newSchoolWorks.com › VoTechWorks › Hospitality, Food & Tourism › Event & Tourism Management › Courses
Hospitality, Food & Tourism · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a certified food-safety manager and industry professional or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Event & Tourism Management
8 courses · 1,350 clock hours · 9 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
8courses
67lessons
1,350hours
27assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons67 of 67 lesson pages writtenPractice536 practice questionsResources118 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 67 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
HOS-EVEN31-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Event & Tourism Management
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips learners with the safety certifications, trade-specific math skills, professional communication habits, and career-readiness tools required across all event planning, tour operations, and tourism roles. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and First Aid/CPR credentials while building the numeracy, digital literacy, and workplace professionalism expected by event venues, destination management companies, cruise lines, and tourism offices. All competencies directly support the CMP, Certified Tourism Ambassador, and PADI Divemaster credential pathways covered later in the program.
Outcomes- Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and identify the hazards and controls most common in event venues, tour operations, and dive/eco-tourism worksites.
- Perform adult/child CPR and use an AED to a standard accepted by a nationally recognized certification body.
- Apply trade math—including unit conversion, percentage calculations, per-person costing, room capacity formulas, and basic foreign-currency conversion—accurately on job-relevant problems.
- Read and interpret standard industry documents such as banquet event orders, tour manifests, vendor contracts, and safety data sheets with at least 80% comprehension accuracy.
- Produce professional written and oral communications—emails, memos, briefing notes, and a 3-minute verbal presentation—meeting workplace grammar and tone standards.
- Build a career portfolio containing a résumé, a cover letter targeting a specific event or tourism role, and a LinkedIn-style professional profile reviewed against industry employer expectations.
Course text
This foundational course equips learners with the safety certifications, trade-specific math skills, professional communication habits, and career-readiness tools required across all event planning, tour operations, and tourism roles. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and First Aid/CPR credentials while building the numeracy, digital literacy, and workplace professionalism expected by event venues, destination management companies, cruise lines, and tourism offices. All competencies directly support the CMP, Certified Tourism Ambassador, and PADI Divemaster credential pathways covered later in the program.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Workplace Safety Foundations: OSHA 10 and Hazard Recognition in Events & Tourism; First Aid, CPR, and AED: Emergency Response for Events and Tourism Sites; Trade Math and Measurement: Costing, Capacity, and Conversions for Events and Tourism; Reading Industry Documents: BEOs, Tour Manifests, Contracts, and SDS; Professional Written and Digital Communication for Hospitality and Tourism; Digital Tools for Events and Tourism: Platforms, Data Entry, and Information Security; Career Readiness: Portfolio, Professional Identity, and Industry Pathways.
What competent looks like. Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and identify the hazards and controls most common in event venues, tour operations, and dive/eco-tourism worksites. Perform adult/child CPR and use an AED to a standard accepted by a nationally recognized certification body. Apply trade math—including unit conversion, percentage calculations, per-person costing, room capacity formulas, and basic foreign-currency conversion—accurately on job-relevant problems. Read and interpret standard industry documents such as banquet event orders, tour manifests, vendor contracts, and safety data sheets with at least 80% comprehension accuracy. Produce professional written and oral communications—emails, memos, briefing notes, and a 3-minute verbal presentation—meeting workplace grammar and tone standards. Build a career portfolio containing a résumé, a cover letter targeting a specific event or tourism role, and a LinkedIn-style professional profile reviewed against industry employer expectations.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workplace Safety Foundations: OSHA 10 and Hazard Recognition in Events & Tourism | 30 | theory | Students complete all 10 hours of OSHA 10-Hour General Industry content and correctly identify at least five hazard categories—electrical, slip/trip/fall, crowd crush, chemical (cleaning agents and pool/dive chemicals), and ergonomic—as they appear in event, tour, and dive-tourism worksites. |
| OSHA 10-Hour General Industry authorized course materials (print or digital), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 summary reference card, venue floor plan and dive-boat deck handouts, hierarchy-of-controls poster, PPE samples (safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, hi-vis vest), safety data sheet examples for cleaning and pool chemicals, student safety log template | Passing score of 70% or higher on the OSHA 10 final assessment to receive the OSHA 10 card; 100% completion of hazard-identification worksheet with at least 5 of 6 hazard categories correctly labeled; toolbox-talk observed by instructor using a 5-point rubric (pass = 4/5 points). |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and AED: Emergency Response for Events and Tourism Sites | 16 | lab | Students demonstrate adult and child CPR with rescue breathing, AED operation, and basic first-aid skills—including control of bleeding, heat-illness management, and suspected spinal precautions—to the standard required by a nationally recognized certification body. |
| Adult and child CPR manikins with face shields, AED trainer units, first-aid scenario cards, SAMPLE history forms, first-aid kit (bandages, gloves, emergency blanket, SAM splints), spinal-precaution demonstration board, nationally recognized CPR/First Aid provider's student workbook and skills checklist | Satisfactory rating on all CPR and AED skill stations using the certifying body's official skills sheet (no critical errors permitted); first-aid scenario reports scored at 80% or higher on a 10-point rubric; students must hold a valid CPR/AED certification card by lesson end. |
| 3 | Trade Math and Measurement: Costing, Capacity, and Conversions for Events and Tourism | 24 | practice | Students accurately apply percentage markup/discount, per-person cost calculations, room-capacity formulas (theater, banquet, classroom, reception setups), unit-rate and tip calculations, and basic foreign-currency conversion on a timed 25-problem trade-math test with 80% accuracy. |
| Scientific calculator, Excel or Google Sheets access, trade-math worksheet packet, ballroom floor plan with dimensions, sample banquet event order with pricing, foreign-currency conversion table (printed), setup-style capacity reference chart (industry-standard sq ft per person figures), answer keys | Timed 25-problem trade-math quiz scored by instructor; passing = 20/25 (80%) correct; spreadsheet reviewed for accurate formula use with all three guest-count scenarios producing correct totals (pass = zero formula errors and less than 5% variance on all calculated figures). |
| 4 | Reading Industry Documents: BEOs, Tour Manifests, Contracts, and SDS | 20 | theory | Students correctly extract key data from a banquet event order (BEO), a multi-stop tour manifest, a standard vendor contract clause list, and a safety data sheet (SDS) and identify errors or conflicts among documents with 80% accuracy on a reading-comprehension check. |
| Sample BEOs (obtained from instructor-prepared or open-source hospitality training materials), tour manifest template, hotel rooming list template, motorcoach capacity specifications sheet, vendor contract excerpt packet, OSHA SDS for a common event-industry chemical (e.g., CO2 for beverage service), reading-comprehension quiz answer key | Reading-comprehension quiz: 20 short-answer questions drawn from the lesson documents; passing = 16/20 (80%) correct; BEO error annotation graded on a checklist—pass requires identification of at least 4 of 5 deliberate errors with a written consequence statement for each. |
