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With the Tourism Management programme at HZ University of Applied Sciences, you learn to create unforgettable travel experiences for visitors, local communities and the planet.

Your role in the travel industry

From designing sustainable destinations to marketing events and tourism products: you will be the creative force connecting organisations, businesses and guests. The travel world never stands still, and neither will you.

Is Tourism Management right for you?

You're the right fit if you're customer-oriented, culturally curious and confident connecting with people across languages and backgrounds. You think strategically, respond to guest needs, and want to make a real impact on destinations, organisations and the wider world. HZ's Tourism Management programme is based in Zeeland, a stunning coastal region and one of the Netherlands' most beloved tourist destinations. There's no better classroom.

A top-rated programme

The study programme Tourism Management is a top-rated programme according to the Keuzegids 2026.

Programme overview

Discover how the programme is structured, from courses and projects to internships and extracurriculair activities.

In the first semester, you’ll jump straight into the world of tourism. What really happens behind the scenes of destinations? You’ll explore:

  • How tourism works worldwide
  • The evolution of travel and different types of tourism
  • Who the travellers are and how tourism stakeholders work together

You’ll study all of this in Zeeland, a real-life tourism hotspot. From beaches to culture, this region is your living classroom. You’ll analyse visitor journeys, trends and destination marketing and finish by creating your own promotional concept for Zeeland.

Tourism can do amazing things, but only if it’s done right. You’ll explore how tourism can support local communities, protect nature, and stay future-proof. You’ll learn how to create tourism that gives back, not takes away. You’ll dive into:

  • Visitor management & carrying capacity
  • Traveller behaviour and decision-making
  • The impact of tourism on people, culture, and the planet

Time to put theory into practice! In the second half of year 1, you’ll gain hands-on experience at a tourism organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. This is where theory meets reality, and where your CV starts growing. During your internship, you’ll:

  • Work on real projects
  • Explore regenerative business models
  • Discover how technology is shaping the future of tourism

Why do some trips stay with you forever? You’ll learn how to design tourism experiences that connect people to places. Together with your classmates, you’ll turn ideas into meaningful, memorable experiences. You’ll focus on:

  • Experience design & creativity
  • The psychology behind travel choices
  • Storytelling, landscapes and local culture

Tourism is all about people. You’ll learn how culture influences travel, communication, teamwork, and leadership. You’ll develop skills to:

  • Work with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Communicate across cultures
  • Adapt easily in international environments

Ever dreamed of launching your own company? During the Student Startup Project, you’ll do exactly that. Together with students from other economics programmes, you will:

  • Create a real business from scratch
  • Develop a full business plan
  • Handle marketing, sales, and promotion
  • Learn from entrepreneurs through workshops and guest lectures

You will spend six months deepening or broadening your knowledge during a minor in the Netherlands or abroad. You choose a minor that relates to your specialisation or to tourism in general. You can do your minor at HZ or at another university. Almost all Tourism Management students choose to go abroad, to countries such as Norway, Austria, Canada, United States, Latvia or Thailand

Zeeland is a varied destination with coastal, urban and inland municipalities. Each area has its own challenges, but they work together on shared goals like sustainability and liveability. In this module, you learn how to manage tourism in a smart and responsible way. You take on the role of a destination manager and represent a municipality in a regional panel discussion.

This is the year in which you will graduate. But before you do so, you will spend six months working on projects with students from different disciplines.

Collaborating with students from other programmes

In your first semester, you team up with students from other programmes and work together on assignments from real companies or organisations. Together, you will come up with smart, creative solutions and learn what it is like to work together in an interdisciplinary manner in a professional environment.

Graduation

At Tourism Management, you can (partly) personalise your graduation year. You do an internship in which you decide for yourself what to focus on. You can opt for a more theoretical approach with in-depth research or a practical approach.

HZ Honours Programme

Want an extra challenge alongside your degree? The HZ Honours Programme is an optional programme running alongside your bachelor's that gives you the freedom to tackle a real-world social issue, one you choose yourself. Working with students from different study programmes, you can address national or international challenges, from sustainable production to community development.

Previous students have travelled to Costa Rica, Zanzibar, Rio de Janeiro, Bali and the Philippines. In fact, Tourism Management students Ema and Martina conducted research into sustainable tourism in Zanzibar, exploring how tourism can support rather than harm local communities and the environment. Exactly the kind of work this programme prepares you for. Completing the Honours Programme earns you an additional certificate alongside your diploma. You can apply from your second or third year of study

Career prospects

A degree in Tourism Management opens doors across the travel and hospitality industry. Graduates work in roles as diverse as the destinations they help promote. From hands-on guest experience to strategic leadership. Possible career paths include:

  • Hospitality Professional
  • Sales Consultant
  • Destination Marketer
  • Marketing Employee / Manager
  • HR Employee / Manager
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Entrepreneur

Daniël, Tourism Management Student

Tourism Management at HZ: Daniel shares his experiences

The Netherlands is a thriving hub for tourism and hospitality, with a strong events industry, international airports, major hotel chains and a growing focus on sustainable travel. Zeeland is one of the country's most distinctive coastal destinations, renowned for its beaches, waterways and outdoor tourism, putting you right at the heart of the industry from day one.

