Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing

Certificate

Hours: 12 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing at Fort Hays State University offers focused training in the operations and marketing of tourism and hospitality businesses. Designed to function either as an independent credential or as a complement to other academic programs, this certificate enables students to deepen their understanding of the tourism industry and strengthen their marketing expertise.

Through a concise 12-credit curriculum, students develop a solid foundation in marketing principles, social media strategies, and industry-specific promotional techniques, equipping them to effectively address the distinct marketing challenges within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Why pursue a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing offers a distinctive combination of theoretical knowledge and practical industry application, making it an excellent choice for aspiring tourism professionals. Developed with guidance from an industry advisory board and taught by faculty with extensive professional experience, the certificate ensures that students gain relevant, real-world insights.

Structured with flexibility, the certificate can be completed through online or on-campus courses, accommodating the needs of working professionals and students with varying schedules. Upon completion, participants gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic field of tourism marketing.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is well-suited for individuals seeking to broaden their expertise in tourism marketing, whether to complement an existing academic program or to enhance their professional qualifications. It is particularly valuable for:

Students pursuing a major in marketing, business, or tourism
Professionals in hospitality seeking additional marketing skills
Individuals interested in sustainable tourism and destination marketing
Working professionals looking for career advancement in the tourism sector
Aspiring event managers and tourism operators

Real-World Applications

The certificate provides students with direct exposure to the challenges and opportunities within the tourism industry. Core courses focus on applying marketing principles to real-world scenarios, including destination branding, customer engagement, and hospitality management.

Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, students cultivate the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for successful marketing in this dynamic field. Students emerge with practical, industry-relevant expertise, ready to make immediate and meaningful contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum emphasizes key industry trends, including digital marketing, data management, and sustainable tourism practices, equipping students with forward-thinking strategies and innovative approaches. These elements enable students to bring fresh perspectives on tourism marketing, enhancing visitor experiences while promoting sustainability.

Guided by an advisory board of industry professionals, the certificate offers up-to-date content that reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality. Faculty members with extensive real-world experience further enrich the curriculum by sharing insights into emerging practices such as social media campaigns, destination storytelling, and data-driven marketing analytics.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing emphasizes experiential learning, bridging classroom knowledge with real-world application. Instructors integrate hands-on projects that reflect the types of tasks students will encounter in their professional careers.

Students can further enrich their experience by engaging in tourism-related student organizations and participating in travel opportunities that provide additional industry insights and valuable networking connections. Together, these practical projects and extracurricular activities equip students with a well-rounded skill set, preparing them to enter the job market with strong, competitive qualifications.

What You’ll Learn:

Industry sector insights and trends
Targeted tourism marketing skills
Enhanced critical thinking abilities
Global and cultural awareness
Professional development in communication

How You’ll Learn:

Flexibility in online or on-campus classes
Real-world examples and case studies
Guest speakers with industry experience
Hands-on projects in tourism marketing
Elective options for personalized learning

Courses

Students complete a 12-credit-hour certificate that explores essential topics such as Tourism and Hospitality Marketing and Marketing Principles, providing a strong foundation in the key theories and strategies that drive the industry.

To tailor their learning experience, students select an elective course that aligns with their professional interests. Elective options may include event planning, sustainable tourism, or hotel management, allowing participants to develop specialized expertise. This flexibility equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue diverse career opportunities across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

THM 621: Tourism and Hospitality Marketing

This course introduces the basic concepts and principles of service and destination marketing. Students will learn about the marketing and promotional mix within a service industry environment. Students will also learn about destination branding, individual and organizational customers, competition, and the marketing environment within the context of hospitality and tourism. Ultimately, students will master the steps involved in preparing a marketing plan for a small service business.

MKT 301: Marketing Principles

A study of the principles and practices of the marketing function. Includes a survey of both consumer and industrial products, the channels through which they are distributed, and the promotion and pricing procedures followed by modern business.

MKT 610: Social Media Marketing

This course focuses on current strategies and tactics for effectively and efficiently deploying social media tools within the marketing function. It is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, with an emphasis on a strategic approach to social media marketing. Conceptual foundations and practical techniques necessary for creating a comprehensive and effective social media marketing plan are incorporated.

Discover the full Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing are well-prepared to pursue successful careers across a variety of roles within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Potential career paths include management, event coordination, and executive positions, where specialized marketing expertise is increasingly valued and sought after.

Events Manager

The events manager works with local businesses, government agencies, and tourism boards to create engaging experiences. Responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating logistics, negotiating with vendors, and marketing events to attract diverse audiences.

Corporate Executive in Hospitality

Corporate executives lead teams, develop growth strategies, and uphold service standards. Their expertise in tourism marketing enables them to create campaigns that enhance guest experiences, build brand loyalty, and maintain competitiveness.

General Manager

General managers oversee daily operations, staff, and customer service at tourism facilities like hotels, resorts, and theme parks. They manage budgets and are responsible for the facility’s financial performance and customer satisfaction.

Hotel Manager

Hotel managers oversee operations, guest services, and marketing efforts. They manage room allocation, customer relations, and campaigns that highlight the hotel’s unique features.

Food and Beverage Director

Food and beverage directors manage dining operations at hotels, resorts, and event venues, overseeing menu development, staff training, budgeting, and marketing the dining experience.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers additional programs that complement and expand the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing, providing students with opportunities to deepen their expertise or explore related academic fields.

FAQ

What skills will I develop through the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing?

Students develop critical marketing skills tailored to the tourism industry, including understanding consumer behavior, digital marketing, and destination branding, which are directly applicable to the field.

Can I add a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing to my current degree program?

Students can add this certificate to any academic major or pursue it as a standalone credential, providing them with a flexible path to gaining specialized expertise in tourism marketing.

What industries hire professionals with a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing?

Students who complete the certificate can pursue careers in tourism, hospitality, event planning, and related fields that benefit from marketing expertise and customer engagement strategies.

Are there options for practical experience in the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing?

Yes, students engage in hands-on projects, guest lectures, and case studies, and can join student organizations focused on tourism, which provides valuable industry exposure.

What is the average time to complete the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing?

The certificate comprises 12 credit hours, and most students can complete it within one academic year. However, depending on their course load, some students complete it within one semester.

Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in business by aligning individual strengths and goals with the evolving needs of the global marketplace. Whether pursuing a degree on-campus or online, students benefit from programs that emphasize practical business knowledge, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking decision-making skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment.

The department offers a diverse range of academic pathways, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Its immersive curriculum, delivered by faculty who remain actively engaged with current industry trends, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed across a variety of sectors, from local enterprises to international organizations. FHSU graduates are consistently in high demand, reflected in strong job placement rates and a network of successful alumni.

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