses. |
| Tourism Management | This specialization studies and manages activities related to travel, accommodation, recreation, and business for tourists at various destinations. It is designed to develop and enhance the tourism industry and increase tourist satisfaction with travel experiences. |
This table provides an overview of various specializations within the Tourism and Hospitality field in Malaysia.
Course Content of Tourism and Hospitality
The course content and general and specialized subjects of the Tourism and Hospitality program in Malaysian universities may vary depending on the specialization, level, and university. However, in general, some of the subjects typically taught in this field include:
- Fundamentals of Tourism
- Tourism Management
- Hospitality and Hotel Management
- Travel and Tourism Management
- Tourism Studies
- Tourism Development Planning
- Tourism Marketing
- Religious Tourism
- Ecotourism
- Geotourism
- Cultural and Historical Tourism
- Medical Tourism
- Sports Tourism
- Responsible Tourism
- Specialized English Language
- Research Methodology
- Accounting
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Tourism Laws and Regulations
- Event Management
- E-Tourism
- Protocol and Etiquette!
Best Universities for Tourism and Hospitality in Malaysia
Based on the QS World University Rankings 2024, the best universities for Tourism and Hospitality in Malaysia are:
| University Name | Official Website Link | University Logo |
|---|---|---|
| UPM | https://www.upm.edu.my | |
| Taylor's University | https://university.taylors.edu.my/en.html | |
| APU | http://www.apu.edu.my/ | |
| Sunway University | https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/ |
Language Requirements for Tourism and Hospitality Studies in Malaysia
| Minimum Passing Score | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 5 | IELTS |
| 40 | TOEFL IBT |
| 47 | Pearson |
| Band 3.5 | MUET |
Please note that the minimum passing scores for language tests may vary depending on the university and the level of stud.
Tuition Fees for Tourism and Hospitality Studies in Malaysia
The tuition fees for Tourism and Hospitality studies at Malaysian universities depend on the level and type of course, the university, and the duration of the program. Generally, studying in Malaysia is more affordable compared to other countries, and you can also benefit from various scholarships.
- At the undergraduate level, the tuition fees for Tourism and Hospitality studies at Malaysian universities range from approximately 20,000 to 30,000 MYR per year.
- At the postgraduate level, the tuition fees for Tourism and Hospitality studies at Malaysian universities range from approximately 15,000 to 25,000 MYR per year.
Career Opportunities for Tourism and Hospitality Graduates in Malaysia
Graduates of Tourism and Hospitality from Malaysian universities can find employment in various sectors of the tourism industry. Some of the available job opportunities include:
- Manager, employee, or consultant in travel agencies, companies, or organizations
- Manager, employee, or consultant in hotels, motels, inns, resorts, or tourist accommodations
- Manager, employee, or consultant in air, sea, rail, or road transportation companies or organizations
- Manager, employee, or consultant in recreational, entertainment, cultural, historical, religious, natural, or sports venues
- Manager, employee, or consultant in event planning, conferences, symposiums, festivals, or ceremonies
- Manager, employee, or consultant in travel insurance, banking, or financial services related to tourism
- Tour guide, tour operator, tour planner, or tour leader
- Blogger, journalist, presenter, interviewer, documentary maker, or travel photographer
- Researcher, lecturer, consultant, or expert in scientific, cultural, social, economic, political, or environmental fields related to tourism
- Entrepreneur, manager, or participant in innovative, creative, or sustainable businesses in the tourism sector
The salary for Tourism and Hospitality graduates from Malaysian universities varies depending on the job, skills, experience, qualifications, workplace, and demand level. On average, a graduate in this field can earn approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per month in Malaysia. However, this amount may differ in other countries.