| 5 | Professional Written and Digital Communication for Hospitality and Tourism | 24 | practice | Students produce professional emails, a one-page client briefing memo, and a properly formatted business letter that meet workplace grammar, tone, and format standards, and demonstrate basic proficiency in the digital tools—email, calendar scheduling, shared documents, and industry-standard presentation software—used in event and tourism offices. |
| Word processor and presentation software (MS Office or Google Workspace), email-platform access, professional writing style guide (instructor-prepared or AP Stylebook excerpt), memo format template, email-rewrite worksheet, presentation style guidelines handout, peer-review rubric, timer | Email rewrites scored on a 10-point rubric (grammar, tone, format, completeness)—pass = 8/10; memo reviewed against a 12-point format checklist—pass = 10/12 items correct; presentation graded by instructor on a 15-point rubric (content accuracy, visual design, delivery)—pass = 12/15. |
| 6 | Digital Tools for Events and Tourism: Platforms, Data Entry, and Information Security | 16 | lab | Students enter event registration data into a simulated event-management software interface, use a mapping tool to plan a tour route with waypoints and estimated travel times, and apply basic information-security practices—including password hygiene and recognition of phishing attempts—relevant to client data handling in hospitality. |
| Computers with internet access, event registration platform demo access, Google Maps or comparable free mapping tool, sample CSV spreadsheet, phishing/legitimate email worksheet packet, information-security checklist template, USB drive or cloud storage account for saving outputs | Event-platform exercise checked against instructor answer key—pass = all 5 registrations entered correctly with zero data-entry errors and accurate CSV export; tour-route worksheet graded on a 6-point checklist—pass = 5/6 correct; phishing identification worksheet—pass = 5/5 emails correctly labeled with at least one written indicator per email. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Portfolio, Professional Identity, and Industry Pathways | 18 | practice | Students assemble a complete career portfolio—including a formatted résumé, a targeted cover letter, and a professional online profile—and articulate their career pathway toward at least one of the three program credentials (CMP, Certified Tourism Ambassador, PADI Divemaster) in a 5-minute verbal career-goals presentation evaluated by the instructor and one industry guest. |
| Computers with internet access, LinkedIn or profile template, résumé template (Word or Google Docs), sample job postings (printed or linked), résumé rubric, cover-letter rubric, career-goals presentation rubric, guest evaluator score sheet, professional attire reminder handout, CMP/CTA/PADI Divemaster credential overview one-pagers | Résumé scored on a 10-point rubric—pass = 8/10; cover letter scored on an 8-point rubric—pass = 6/8; profile completeness checklist—pass = all 6 required sections populated; 5-minute career-goals presentation scored by instructor and guest on a 10-point rubric—pass = 7/10 with the credential pathway clearly identified and at least one examiner question answered satisfactorily. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 and Workplace Safety Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher; OSHA card issued upon satisfactory completion of the authorized OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course. | Students complete the official OSHA 10-Hour General Industry final assessment through the authorized course provider, demonstrating knowledge of hazard recognition, the hierarchy of controls, workers' rights, and emergency procedures as they apply to event venues, tour operations, and dive-tourism sites. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Skills Knowledge Exam: Math, Documents, and Digital Tools | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40/50 points). | A 50-question closed-book exam combining trade-math problems (capacity calculations, per-person costing, currency conversion), document-reading comprehension questions drawn from BEO, manifest, and SDS formats, and digital-tools scenario questions; covers content from Lessons 3, 4, and 6. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career Portfolio Project | Project | 25% | 75% or higher on the combined portfolio rubric (pass all three components: résumé 8/10, cover letter 6/8, professional profile all 6 sections complete). | Students submit the complete career portfolio assembled in Lesson 7—résumé, targeted cover letter, and professional profile—as a single PDF package; the instructor evaluates each component against published rubrics and returns written feedback, with one revision cycle permitted before the final grade is recorded. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Oral Career-Goals and Safety Scenario Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | 7/10 or higher on the combined rubric scored by the instructor and the industry guest evaluator; CPR/AED certification card must be on file as a prerequisite to sit the defense. | In a 10-minute session, the student presents their 5-minute career-goals presentation (credential pathway, target role, portfolio highlights) and then responds to two unscripted scenarios—one workplace safety situation drawn from event or tourism contexts and one document-reading or math problem—demonstrating the ability to reason aloud and apply core competencies under realistic questioning. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
HOS-EVEN31-02 Trade course
Event Planning: Design, Logistics, and Execution
183 hr · $2,415 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the full lifecycle of event planning—from needs assessment and budget development through vendor management, on-site execution, and post-event evaluation—aligned with the Events Industry Council's Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) competency domains. Emphasis is placed on professional documentation, legal and safety compliance, and the operational skills demanded by employers in meetings, conventions, and special events. Lessons integrate trade math, technical reading of contracts and floor plans, and digital planning tools throughout.
Outcomes- Develop a complete event plan including program design, budget, timeline, and risk management documentation meeting industry-standard formats
- Evaluate and negotiate vendor contracts, food-and-beverage orders, and audiovisual specifications using correct trade math and measurement
- Apply OSHA general industry crowd-management and emergency-action-plan requirements to event site layouts and staff briefings
- Operate industry-standard event management software to build run-of-show documents, seating diagrams, and registration workflows
- Communicate professionally in writing and in person with clients, venues, suppliers, and regulatory authorities
- Conduct a structured post-event evaluation using quantitative attendance and budget-variance data to produce an improvement report
Course text
Students learn the full lifecycle of event planning—from needs assessment and budget development through vendor management, on-site execution, and post-event evaluation—aligned with the Events Industry Council's Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) competency domains. Emphasis is placed on professional documentation, legal and safety compliance, and the operational skills demanded by employers in meetings, conventions, and special events. Lessons integrate trade math, technical reading of contracts and floor plans, and digital planning tools throughout.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: The Event Planning Profession and CMP Framework; Event Safety, Emergency Action Plans, and OSHA Awareness; Needs Assessment and Event Program Design; Event Budgeting and Trade Math; Venue Selection and Site Inspection; Vendor Sourcing, RFPs, and Contract Basics; Event Design: Room Setup, AV, and Décor Specifications; Food and Beverage Management for Events; Digital Tools: Event Management Software and Registration Systems; Run-of-Show, Staffing, and Day-of Coordination; On-Site Execution and Problem Resolution; Post-Event Evaluation, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement.
