Tourism Program (Specializations: Recreation and Event Management; Tourism Management)

1. Why Society Needs Recreation, Event Management, and Tourism Management

The strong recovery of global tourism, combined with Vietnam’s strategic vision to position tourism as a key economic sector, has created unprecedented demand for well-trained professionals. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry is projected to generate more than 126 million new jobs worldwide over the next decade, representing a substantial share of global employment growth. In Vietnam, data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reveals that the industry requires approximately 40,000 new workers annually, while universities currently graduate only about 15,000 tourism students each year. This significant gap underscores the urgent need for highly qualified human resources. In particular, following recent global disruptions, the labor market faces a critical shortage of mid-level and senior management professionals who possess expertise in digital transformation and a deep understanding of increasingly diverse international customer markets. As a result, graduates with comprehensive and professionally oriented training enjoy strong opportunities for rapid career advancement.

At the same time, Recreation and Event Management has emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors within the expanding experience economy. Forecasts from Allied Market Research project the global events industry to reach approximately USD 1.552 trillion by 2028, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%. In Vietnam, the rapid rise of international music festivals, professional sporting events, and the expansion of MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) has significantly increased demand for skilled event management professionals. Recruitment surveys conducted by leading talent firms such as Navigos Group confirm that careers in entertainment and event management are among the most sought-after in today’s labor market. However, the industry continues to face a shortage of professionals who can combine creative innovation with strong organizational and risk-management capabilities, further highlighting the importance of specialized education in these fields.

2. What Will Students Learn in the Tourism Program?

Students enrolled in the Bachelor Program in Tourism at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) gain a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and professional skills tailored to the evolving demands of the entertainment, event, and tourism industries.

The curriculum combines fundamental and advanced academic knowledge, preparing students for careers ranging from professional specialists to management positions in entertainment and event service enterprises, tourism companies, and local tourism management agencies. Beyond specialized expertise, students develop essential competencies such as foreign language proficiency and effective communication skills designed for the tourism and travel industry. The program emphasizes practical training, equipping students to plan, coordinate, evaluate, and continuously improve operational performance in tourism and event organizations.

Students are also encouraged to cultivate self-directed learning abilities, leadership capacity, and entrepreneurial thinking, enabling them to adapt to the rapidly evolving service economy and global tourism environment.

3. Career Opportunities for Graduates of the Bachelor Program in Tourism at HUIT

Specializations: Recreation and Event Management

Graduates of the Bachelor Program in Tourism at HUIT, specializing in Recreation and Event Management, are well prepared to pursue careers in event management companies, entertainment complexes, resorts, and corporate communication departments. Career opportunities include:

• Event Planning and Management Specialists: Responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing conferences (MICE), festivals, corporate events, and entertainment programs.
• Recreation and Entertainment Facility Managers: Overseeing operations at theme parks, resorts, sports clubs, and integrated entertainment centers. Event Sales and
• Marketing Specialists: Identifying clients, designing service packages, and promoting entertainment activities.
• Customer Experience and Service Managers: Managing customer service operations and enhancing guest experiences within entertainment organizations.

Specializations: Tourism Management

Graduates of the Bachelor Program in Tourism at HUIT, specializing in Tourism Management, have broad career opportunities across government tourism agencies and tourism enterprises. Potential roles include:

• Tourism Administration Specialists: Supporting tourism planning, policy development, and implementation within government agencies.
• Travel Operations and Tour Management Professionals: Designing tour programs, coordinating transportation and tour guides, and managing travel agency operations.
• Tourism Product Development Specialists: Conducting market research and creating innovative tourism products, including sustainable tourism and ecotourism experiences.
• Destination Promotion and Tourism Marketing Specialists: Enhancing destination branding, promoting tourism services, and connecting businesses across the tourism value chain.

Career Advancement and Additional Opportunities

In addition to specialized roles, graduates from both specializations are well prepared to pursue broader career pathways, including:

• Entrepreneurship: Establishing and managing businesses in event services, entertainment enterprises, or independent travel agencies.
• Senior Management Roles: Advancing to departmental leadership and executive management positions through strong competencies in planning, coordination, and performance evaluation.
• Research and Education: Contributing to tourism research institutes or teaching at educational and vocational institutions after completing appropriate pedagogical qualifications.