GMIT offers new International Tourism Management Programme (GA381)

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is pleased to announce a new innovative honours degree in International Tourism Management which will be formally launched at a reception in the college by the Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Deputy Patrick O’Donovan and the President of GMIT, Dr Fergal Barry, on Thursday, 19 January, 5pm (Lecture Theatre 903) in GMIT Galway (Dublin Road).

The new level 8 programme (GA381) will be offered from September 2017 in the College of Tourism and Arts (CTA) in addition to the existing tourism programmes.  It has been developed by CTA staff in partnership with industry stakeholders including the national tourism state body Fáilte Ireland.

Dr Fergal Barry, President of GMIT, says “The increased emphasis on the importance of the tourism industry to our economy has resulted in an increased demand for tourism graduates, and we are delighted to introduce this new programme which will address that demand.”

Describing the programme, GMIT lecturers and programme co-chairs, John Carty and Maria Murphy, said “In supporting the Institute strategy, to develop professional practice components across all GMIT programmes, this new award has two mandatory accredited work placement components. The first takes place in Ireland for 12 weeks between year 1 and year 2 of the programme. The second 12-week work placement takes place in an international destination between year 2 and 3. As with other awards in GMIT this programme has been developed in partnership with many stakeholders and the Institute is confident it will serve not only the region but the island of Ireland and abroad.”

Cáit Noone, Head of the College of Tourism and Arts, welcomes this development. “Expenditure by tourists visiting Ireland was estimated to be worth over €8 billion in 2016. This represents growth of 10% on 2015. The overview of the tourism sector given by industry leaders reveals that 2016 has been a very strong year, with good performances across Ireland – some going into double-digit increases. The government has clearly stated tourism is one of Ireland's most important economic sectors and has significant potential to play a further role in Ireland's economic renewal. All this data confirms the need for industry-ready graduates to play their role in this developing and global industry. This programme development will ensure GMIT and the College of Tourism and Arts supports national policy and contributes to the ongoing needs of the tourism industry nationally”

If you are interested in attending the launch event, please email tourism@gmit.ie to confirm.  For further information on this new programme see: http://www.gmit.ie/tourism-and-heritage/bachelor-business-international… or contact co-chairs John Carty john.carty@gmit.ie and Maria Murphy maria.murphy@gmit.ie



To learn more about the BB (Hons) in International Tourism Management or any other programme in GMIT, please come along to the Open Day on the Dublin Road campus from 10am  to 12.30 on Saturday, 21 January, 2017.  See http://www.gmit.ie/general/open-day for more information.



To learn more about the College of Tourism and Arts programmes, see http://www.gmit.ie/tourism-hospitality-and-heritage/college-tourism-arts