What competent looks like. Develop a complete event plan including program design, budget, timeline, and risk management documentation meeting industry-standard formats. Evaluate and negotiate vendor contracts, food-and-beverage orders, and audiovisual specifications using correct trade math and measurement. Apply OSHA general industry crowd-management and emergency-action-plan requirements to event site layouts and staff briefings. Operate industry-standard event management software to build run-of-show documents, seating diagrams, and registration workflows. Communicate professionally in writing and in person with clients, venues, suppliers, and regulatory authorities. Conduct a structured post-event evaluation using quantitative attendance and budget-variance data to produce an improvement report.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Event Planning Profession and CMP Framework | 12 | theory | Students will identify the CMP exam domains and map each domain to recognizable job tasks performed by event planners. |
| CMP International Standards (Events Industry Council, current edition), EIC website, word processor, poster board or digital design tool (Canva or similar) | Students correctly match all nine CMP domains to at least one concrete job task on a 15-item written matching quiz; pass = 80% (12/15 correct) |
| 2 | Event Safety, Emergency Action Plans, and OSHA Awareness | 18 | theory | Students will draft a written event Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that meets OSHA general industry requirements and incorporates crowd-management, egress, and first-aid station placement. |
| OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 (Emergency Action Plans), OSHA General Industry standards summary, sample venue CAD floor plan, first-aid kit for demonstration, AED trainer unit, evacuation-scenario script | Completed EAP document is scored on an instructor rubric covering all OSHA-required elements and correct egress markings on the floor plan; pass = 80% on rubric |
| 3 | Needs Assessment and Event Program Design | 14 | theory | Students will conduct a structured client needs assessment and translate findings into a written event program design with stated goals and measurable objectives. |
| Client scenario brief packets, needs-assessment questionnaire template (EIC-aligned), SMART objective worksheet, peer-review rubric, word processor | Instructor evaluates needs-assessment form and SMART objectives using a rubric; all objectives must be verifiably measurable; pass = 80% rubric score |
| 4 | Event Budgeting and Trade Math | 16 | lab | Students will build a complete event budget spreadsheet—including revenue projections, expense line items, and variance columns—and calculate food-and-beverage quantities and per-person costs accurately. |
| Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets), vendor quote packets, F&B calculation reference sheet, calculator, scenario budget worksheet | Spreadsheet is evaluated for formula accuracy, correct tax/gratuity application, and accurate F&B quantities; all dollar totals must match instructor answer key within ±2%; pass = 80% accuracy across all cells |
| 5 | Venue Selection and Site Inspection | 14 | field | Students will conduct a professional site inspection of a real or simulated venue and complete a standardized site-inspection report suitable for client presentation. |
| Site-inspection checklist form (instructor-developed, CMP Site Management domain-aligned), camera or smartphone, tape measure, ADA Accessibility Guidelines summary, venue visit permission/waiver | Site-inspection report is scored on completeness of checklist data, accuracy of measurements or capacity figures noted, and quality of written recommendation; pass = 80% rubric score |
| 6 | Vendor Sourcing, RFPs, and Contract Basics | 16 | theory | Students will write a complete Request for Proposal (RFP) for a catering vendor and identify the key clauses that protect the client in a standard venue contract. |
| Sample venue contract (sanitized), EIC RFP template guidelines, weighted decision matrix worksheet, two fictional vendor proposal packets, word processor | RFP is scored on inclusion of all required elements and clarity; contract annotation is scored on correct identification of all five key clause types; pass = 80% on combined rubric |
| 7 | Event Design: Room Setup, AV, and Décor Specifications | 14 | demo | Students will produce a scaled room-layout diagram and a written audiovisual specification sheet for a 250-person general session meeting. |
| Event diagramming software (Social Tables free tier or equivalent) or grid paper and ruler, AV spec form template, AV terminology glossary, tape measure, classroom tables and chairs, projector for demo | Scaled room diagram is checked for dimensional accuracy (within 5% of calculated square footage) and correct density-allowance math; AV spec sheet is checked for completeness; pass = 80% rubric score |
| 8 | Food and Beverage Management for Events | 16 | lab | Students will plan a complete food-and-beverage program for a multi-function event, including menu selection, dietary accommodation documentation, and alcohol service compliance considerations. |
| F&B quantity calculation reference sheet, dietary accommodation log template, FDA Food Code advisory summary (general public version), sample Dram Shop overview document, spreadsheet software | Quantity calculations are verified against instructor answer key (within ±3%); dietary log and alcohol policy are scored on completeness and absence of cross-contact risks; pass = 80% combined rubric score |
| 9 | Digital Tools: Event Management Software and Registration Systems | 14 | lab | Students will build a functional attendee registration workflow in event management software and export an attendance report in a format suitable for client review. |
| Computer with internet access, Cvent (educational access or trial), Eventbrite, or comparable registration platform, instructor-prepared test attendee data set, word processor for email drafting | Instructor verifies the live registration page meets all specified configuration requirements and that exported reports match test data with 100% accuracy; pass = all required fields present and report data accurate |
| 10 | Run-of-Show, Staffing, and Day-of Coordination | 16 | practice | Students will produce a minute-by-minute run-of-show document and a staffing grid for a full-day conference, then lead a simulated day-of coordination drill. |
| Conference program outline handout, spreadsheet software, staffing grid template, two-way radios or radio simulation app (optional), scenario cards for instructor, incident log form | ROS is scored on completeness (all 15-minute intervals covered, all columns populated) and logical sequencing; simulation performance is scored by instructor observation checklist; pass = 80% on combined rubric |
| 11 | On-Site Execution and Problem Resolution | 17 | practice | Students will demonstrate professional on-site coordination skills by managing a multi-room simulated event setup, resolving injected problems in real time, and maintaining a written incident log. |
| Setup spec sheet, registration table supplies (name badges, lanyards, sign-in sheet), printed signage, AV equipment (laptop and projector), refreshments for demo, incident log form, venue departure checklist, two-way radios if available | Instructor scores the incident log for timeliness and completeness of each entry and observes student professionalism during problem-resolution; pass = all five incidents documented with corrective actions within the simulation period and 80% observer checklist score |
| 12 | Post-Event Evaluation, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement | 16 | theory | Students will analyze post-event data—including attendance figures, budget variance, and satisfaction survey results—and produce a formal post-event report with actionable recommendations. |
| Post-event data packet (instructor-prepared), spreadsheet software, EIC post-event report format guide, word processor, presentation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides) | Written report is scored on accuracy of all calculated metrics and quality of recommendations; verbal debrief is scored on clarity and ability to answer client questions; pass = 80% combined rubric score |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMP Domain Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% (38/50 items correct) | A 50-item multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering CMP International Standards domain content addressed in Lessons 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12, including event design, financial management, site management, food-and-beverage, and post-event evaluation concepts. Items are written to reflect the cognitive level and format of the actual CMP examination. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Integrated Event Plan Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 80% on a 25-criterion rubric; all safety and legal criteria must be met | Students individually submit and verbally defend a complete event plan for an assigned scenario event (minimum 200 attendees), including needs assessment, SMART objectives, budget with variance column, scaled room diagram, vendor RFP, run-of-show, staffing grid, Emergency Action Plan, and post-event evaluation framework. The defense panel (instructor plus one industry guest when available) scores the document and the 10-minute defense on accuracy, professional presentation, and CMP domain alignment. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Planning Documentation Lab Log | Log | 15% | Complete and submitted for all 12 lessons; average score across entries = 75% | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course in which they record the planning artifact produced in each lesson (checklist, spreadsheet, diagram, RFP, ROS, etc.) along with a brief written reflection linking the artifact to its corresponding CMP domain and one real-world application. The log is collected and scored at the midpoint (after Lesson 6) and again at course end (after Lesson 12). Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Event Site Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/Fail — all critical safety items must be marked Compliant; no more than two minor items may be Non-Compliant | Using the Emergency Action Plan produced in Lesson 2, students perform a structured safety walkthrough of the classroom set up as an event space, verifying egress routes are unobstructed, first-aid materials are present and accessible, AED trainer location is marked, fire-extinguisher access is clear, and the EAP is posted at the event management station. Any blocked egress or missing first-aid item is an automatic fail requiring immediate remediation and re-check. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HOS-EVEN31-03 Trade course
Tour Operations: Planning, Logistics & Guide Practice
182 hr · $2,400 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn how to design, price, and operate land-based tours from initial itinerary concept through vendor contracting, risk management, and live tour delivery. Emphasis is placed on real-world logistics, regulatory compliance, customer service standards, and the operational documentation required by professional tour companies. Lesson content aligns with Events Industry Council CMP exam domains (Meeting or Event Design, Logistics, Risk Management) and Certified Tourism Ambassador competency areas (destination knowledge, guest engagement, storytelling).
Outcomes- Design a commercially viable multi-day tour itinerary that integrates transportation, accommodation, attractions, and meals within a defined budget and margin target.
- Draft and explain standard vendor contracts, supplier agreements, and tour manifests using industry-accepted terminology and formatting.
- Apply OSHA General Industry hazard-awareness principles and wilderness/urban first aid protocols to identify and mitigate tour-specific risks, including medical emergencies, weather events, and site hazards.
- Calculate tour pricing using cost-plus methodology, including fixed costs, variable costs, commissions, gratuities, and a target profit margin.
- Deliver a live 20-minute guided tour segment that demonstrates accurate destination storytelling, ADA accommodation awareness, and crowd-management technique.
- Produce a complete tour operations file—including risk assessment, emergency action plan, supplier contacts, and post-tour evaluation—meeting professional industry standards.
