Certificate in International Tourism Strategy
Course Overview
The Certificate in International Tourism Strategy is a foundation LSTITM programme delivered over a 3 to 6-month duration band. It sits within the Tourism Professional and Strategic Studies department and is aligned with the Tourism Society, CMI and WTTC frameworks, giving new entrants a structured introduction to how international tourism strategies are shaped by policy, destination positioning and cross-border partnerships.
By graduation you will summarise international tourism strategies for a country or region, contribute short-form policy briefs, and support consultants and tourism boards with structured research inputs.
Modules combine short video lectures on national tourism strategies, structured reading on WTTC and UNWTO reports, and applied worksheets on destination positioning. Every learner is paired with a personal tutor for weekly progress conversations, and case examples reference live London consultancy briefings so foundation vocabulary maps to real policy-team practice.
Key Features
- Introduction to WTTC and UNWTO strategy reports
- Case studies of national tourism boards and DMOs
- Tourism Society and CMI-aligned study standards
- Applied exercises in destination positioning
- Foundation vocabulary for policy and consulting assistants
- Rolling intakes across all LSTITM delivery modes
What You Will Learn
- Summarise a country-level tourism strategy document
- Compare destination positioning across two markets
- Interpret WTTC and UNWTO data at a beginner level
- Draft a short policy briefing note
- Recognise cross-border partnership models in tourism
- Support desk research for strategy consultants
- Assess a destination's competitor set at entry level
- Apply ethical and sustainability lenses to strategy
- Build a personal portfolio of short international strategy summaries
- Communicate policy positions confidently to consulting colleagues
Assessment and Delivery
Assessment on the Certificate in International Tourism Strategy combines short written assignments on national strategies, a mid-term policy positioning case study and a final portfolio of two annotated country briefs. Tutors provide detailed formative feedback at each stage and every learner is paired with a personal tutor for weekly strategy conversations. On-campus, online and distance learners follow the same schedule of live seminars, recorded content and self-paced desk-research exercises, and all study materials are hosted on the LSTITM secure virtual learning environment for the duration of the programme and for six months after completion.
Who This Course Is For
- Junior officers at tourism boards and DMOs
- Policy assistants exploring international tourism
- Consulting analysts formalising their study
- International applicants building UK-recognised credentials
- Applicants aiming for LSTITM Diploma progression
Career Pathways
- Tourism Policy Advisor (junior)
- Tourism Strategy Consultant (assistant)
- Tourism Business Analyst (entry)
- Regional Tourism Director (assistant)
- International Development Manager (entry)
- Tourism Research Director (research assistant)
LSTITM careers services support Certificate holders with introductions to London-based tourism consultancies, DMOs and policy bodies through structured CV, portfolio coaching and mock interview practice with alumni working in the same seats.
Careers Support and Networks
Certificate in International Tourism Strategy students access dedicated careers workshops, employer showcase sessions and CV clinics run by the LSTITM careers team. Every student receives a personal one-hour careers conversation, structured LinkedIn coaching and warm introductions to first-role opportunities across London consultancies, tourism boards and policy bodies, alongside an alumni network that continues to support graduates beyond the programme.
Industry-Referenced Study
The Certificate in International Tourism Strategy is written with reference to policy briefs used by tourism boards, consulting analysts and DMOs. Learners work through short scenarios that mirror what a first-week strategy assistant faces, such as producing a short country strategy summary, comparing two destinations at a beginner level and identifying WTTC data points for a research pack. Every scenario is checked by tutors with backgrounds at London consultancies, so the finished portfolio is credible when shown to hiring managers.
Entry Requirements
- Age 16+ with genuine interest in tourism and international travel careers
- GCSE-equivalent secondary education or overseas equivalent
- Basic English proficiency, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent for international applicants
- Access to a computer with reliable internet for online delivery
- No prior tourism qualification required, this is a foundation route
Why Study at LSTITM
LSTITM, a specialist division of Harold International College of London, focuses on destinations, tourism business, travel systems and strategic tourism practice. All routes are aligned with the Tourism Society, ITT, ABTA, CIM, CMI, WTTC and UKHospitality standards.
Curriculum authors include former destination directors, policy advisors and tourism consultants, and delivery flexes across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes to suit working professionals and international students.
Apply for Certificate in International Tourism Strategy
Applications for the Certificate in International Tourism Strategy are open across all delivery modes and reviewed within a few working days of receipt. Start your London-recognised tourism career today by submitting a short expression of interest, preferred delivery mode and any prior study evidence to LSTITM admissions. Successful applicants receive a personal admissions call, an offer pack detailing start dates and tuition options, and an invitation to a cohort induction alongside fellow strategy-focused peers. International applicants also receive pre-arrival guidance and access to the LSTITM student services team throughout onboarding. Enrol Now
