Tourism Promotion and Operations: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals aiming to shape the future of travel and destination marketing, this program equips learners with strategic expertise in driving tourism growth through data-informed campaigns and dynamic promotional practices. Graduates emerge with the ability to lead marketing initiatives across diverse sectors, from government tourism boards to private hospitality enterprises.
- Marketing Research and Analysis: Learn to gather, interpret, and apply market data to identify travel trends, target audiences, and consumer behavior patterns essential for effective tourism promotion.
- Advertising Strategy and Execution: Develop skills in crafting compelling advertising messages tailored to specific markets, using both digital and traditional platforms to maximize reach and engagement.
- Event and Promotional Campaign Management: Master the planning, coordination, and implementation of large-scale tourism campaigns, including festivals, travel expos, and destination launches.
- Media Relations and Public Engagement: Gain expertise in building and maintaining relationships with journalists, influencers, and public stakeholders to enhance visibility and credibility for tourism initiatives.
- Technical and Administrative Operations: Acquire hands-on proficiency in digital tools, content management systems, budgeting, and project workflows critical to the day-to-day success of tourism marketing teams.
Tourism Promotion and Operations Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Tourism Promotion and Operations Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Tourism Promotion and Operations degrees, including Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 861,140 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 13-1161 | $76,950 | $42,070 - $144,610 | 861,140 | $37.00 |
Tourism Promotion and Operations Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,290 in West Virginia to $98,650 in Delaware—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Washington, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 861,140 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Tourism Promotion and Operations by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Tourism Promotion and Operations programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Tourism Promotion and Operations is found at Rockland Community College (RCC) (10 graduates), Palau Community College (PCC) (10 graduates), and Jefferson Community College (JCC) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 25 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockland Community College (RCC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Suffern, New York | Public | sunyrockland.edu |
| Palau Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Koror, Palau | Public | palau.edu |
| Jefferson Community College (JCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Watertown, New York | Public | sunyjefferson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Tourism Promotion and Operations programs
How much can I earn with a Tourism Promotion and Operations degree?
Salaries for Tourism Promotion and Operations graduates vary by role and location. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists earn a median of $76,950 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $98,650 compared to $50,290 in West Virginia. Approximately 861,140 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Tourism Promotion and Operations programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Tourism Promotion and Operations degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rockland Community College (RCC) (10 graduates), Palau Community College (PCC) (10 graduates), and Jefferson Community College (JCC) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Tourism Promotion and Operations growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 369 in 2010 to a peak of 35 in 2020, before declining slightly to 25 in 2023-24. This represents a 93% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Tourism Promotion and Operations degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 861,140 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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