Course text
Students learn how to design, price, and operate land-based tours from initial itinerary concept through vendor contracting, risk management, and live tour delivery. Emphasis is placed on real-world logistics, regulatory compliance, customer service standards, and the operational documentation required by professional tour companies. Lesson content aligns with Events Industry Council CMP exam domains (Meeting or Event Design, Logistics, Risk Management) and Certified Tourism Ambassador competency areas (destination knowledge, guest engagement, storytelling).
How the course runs. 12 blocks: The Tour Operations Industry: Structures, Players & Terminology; Safety First: OSHA Hazard Awareness & Tour-Site Risk Assessment; First Aid & CPR for Tour Leaders; Tour Math: Pricing, Costing & Margin Calculations; Itinerary Design: From Concept to Draft; Vendor Relations: Contracting, Negotiations & Supplier Management; Regulatory Compliance: Permits, Licensing & Insurance Basics; Tour Guiding Techniques: Storytelling, Interpretation & Crowd Management; Destination Knowledge & the CTA Framework; Technology Tools for Tour Operators; Group Dynamics, Accessibility & Inclusive Tourism; Live Tour Delivery & Post-Tour Evaluation.
What competent looks like. Design a commercially viable multi-day tour itinerary that integrates transportation, accommodation, attractions, and meals within a defined budget and margin target. Draft and explain standard vendor contracts, supplier agreements, and tour manifests using industry-accepted terminology and formatting. Apply OSHA General Industry hazard-awareness principles and wilderness/urban first aid protocols to identify and mitigate tour-specific risks, including medical emergencies, weather events, and site hazards. Calculate tour pricing using cost-plus methodology, including fixed costs, variable costs, commissions, gratuities, and a target profit margin. Deliver a live 20-minute guided tour segment that demonstrates accurate destination storytelling, ADA accommodation awareness, and crowd-management technique. Produce a complete tour operations file—including risk assessment, emergency action plan, supplier contacts, and post-tour evaluation—meeting professional industry standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Tour Operations Industry: Structures, Players & Terminology | 12.5 | theory | Students will correctly identify and describe the roles of wholesalers, receptive operators, ground handlers, OTAs, and direct-sell operators within the tour supply chain. |
| Industry supply-chain diagram handout, current operator brochures and website printouts, NTA (National Tour Association) member directory, USTOA overview documents, student notebooks | Written short-answer quiz: 8 questions matching industry roles to responsibilities; pass = 75% or higher. |
| 2 | Safety First: OSHA Hazard Awareness & Tour-Site Risk Assessment | 17 | lab | Students will complete an OSHA General Industry hazard identification walkthrough of a simulated tour venue and produce a written risk matrix scoring probability and severity for each hazard found. |
| OSHA General Industry Hazard Recognition materials, site-inspection checklist template, risk matrix form, sample EAP from a regional tour company (redacted), hi-visibility vests for site walk, student safety notebooks | Completed risk matrix and EAP reviewed by instructor; pass = all High-rated hazards addressed with a corrective action, EAP contains all six required elements (assembly, communication, emergency contacts, medical roles, evacuation route, all-clear procedure). |
| 3 | First Aid & CPR for Tour Leaders | 10.5 | lab | Students will perform adult CPR with AED use and demonstrate management of at least four common tour-related medical situations (heat exhaustion, anaphylaxis response, diabetic emergency recognition, ankle sprain immobilization) to the standard required for a recognized first-aid certification. |
| CPR manikins (adult, at least 1 per 3 students), AED trainer units, first-aid scenario props (ice packs, SAM splints, gloves, face shields), American Red Cross or equivalent first-aid reference guide, scenario cards, gloves and PPE | Hands-on skills check by a certified instructor; pass = demonstrably correct CPR rate and depth on manikin AND successful completion of at least three of four medical scenarios with no critical errors (e.g., not calling 911 when indicated). |
| 4 | Tour Math: Pricing, Costing & Margin Calculations | 15 | practice | Students will build a complete cost sheet for a two-day regional tour and calculate net rate, gross rate, retail price, commission, and profit margin using cost-plus methodology. |
| Spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets), sample supplier quote sheets, tour cost-sheet template, calculators, NTA rate benchmarking reference, instructor answer keys | Individual cost-sheet submission graded against instructor key; pass = final per-person price within ±3% of correct answer and all line items present and correctly categorized. |
| 5 | Itinerary Design: From Concept to Draft | 19 | practice | Students will produce a fully sequenced two-day, one-night regional itinerary that balances activity pacing, logistical feasibility, and traveler experience quality. |
| Google Maps or equivalent mapping tool, attraction websites and phone contact list, itinerary template (industry-standard format), NTA and ASTA itinerary design guides, peer review rubric | Itinerary submitted and reviewed against rubric; pass = all time blocks account for travel, all costs present, no logical sequence errors, and at least one ADA note per day of travel — score of 78% or higher on rubric. |
| 6 | Vendor Relations: Contracting, Negotiations & Supplier Management | 17 | theory | Students will identify the essential clauses in a standard tour supplier contract and draft a Letter of Agreement with a transportation vendor that includes deposit schedule, cancellation penalties, force-majeure language, and liability allocation. |
| Redacted sample motor-coach charter contract, redacted hotel group contract, Letter of Agreement clause library, role-play scenario briefs, ASTA and NTA member resources on supplier relations, word processing software | Submitted Letter of Agreement reviewed by instructor; pass = all six required clauses present, cancellation math is correct, and no clause contradicts another — score of 75% or higher. |
| 7 | Regulatory Compliance: Permits, Licensing & Insurance Basics | 12.5 | theory | Students will list the permit, licensing, and insurance types commonly required to operate commercial tours in a US state or municipality and explain the consequence of non-compliance for each. |
| State tourism/DOT regulatory websites, NTA liability and insurance guide, ADA commercial tour guidance (ADA.gov), guest speaker slides, case-study article printout | Compliance checklist and case-study summary graded; pass = checklist includes at least six distinct compliance items with consequence noted for each, and case-study summary accurately identifies the root regulatory failure — overall score 75% or higher. |
| 8 | Tour Guiding Techniques: Storytelling, Interpretation & Crowd Management | 19 | demo | Students will deliver a 10-minute guided narration segment that applies Freeman Tilden's principles of interpretive guiding, maintains group cohesion, and adjusts delivery for a mixed-ability audience. |
| Freeman Tilden 'Interpreting Our Heritage' (key excerpts), video clips of professional tour guides, peer feedback rubric, handheld flag or guide identifier prop, area map, stopwatch | Peer and instructor rubric scores combined; pass = average score of 75% or higher across voice, accuracy, engagement, and crowd-management dimensions on the 5-minute micro-tour delivery. |
| 9 | Destination Knowledge & the CTA Framework | 15 | theory | Students will apply the Certified Tourism Ambassador program's guest-engagement framework to develop a destination fact sheet and a guest FAQ response guide for an assigned local tourism region. |