Many tourism and hospitality companies operate internationally, where English is the working language. However, learning Dutch can significantly broaden your opportunities particularly in roles involving local governments, regional tourism boards or visitor-facing positions. At HZ, you can follow free Dutch classes to support your career.

Many international students begin their careers through internships or graduate positions in the Netherlands and continue building their careers here after graduation.

Do you want to continue studying after the Tourism Management programme? For example, choose the Master Strategic Business Management and Marketing, Imagineering or Destination Management. You may have to follow a pre-master before being allowed to enroll in the master.

Your degree

Bachelor's degree

After completing this programme, you will receive an internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (BSc) degree in Tourism management. This degree qualifies you to start your professional career or continue your studies with a master’s programme in the Netherlands or abroad. Did you participate in the Honours Programme? You will get an extra certificate with your bachelor's degree.

Admission requirements

Find out if you meet the admission requirements for this programme. Here you can check which diplomas are accepted, what additional requirements apply, and how your qualifications will be assessed.

To quality for admission for the Tourism Management programme, you need:

  • A diploma equivalent to the Dutch Secondary Education Diploma, which gives you access to higher education.
  • A good command of written and spoken English. Your level of English should be equivalent to and IELTS score of 6.0.

Read more about the admission requirements.

To be admitted to this programme, you need a diploma equivalent to a Dutch secondary education diploma (HAVO, VWO, or MBO level 4).

If your diploma is listed on the recognised foreign diplomas list , you are admissible provided you meet the additional requirements. If your diploma is not listed, you are still welcome to apply, we will assess your qualification individually. To ensure a fair evaluation, we work with Nuffic, the Dutch organisation responsible for assessing international diplomas.

If you do not have the required secondary school diploma and are 21 years or older, you may still be eligible for admission. HZ offers the possibility to take an alternative entrance exam.

Apply for this study programme

Ready to start your future? Apply now for the Tourism Management study programme and take the next step.

Apply here

Essential info

Application & deadlines

Planning to study at HZ as an international student? Apply on time to secure your place.

September intake

  • EU/EEA students: 1 August
  • Non-EU students: 1 June

We recommend applying as early as possible, especially if you require a visa or residence permit. Have you made your choice? Read more about the application procedure and apply now.

Guaranteed housing

Apply before 1 May and you are guaranteed housing for the entire duration of your studies. We work with a trusted housing partner, APV Housing, offering rooms in both Middelburg and Vlissingen.

Unlike many other places in the Netherlands, where finding student housing can be challenging, HZ is able to offer a reliable housing solution for international students. Read more about finding student accommodation

Fees and finances

When planning your studies, it’s important to consider both tuition fees and living expenses. In Zeeland, living costs are on average between €800 and €1,100 per month, including accommodation, food, insurance, and personal expenses. In addition, you should budget for study-related costs such as books, materials, and excursions. These costs are approximately €300 for the full programme.

We recommend preparing your finances in advance to ensure a smooth start to your studies. Read more about tuition fees, living costs, and financial matters.

Location

You will study at HZ’s campus in Vlissingen, where your classes take place at the Edisonweg building.

Pre-arrival information

Preparing to study abroad involves arranging a few important things, such as your visa or residence permit, health insurance, accommodation, and a Dutch bank account. We will guide you through these steps to help you get ready for your arrival in the Netherlands.

Read more about preparing for your studies at HZ.

Student life

At HZ, you become part of a close-knit and welcoming community. You quickly get to know fellow students and lecturers, creating a supportive environment both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond your studies, you can enjoy student life in Middelburg and Vlissingen, with events, sports, and social activities throughout the year.

Discover what student life at HZ is like.

What our students say

Do you want to know how students experience the Tourism Management programme? Read it in their own story.

About the programme
Sara, Tourism Management student

When I started there we were about fifty nationalities in my class, so it really shows how many people come from all over the world

Full story from Sara
About the programme Study at HZ
Channah-Lee, Tourism Management Student

This experience will stay with me forever and I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity

Full story from Channah-Lee
About the programme
Theresa, Tourism Management student

Everyone helps each other out within the group. It feels like you become each others family.

Full story from Theresa

Meet us & events

Get to know HZ your way. Join an online information session, chat with current students, or connect with us to find out if this programme is right for you.

Online Information Sessions

Learn all about studying at HZ University of Applied Sciences from the comfort of your home!

Check our webinars

Chat with HZ students

HZ international students are more than happy to share their study experience with you!

Chat now

Talk to an advisor

A student advisor helps you with all kind of questions regarding studying abroad.

Contact them here

Have questions or want to visit us?

Our International Recruitment team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need more information about the programme or want to experience HZ yourself, feel free to get in touch.

Send us an email

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