Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development
Course Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development is a Advanced Diploma programme within LSTITM's Tourism & Destination Management portfolio, focused on supervisory policy work supporting national and regional tourism development. Delivered across a 12 to 15 months duration band, the programme is aligned with UK tourism-sector standards referenced by Tourism Society and UNWTO , UN World Tourism Organization (referenced), and gives students structured, industry-referenced practice from the first week of study. Students explore designing and briefing tourism policy through a mix of tutor-led seminars, case-based labs and applied projects drawn from real London tourism organisations.
By the end of the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development, students should be able to structure tourism policy briefs, coordinate stakeholder consultation and support destination development plans. The syllabus mixes applied case study, tutor-led coaching and structured assessment so learners graduate ready to contribute to real tourism teams across London and internationally. Assessment blends short written pieces, applied projects and structured peer review so students build a portfolio they can share with prospective employers as evidence of ready-to-work practice.
Students on the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development join a peer group drawn from destination operators, travel-agency chains, DMOs and international tourism boards, and are taught by tutors with prior operational and strategic tourism experience across the UK sector. Guest speakers from Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)-referenced organisations, London consultancies and tour operators contribute short masterclasses throughout the programme, giving students direct sight of live industry challenges and current recruitment expectations.
Key Features
- UK content aligned with Tourism Society and WTTC policy practice
- Modules on brief drafting, consultation design and evidence review
- Case notes from London boroughs, DMOs and regional boards
- Workshops on stakeholder mapping and community consultation
- Career sessions on tourism policy adviser and coordinator roles
- Delivered across online, on-campus and distance-learning routes
What You Will Learn
- Draft structured tourism policy briefs for regional boards
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder consultation across communities
- Support destination development plans and infrastructure cases
- Analyse UK and international tourism policy frameworks
- Structure evidence-led responses to tourism consultation calls
- Apply Tourism Society and WTTC frameworks to policy work
- Coordinate community, industry and public-sector consultation
- Present policy recommendations to elected members and directors
Who This Course Is For
- Diploma holders moving into tourism policy work
- Career changers from public policy into tourism
- International applicants targeting UK tourism policy posts
- Working tourism officers seeking a Level 5-equivalent qualification
- Applicants planning progression to Higher Diploma or Bachelor top-up
Career Pathways
- Tourism Policy Adviser
- Regional Tourism Development Officer
- Head of Tourism Development (associate)
- Tourism Investment Analyst
- DMO Policy Coordinator
- Tourism Programme Manager
- Community Tourism Development Manager
The LSTITM careers service supports every Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development student with CV, LinkedIn and interview coaching, plus warm introductions to London tourism boards, tour operators, OTAs and airline partners actively hiring across these career pathways. Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development are supported through an alumni network spanning UK destination management organisations, international tour operators and consultancy houses, giving early-career candidates a credible route into interviews and structured progression conversations with sector employers.
Entry Requirements
- A completed LSTITM Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification
- Alternatively, 2+ years of relevant tourism or travel-industry experience with a statement of purpose
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent English proficiency for international applicants
- Two academic or professional references
- Access to a computer and reliable internet for online delivery
Why Study at LSTITM
LSTITM is the London School of Tourism and International Travel Management , a specialist division of Harold International College of London focused on the destination, business, systems and strategic disciplines that shape modern global tourism. Students on the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development benefit from that specialist focus at every stage of study.
Every LSTITM programme is aligned with recognised UK tourism and marketing bodies including the Tourism Society, Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT), ABTA, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and UKHospitality, so graduates step into the sector with credible, industry-referenced study behind them. Students on every LSTITM route are supported by dedicated career services covering CV, LinkedIn, interview coaching and introductions to London tourism boards, tour operators, OTAs, airline and hospitality partners.
Our curriculum is written by former destination directors, travel-industry technologists, tourism consultants and marketing leaders, and delivered across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes to fit working professionals and international students alike. LSTITM's articulation model means every Certificate and Diploma leads cleanly into an Advanced Diploma, Higher Diploma and full honours degree , with Master's routes for those aiming at consultancy, corporate development and executive tourism leadership.
Apply for Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development
Applications for the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Policy and Development are open across four intakes per year with rolling admissions for online and distance-learning candidates. Speak to an LSTITM admissions adviser about tuition, scholarship options and articulation into the next stage of the LSTITM tourism pathway. Progress into supervisory and strategic tourism practice. Enrol Now.