| Tourism Ambassador Institute CTA study guide (current edition), state/regional tourism board publications, DMO websites, student-created fact sheet template, FAQ question list, peer evaluation form | Fact sheet and five verbally rehearsed FAQ answers evaluated; pass = fact sheet contains at least 10 accurate and sourced data points, and all five FAQ answers receive a passing score (accurate content + positive tone) from instructor — 75% or higher overall. |
| 10 | Technology Tools for Tour Operators | 15 | lab | Students will use a reservation management platform, a mapping tool, and a digital waiver/manifest system to process a simulated group booking from inquiry to confirmed departure documentation. |
| Computers or tablets with internet access, demo or free-tier booking platform access (e.g., FareHarbor demo, Rezdy trial, or equivalent), Google Maps, free form-builder tool (e.g., Google Forms or equivalent), printer, sample manifest template | Completed manifest, routing link, and digital waiver record submitted to instructor; pass = manifest contains all required fields (name, emergency contact, waiver status, seat assignment) with zero blank required fields, and routing accounts for all stops with realistic time allocations. |
| 11 | Group Dynamics, Accessibility & Inclusive Tourism | 12.5 | practice | Students will redesign a standard day-tour itinerary to meet the access and inclusion needs of a group that includes guests using wheelchairs, guests with visual impairments, and guests with dietary restrictions, documenting each modification and its rationale. |
| ADA Title III guidance documents (ADA.gov), USTA accessible tourism resources, base itinerary for audit, accessibility audit checklist, itinerary template, presentation slides | Revised itinerary and Accommodation Summary reviewed by instructor; pass = all critical access barriers in the original itinerary are addressed, at least one dietary accommodation is documented, and summary is clear and professionally formatted — score of 75% or higher. |
| 12 | Live Tour Delivery & Post-Tour Evaluation | 17 | field | Students will plan, lead, and debrief a 90-minute guided walking or transit tour of a real local destination for peers, then analyze post-tour guest feedback to produce written operational improvement recommendations. |
| Run-sheet template, risk assessment form, emergency contact card template, observer rubric, guest satisfaction survey template, clipboards, name tags, guide flags or lanyards, first-aid kit, mobile phone (for emergencies), transportation to field site if needed | Live delivery scored by instructor rubric (delivery, safety, accuracy, engagement); improvement memo reviewed separately; pass = rubric score of 78% or higher AND improvement memo identifies at least two specific, evidence-based operational changes — both components must pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Operations Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (38 of 50 questions) | A 50-question written exam covering supply-chain roles, pricing math, contract clauses, regulatory compliance, CTA destination engagement principles, and CMP-aligned logistics and risk management domains. Questions are drawn from lesson content, assigned readings, and case studies; the exam includes multiple choice, short answer, and one cost-calculation problem. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Guided Tour Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Minimum score of 78% on the standardized instructor rubric across all four dimensions; no dimension may score below 60% | Each student delivers a 20-minute guided tour segment at a real local site, assessed on interpretation accuracy, guest engagement, crowd management, and integration of accessibility accommodations. The student must also produce and carry a compliant run-sheet and emergency contact card on the day of the demonstration. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Tour Operations Lab Log | Log | 15% | All 12 lesson lab/practice submissions received; average score of 75% or higher across all submissions; no more than two submissions below 70% | Students maintain a cumulative operations log compiling all in-class deliverables — cost sheets, itineraries, vendor letters, risk matrices, compliance checklists, manifest printouts, accessibility audit, and improvement memo — organized in a professional folder or digital portfolio. The log is reviewed twice during the course (midpoint and end) to confirm completeness and quality. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Tour Site Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — all four critical safety behaviors must be demonstrated correctly; no retake permitted on the same day if a critical behavior is missed (one remediation opportunity within five business days) | During the live field tour day, the instructor observes each student for four non-negotiable safety behaviors: conducting a verbal safety briefing before the tour segment begins, accounting for all guests at each transition point, carrying and correctly identifying the location of the first-aid kit, and following the documented emergency communication protocol when a staged minor-incident scenario is introduced by the instructor mid-tour. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HOS-EVEN31-04 Trade course
Cruise, Dive & Eco-Tourism Operations
182 hr · $2,400 COMPLIMENTARY
Students develop the operational knowledge and hands-on skills required to work in cruise-line hospitality, recreational scuba diving instruction, and nature-based eco-tourism. The course integrates PADI Divemaster competencies, sustainable tourism principles, and passenger-safety protocols drawn from cruise and outdoor recreation industry standards. Lessons are sequenced from foundational safety through applied field operations, preparing students to sit the PADI Divemaster assessment and the Certified Tourism Ambassador exam.
Outcomes- Apply OSHA General Industry safety standards and marine-environment emergency procedures, including oxygen administration and first aid, during dive and cruise-tourism operations.
- Execute PADI Divemaster-level dive briefings, skill evaluations, and underwater mapping tasks that meet PADI Standards and Procedures requirements.
- Design and deliver an eco-tourism excursion that incorporates Leave No Trace principles, carrying-capacity limits, and stakeholder considerations for protected natural areas.
- Explain the structure and key operational departments of the contemporary cruise industry, including itinerary planning, embarkation logistics, and passenger services.
- Calculate dive-table repetitive-group designations, surface-interval credits, and adjusted no-decompression limits using PADI Recreational Dive Planner tables and a dive computer.
- Produce a visitor-experience narrative and site-interpretation guide that satisfies Certified Tourism Ambassador knowledge areas for local destination storytelling.
Course text
Students develop the operational knowledge and hands-on skills required to work in cruise-line hospitality, recreational scuba diving instruction, and nature-based eco-tourism. The course integrates PADI Divemaster competencies, sustainable tourism principles, and passenger-safety protocols drawn from cruise and outdoor recreation industry standards. Lessons are sequenced from foundational safety through applied field operations, preparing students to sit the PADI Divemaster assessment and the Certified Tourism Ambassador exam.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Marine and Outdoor Workplace Safety: OSHA, Hazards, and Emergency Response; Dive Physics and Physiology Foundations; PADI Divemaster Role, Standards, and Dive Theory Math; Open-Water Divemaster Skills: Briefings, Boat Procedures, and Rescue Readiness; Underwater Navigation, Mapping, and Dive Log Documentation; Eco-Tourism Principles: Sustainability, Carrying Capacity, and Protected Areas; Eco-Tour Design and Nature Interpretation; Cruise Industry Structure and Shipboard Operations; Passenger Safety, Lifeboat Procedures, and Cruise Emergency Protocols; Destination Storytelling and Certified Tourism Ambassador Competencies; Digital Tools for Dive and Eco-Tourism Operations; Integrated Field Operation: Dive, Eco-Tour, and Cruise Shore-Excursion Simulation.
