Bachelor of Applied Management (Hotel and Tourism Management)
Hotel and tourism management is about leading teams and running experiences that keep guests and visitors coming back.
Tell me about this area
Professionals manage day-to-day operations in hotels, resorts and tourism businesses, while keeping service standards, budgets and staffing on track. The work can include rooms and facilities oversight, customer experience, event and function coordination, sales and marketing support, and responding to issues quickly and professionally. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it involves sharing local stories and showing genuine manaakitanga (care for others) across everything from adventure tourism to arts, food and wine, and cultural events.
Would it suit me?
This area could suit you if you like working with people and want a career that blends service with leadership. It helps to be organised, practical and good at juggling priorities. If you enjoy planning, solving problems on the go and bringing a calm, positive approach to busy days, you’ll fit right in.
What will I learn?
- Hotel and tourism operations
- Rooms division and front office management
- Facilities and service systems management
- Customer engagement and experience design
- Tourism principles, transport and visitor flows
- Tourism policy, planning and destination thinking
- Strategic management and decision making
- Contemporary issues across the sector
How will I learn?
- Interactive classes and applied workshops
- Case studies and industry scenarios
- Team-based projects and presentations
- Workplace-based projects in real organisations
- Work placement with workplace and academic supervision
- Blended learning using online tools and resources
Fees for 2026
University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Open Pathway
Or a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
International applicants and applicants under 20 years old at the start of the semester in which their study will commence, who do not meet the standard admission requirements stated above may apply for discretionary admission.
- To apply for discretionary admission you need to demonstrate readiness for study at the level of this programme.
Domestic Applicants over 20 years old at the start of the semester in which their study will commence, who do not meet the standard admission requirements stated above may apply for special admission.
- To apply for special admission you need to demonstrate readiness for study at the level of this programme.
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
| Entry level | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Guest services agent | Duty manager | Hotel operations manager |
| Reservations coordinator | Front office supervisor | Hotel general manager |
| Tourism customer service representative | Reservations manager | Tourism operations manager |
| Events assistant | Tour operations supervisor | Destination manager |
| Visitor information adviser | Conference and events coordinator | Tourism policy advisor |
NB: Advanced roles may require experience and/or further study.
Study pathways
Ara offers a range of graduate diplomas in a variety of business specialisations for further study,as well as pathways to a Postgraduate or Master qualification.
Bachelor of Applied Management (Hotel and Tourism Management)
Hotel and tourism management is about leading teams and running experiences that keep guests and visitors coming back.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH3988 |
| Next starts | July 2026 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| Reference | CH3988-HTMT |