What competent looks like. Apply OSHA General Industry safety standards and marine-environment emergency procedures, including oxygen administration and first aid, during dive and cruise-tourism operations. Execute PADI Divemaster-level dive briefings, skill evaluations, and underwater mapping tasks that meet PADI Standards and Procedures requirements. Design and deliver an eco-tourism excursion that incorporates Leave No Trace principles, carrying-capacity limits, and stakeholder considerations for protected natural areas. Explain the structure and key operational departments of the contemporary cruise industry, including itinerary planning, embarkation logistics, and passenger services. Calculate dive-table repetitive-group designations, surface-interval credits, and adjusted no-decompression limits using PADI Recreational Dive Planner tables and a dive computer. Produce a visitor-experience narrative and site-interpretation guide that satisfies Certified Tourism Ambassador knowledge areas for local destination storytelling.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marine and Outdoor Workplace Safety: OSHA, Hazards, and Emergency Response | 16 | theory | Students identify OSHA General Industry standards applicable to marine and outdoor recreation workplaces, demonstrate hazard-recognition procedures, and describe the employer's and employee's legal duties under the General Duty Clause. |
| OSHA 10 General Industry course cards or authorized online modules, JHA blank forms, CPR mannequins, AED trainer unit, disposable face shields, First Aid/CPR/AED provider manual (current edition from American Red Cross or American Heart Association), whiteboard | Pass the OSHA 10 final knowledge check at 70% or higher; JHA must identify a minimum of six hazards with correct control measures; CPR skill sheet signed off by instructor confirming correct compression rate and depth on at least two consecutive cycles. |
| 2 | Dive Physics and Physiology Foundations | 14 | theory | Students calculate the effects of pressure on gas volume and partial pressures using Boyle's Law and Dalton's Law, and explain the physiological consequences of pressure change relevant to diver safety. |
| PADI Divemaster Manual (current edition), PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving or equivalent reference, pressure-law worksheet packet, anatomical body-outline handout, DAN Emergency Oxygen Provider course materials, portable oxygen unit (training unit acceptable) | Score 80% or higher on a 20-question closed-book quiz covering pressure laws, gas laws, and diving physiology; DCS scenario checklist must include all five required steps (scene safety, recognition, oxygen delivery, EMS activation, diver positioning) with no life-threatening omissions. |
| 3 | PADI Divemaster Role, Standards, and Dive Theory Math | 16 | theory | Students interpret PADI Standards and Procedures to define the legal and professional scope of the Divemaster rating, and accurately calculate no-decompression limits, surface intervals, and repetitive dives using the PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) table and eRDPml. |
| PADI Divemaster Manual, PADI Recreational Dive Planner table (wheel or table card), eRDPml app (tablet or smartphone), PADI Standards and Procedures reference insert, scenario card set, peer-review rubric | All 10 RDP problems answered correctly (resubmit allowed once with instructor correction review); standards-matching exercise 80% accuracy; scope statement earns passing marks on all four rubric categories (accuracy, professional tone, citation, completeness). |
| 4 | Open-Water Divemaster Skills: Briefings, Boat Procedures, and Rescue Readiness | 18 | demo | Students demonstrate PADI Divemaster-level pre-dive briefings, boat-dive and shore-dive entry and exit supervision, and in-water rescue assists that meet PADI Standards for the Divemaster rating. |
| PADI Divemaster Manual, briefing rubric checklist, laminated site maps (generic training maps), pool access or confined-water area, full scuba equipment sets (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask, tank — rental or school-provided), rescue tow equipment, whistle, surface marker buoy (SMB) | Briefing rubric score of 80% or higher with all six required components present; rescue tow technique must be signed off by instructor as meeting PADI Divemaster performance requirements with no safety-critical errors. |
| 5 | Underwater Navigation, Mapping, and Dive Log Documentation | 14 | lab | Students navigate underwater using compass headings and natural references, produce a scaled underwater site map, and maintain a dive log that meets PADI Divemaster documentation standards. |
| Wrist compasses (one per student), measuring reels, dive slates and pencils, graph paper, rulers, scuba equipment, underwater lights, PADI dive log books or digital equivalent, PADI Divemaster Manual (navigation chapter) | Compass rectangle returns within one meter on two consecutive runs (instructor observes and signs slate); site map includes correct scale notation, minimum four labeled features, and legible depth notations; all five log entries complete with zero arithmetic errors on depth/time calculations. |
| 6 | Eco-Tourism Principles: Sustainability, Carrying Capacity, and Protected Areas | 16 | theory | Students explain the core principles of eco-tourism as defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), apply the concept of carrying capacity to a natural-area scenario, and identify US regulatory frameworks governing ecotourism operations in national parks and marine sanctuaries. |
| TIES eco-tourism principles document (freely available from TIES website), carrying-capacity calculation worksheet, internet access for regulatory research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sanctuary permit guidance documents, factsheet template | T-chart references at least four TIES principles correctly; carrying-capacity calculation is arithmetically correct and group can verbally justify the limit; factsheet covers permit requirements, at least two specific regulations, and one seasonal restriction — graded on a four-category rubric at 80% to pass. |
| 7 | Eco-Tour Design and Nature Interpretation | 16 | practice | Students design an eco-tourism excursion itinerary and produce an interpretive guide script that applies Leave No Trace principles and engages visitors in place-based learning. |
| Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Seven Principles guide, itinerary template, sample interpretation scripts from an existing eco-tour operator (instructor-provided), timer, evaluation rubric for interpretation delivery | LNT checklist is complete with all seven principles addressed with specific operator actions; itinerary includes all required elements (timing, group size with justification, safety notes, three interpretation stops); interpretation delivery rubric score 75% or higher with no LNT violations modeled. |
| 8 | Cruise Industry Structure and Shipboard Operations | 14 | theory | Students describe the organizational structure of a contemporary cruise line, explain the functions of key onboard departments, and explain how itinerary planning and port-of-call shore excursion programs are coordinated. |
| Cruise Industry News Annual Report or Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) industry overview documents, department organizational chart handout, itinerary disruption case study packet, presentation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides), internet access | Department-function matching exercise 85% accuracy; case-study responses demonstrate correct identification of at least four departments involved in the disruption chain and address excursion contract implications; presentation contains all five required content elements reviewed by instructor checklist. |
| 9 | Passenger Safety, Lifeboat Procedures, and Cruise Emergency Protocols | 12 | demo | Students demonstrate knowledge of cruise-ship SOLAS-aligned muster drill procedures, identify required personal protective equipment for shipboard roles, and describe crew responsibilities during fire and man-overboard emergencies. |
| SOLAS muster-drill step cards, man-overboard tabletop scenario script, ship emergency organization chart, Type I PFDs or training life jackets (one per student), four-point inspection checklist, IMO SOLAS summary reference (instructor-prepared from public IMO documents) | Muster-drill sequencing quiz 100% correct (resubmit once); man-overboard form identifies correct responsible party for each of six steps with 83% accuracy; life-jacket donning and four-point inspection signed off by instructor with no critical fit errors. |
| 10 | Destination Storytelling and Certified Tourism Ambassador Competencies | 16 | practice | Students produce a visitor-facing destination narrative and deliver a live site interpretation that demonstrates the knowledge areas assessed in the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) examination. |
| Tourism Ambassador Institute CTA content outline (available from TAI website), destination research handout with approved source list, narrative rubric, Tourism Ambassador Institute ambassador handbook or study guide (current edition), presentation evaluation checklist | Narrative covers all five CTA knowledge areas with three cited sources and no factual inaccuracies as verified by instructor; presentation scored by at least three peers and instructor, achieving 75% or higher on the four-element checklist; study-gap plan submitted and reviewed. |
| 11 | Digital Tools for Dive and Eco-Tourism Operations | 14 | lab | Students use industry-standard digital tools — including dive-computer software, GIS-based mapping applications, and online booking platforms — to support dive and eco-tourism operations. |
| Computers or tablets with internet access, dive-log software (manufacturer-provided free version), Google Earth or equivalent free GIS viewer, sample dive-profile data files (instructor-prepared CSV or manufacturer format), booking-platform demo account credentials, trip-briefing template | Dive-log report includes all four required data fields for each of five sample dives with correct totals; eco-tourism route map includes all five required markers and is embedded correctly in the briefing document; booking-platform listing is complete with all five required elements — reviewed against a product-listing checklist. |
| 12 | Integrated Field Operation: Dive, Eco-Tour, and Cruise Shore-Excursion Simulation | 16 | field | Students execute a full simulated day-operation combining a divemaster-led dive briefing, a guided eco-tour interpretation segment, and a cruise shore-excursion guest-service scenario, applying safety, regulatory, and customer-experience standards from the entire course. |
| Full scuba equipment sets, PADI briefing rubric, eco-tour site script (student-prepared in Lesson 7), LNT compliance checklist, shore-excursion scenario card set, pre-departure safety audit checklist, first-aid kit, oxygen unit, post-operation reflection template | Dive briefing rubric score 80% or higher; eco-tour interpretation includes at least two LNT actions observed by instructor; shore-excursion scenario response addresses mobility accommodation and refund question completely with professional tone — evaluated by instructor as pass/fail; safety audit form fully completed with all deficiencies documented; reflection submitted within 48 hours of field day. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise, Dive & Eco-Tourism Knowledge Examination | Written exam | 25% | 75% overall with no section below 65% | A 60-question closed-book written examination covering dive physics, PADI Divemaster standards and RDP calculations, eco-tourism principles and carrying capacity, cruise-industry structure, passenger safety protocols, and CTA destination-knowledge areas. Questions are divided into four sections aligned to PADI Divemaster knowledge review areas, TIES eco-tourism principles, cruise operations, and CTA exam content domains so that item-level results can guide targeted exam prep in Course 8. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Divemaster-Level Water Skills and Eco-Tour Delivery Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical safety behaviors scored as satisfactory; overall rubric score 80% or higher | Students complete a two-part practical evaluation: Part A is an in-water assessment in which the student leads a boat-dive briefing, assists two simulated divers with entry, performs a timed underwater compass navigation rectangle returning within one meter, and demonstrates a panicked-diver surface tow for 20 meters — all scored on PADI Divemaster performance requirements. Part B is a 10-minute guided eco-tour interpretation walk evaluated on accuracy, LNT compliance, visitor engagement, and delivery quality using the course rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Dive and Operations Lab Log | Log | 15% | All 12 required entries present; 90% of entries meet format and arithmetic accuracy standard | Students submit a compiled lab log maintained throughout the course that contains 12 dated entries covering: five RDP/dive-computer planning problems with worked calculations, two JHA forms from the safety and field lessons, one site map from the underwater navigation lab, one eco-tour itinerary with carrying-capacity calculation, one destination narrative, one digital-tools output (route map or dive-log report), and one post-field-operation reflection. Each entry is reviewed for completeness, correct use of industry terminology, and arithmetic accuracy on any calculations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Marine and Outdoor Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all critical-safety items; no retest beyond one allowed attempt | An observed practical safety check in which each student must correctly don and inspect a Type I PFD, demonstrate the adult CPR sequence on a mannequin to current AHA/Red Cross standards, verbally state the five steps of the DCS emergency action plan including oxygen administration, locate and verify the contents of a dive-trip first-aid kit against a standard checklist, and correctly sequence the six required SOLAS muster-drill steps from a shuffled card set. Any critical safety item failed requires an immediate remediation session and a single recheck within five business days. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HOS-EVEN31-05 Trade course
Destination Marketing
182 hr · $2,400 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn how destinations are researched, branded, and promoted to leisure and meetings-market buyers through digital and traditional channels. The course covers destination management organization (DMO) structure, visitor-economy data analysis, campaign planning, and the marketing touchpoints tested on the CMP and Certified Tourism Ambassador exams. Hands-on labs build a complete destination marketing plan for a real or simulated location.
Outcomes- Analyze visitor-economy data and market segmentation reports to identify target audiences for a destination marketing campaign.
- Build a destination brand platform — including positioning statement, tagline, and visual identity guidelines — using industry branding frameworks.
- Develop a multi-channel promotional campaign with a realistic budget allocation, content calendar, and measurable KPIs aligned with DMO objectives.
- Apply digital marketing tools (social media analytics, SEO basics, email platforms, and Google Analytics-style dashboards) to track and report campaign performance.
- Explain the roles, funding mechanisms, and partnership structures of DMOs, CVBs, and tourism boards as required for the CMP and Certified Tourism Ambassador exams.
- Produce a written destination marketing plan with situation analysis, strategy, tactics, budget, and evaluation framework that meets professional industry standards.
Course text
Students learn how destinations are researched, branded, and promoted to leisure and meetings-market buyers through digital and traditional channels. The course covers destination management organization (DMO) structure, visitor-economy data analysis, campaign planning, and the marketing touchpoints tested on the CMP and Certified Tourism Ambassador exams. Hands-on labs build a complete destination marketing plan for a real or simulated location.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: How Destinations Are Marketed: DMO, CVB, and Tourism Board Structures; The Visitor Economy: Data Sources, Metrics, and Market Segmentation; Destination Branding: Positioning, Identity, and Messaging; Digital Marketing Fundamentals for Destinations: SEO, SEM, and Website Strategy; Social Media Strategy and Content Creation for Destination Marketing; Email Marketing, CRM, and Visitor Relationship Management; Group and Meetings Market: CVB Sales and the Planner Relationship; Tourism Ambassador Skills: Storytelling, Community Knowledge, and Guest Engagement; Campaign Planning: Goals, Budgeting, and Media Mix; Analytics, Reporting, and Campaign Evaluation; Sustainable Tourism Marketing and Responsible Destination Promotion; Destination Marketing Plan: Integrated Build and Presentation.
What competent looks like. Analyze visitor-economy data and market segmentation reports to identify target audiences for a destination marketing campaign. Build a destination brand platform — including positioning statement, tagline, and visual identity guidelines — using industry branding frameworks. Develop a multi-channel promotional campaign with a realistic budget allocation, content calendar, and measurable KPIs aligned with DMO objectives. Apply digital marketing tools (social media analytics, SEO basics, email platforms, and Google Analytics-style dashboards) to track and report campaign performance. Explain the roles, funding mechanisms, and partnership structures of DMOs, CVBs, and tourism boards as required for the CMP and Certified Tourism Ambassador exams. Produce a written destination marketing plan with situation analysis, strategy, tactics, budget, and evaluation framework that meets professional industry standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How Destinations Are Marketed: DMO, CVB, and Tourism Board Structures | 13.5 | theory | Students will correctly explain the organizational structure, funding sources, and core functions of DMOs, CVBs, and national tourism boards as they appear in CMP and Certified Tourism Ambassador exam content. |
| U.S. Travel Association industry reports, Events Industry Council CMP International Standards (APEX/ANSI) domain references, Tourism Ambassador Institute candidate handbook, whiteboard, slide deck template, internet access | Five-question written quiz on DMO types, funding, and functions; pass mark 80% correct. |
| 2 | The Visitor Economy: Data Sources, Metrics, and Market Segmentation | 15 | theory | Students will interpret visitor-economy data sets — including arrivals, visitor spending, length of stay, and economic impact — and apply standard segmentation variables to identify target audiences. |
| State tourism office economic-impact report (current edition), spreadsheet software, segmentation framework handout, calculator, whiteboard | Completed data worksheet and segmentation exercise graded against an answer key; all calculations must be arithmetically correct and all segment classifications must include a written rationale; pass mark 80%. |
| 3 | Destination Branding: Positioning, Identity, and Messaging | 15 | theory | Students will construct a destination brand platform — positioning statement, brand promise, tagline, and tone-of-voice guidelines — using an established branding framework. |
| Destination branding case studies, brand-positioning template, peer-review rubric, whiteboard, slide software | Submitted positioning statement evaluated against a six-criterion rubric (clarity, target audience specificity, differentiation, brand promise alignment, tone, feasibility); pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 4 | Digital Marketing Fundamentals for Destinations: SEO, SEM, and Website Strategy | 15 | demo | Students will demonstrate how to audit a destination website for basic SEO elements and describe how paid search (SEM) campaigns support DMO awareness goals. |
| Computers with internet access, SEO audit checklist worksheet, sample Google Ads campaign handout, instructor-prepared slide deck, whiteboard | Completed SEO audit worksheet with a minimum of 10 identified elements correctly categorized as present, missing, or needs improvement; pass mark 80% accuracy verified against instructor key. |
| 5 | Social Media Strategy and Content Creation for Destination Marketing | 17 | lab | Students will produce a 30-day social media content calendar for a simulated destination, including platform selection rationale, post copy, visual descriptions, hashtag strategy, and posting schedule. |
| Computers with internet access, content-calendar spreadsheet template, social media audit rubric, style guide for simulated destination, sample destination content library | 30-day content calendar evaluated on completeness (all required fields filled), platform appropriateness, content variety, alignment to campaign objective, and grammar; pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 6 | Email Marketing, CRM, and Visitor Relationship Management | 13.5 | lab | Students will design a three-email welcome series for a destination e-newsletter subscriber using audience segmentation and industry email best practices. |
| Computer with internet access, email marketing platform (free tier or instructor-provided sandbox), sample destination e-newsletters, email critique worksheet, mobile-view simulation tool | Three-email series submitted and evaluated on subject-line effectiveness, segmentation logic, mobile formatting, CTA clarity, and presence of required compliance elements; pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 7 | Group and Meetings Market: CVB Sales and the Planner Relationship | 13.5 | theory | Students will describe how CVBs attract group, convention, and meetings business, explain the role of housing bureaus and bid documents, and connect this content to CMP exam domain areas on site selection and marketing. |
| Sample CVB bid document, CMP International Standards domain reference sheet, role-play observation form, timeline diagram template, whiteboard | Written annotation of CVB bid document sections and sales-cycle diagram graded against an answer key; pass mark 80%. |
| 8 | Tourism Ambassador Skills: Storytelling, Community Knowledge, and Guest Engagement | 13.5 | practice | Students will deliver a two-minute destination story and a structured visitor recommendation that meet the Certified Tourism Ambassador program's competency standards for community knowledge and guest engagement. |
| Tourism Ambassador Institute candidate handbook, local destination research resources, storytelling structure template, peer evaluation scorecard, timer | Live delivery scored by instructor on a four-criterion rubric (accuracy of facts, engagement, structure, call to action); pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 9 | Campaign Planning: Goals, Budgeting, and Media Mix | 17 | practice | Students will develop a fully budgeted, multi-channel campaign plan for a simulated destination that includes SMART objectives, media mix rationale, cost estimates, and a campaign timeline. |
| Sample campaign brief, budget allocation spreadsheet template, channel cost-range reference sheet, Gantt chart template, whiteboard | Submitted budget spreadsheet and Gantt chart reviewed for mathematical accuracy, logical channel mix, SMART objective compliance, and completeness; pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 10 | Analytics, Reporting, and Campaign Evaluation | 13.5 | lab | Students will interpret a simulated destination marketing analytics dashboard and produce a one-page executive summary report that evaluates campaign performance against stated KPIs. |
| Simulated analytics data set, KPI calculation worksheet, executive summary template, spreadsheet software, sample DMO board report for formatting reference | Executive summary report scored on accuracy of KPI calculations, logical analysis of results, quality of recommendations, and professional formatting; pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 11 | Sustainable Tourism Marketing and Responsible Destination Promotion | 13.5 | field | Students will evaluate a real local attraction or destination area for sustainable tourism marketing potential and produce a brief that recommends responsible messaging strategies aligned with current industry standards. |
| Sustainability observation checklist, transportation to field site, notebook, smartphone or camera for documentation, examples of responsible tourism marketing materials, internet access for research | Completed observation checklist and responsible marketing brief scored for accuracy of observations, evidence-based recommendations, avoidance of unsupported claims, and professional writing quality; pass mark 80% of rubric points. |
| 12 | Destination Marketing Plan: Integrated Build and Presentation | 22 | practice | Students will assemble and present a complete written destination marketing plan for a designated real or simulated destination that integrates all course competencies and meets the documentation standards required for industry professional portfolios. |
| Destination marketing plan template, slide presentation software, all prior lesson deliverables and research, peer feedback form, presentation evaluation rubric, printer or PDF export capability | Written plan scored on completeness of all required sections, internal consistency, data accuracy, and professional presentation quality; oral presentation scored on clarity, slide design, and ability to answer questions; both components must achieve 80% of rubric points to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination Marketing Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question closed-book multiple-choice exam covering DMO structures, visitor-economy metrics, branding theory, digital marketing fundamentals, CVB sales processes, campaign planning principles, analytics interpretation, and sustainable tourism marketing concepts. Questions are mapped to CMP International Standards domain areas and Certified Tourism Ambassador competency categories to reinforce credential preparation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Destination Marketing Plan Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 80% or higher across all rubric criteria | Students deliver their complete destination marketing plan (developed in Lesson 12) before an instructor evaluation panel and respond to follow-up questions; both the written plan document and the live presentation are scored on a multi-criterion rubric assessing technical accuracy, strategic coherence, data use, professional quality, and ability to defend recommendations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Course Lab Log | Log | 15% | All 12 lesson deliverables submitted; average score 80% or higher across graded lab submissions | Students maintain a running lab log compiling all lesson worksheets, checklists, drafts, and deliverables — including the SEO audit, content calendar, email series, budget spreadsheet, analytics report, sustainability brief, and all other lesson outputs — which is reviewed at the end of the course to verify consistent, competent engagement with every lab and practice activity. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Workplace and Field Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all required safety behaviors; any critical failure requires immediate remediation and re-check before course completion | Instructor observes and verifies that each student can correctly apply course-relevant safety practices: appropriate personal data and digital security habits when using marketing platforms, safe field-visit behaviors during the sustainable tourism site visit (situational awareness, appropriate footwear and sun protection for outdoor sites, adherence to site rules), and knowledge of emergency reporting procedures as introduced in the Universal Core safety unit. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HOS-EVEN31-06 Capstone
Capstone Project: Event & Tourism Management
162 hr · $1,620 COMPLIMENTARY
Students design, plan, and present a full-scale event or tourism product from concept through execution-ready documentation, integrating skills from every prior course. The capstone demands professional-grade deliverables — including venue analysis, budget, marketing plan, safety protocols, and a tour or event program — evaluated against industry standards used by CMP and CTA credentialing bodies. A formal oral defense before an industry-experienced panel simulates the professional accountability expected in the events and tourism workplace.
Outcomes- Develop a complete event or tourism product plan — including scope statement, stakeholder map, timeline, budget, marketing strategy, and risk/safety plan — that meets CMP Body of Knowledge standards.
- Apply destination knowledge and visitor-experience design principles consistent with Certified Tourism Ambassador competencies to a documented tourism itinerary or event program.
- Produce a professional project portfolio containing all planning documents, vendor communications, permits checklist, site/venue analysis, and a post-event evaluation framework.
- Demonstrate compliant safety planning by embedding OSHA general-industry hazard controls, emergency action plan elements, and first aid/CPR response protocols into the capstone project.
- Present and defend all project decisions clearly and persuasively before a panel, responding to questions about budget variances, logistics trade-offs, and guest-experience rationale.
- Evaluate the completed project against industry benchmarks, identify gaps, and propose data-supported improvements in a written self-assessment.
Course text
Students design, plan, and present a full-scale event or tourism product from concept through execution-ready documentation, integrating skills from every prior course. The capstone demands professional-grade deliverables — including venue analysis, budget, marketing plan, safety protocols, and a tour or event program — evaluated against industry standards used by CMP and CTA credentialing bodies. A formal oral defense before an industry-experienced panel simulates the professional accountability expected in the events and tourism workplace.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Scoping and Stakeholder Planning; Budget, Vendor, and Logistics Documentation; Safety Plan, Marketing Plan, and Guest-Experience Design; Final Assembly, Rehearsal, and Oral Defense.
What competent looks like. Develop a complete event or tourism product plan — including scope statement, stakeholder map, timeline, budget, marketing strategy, and risk/safety plan — that meets CMP Body of Knowledge standards. Apply destination knowledge and visitor-experience design principles consistent with Certified Tourism Ambassador competencies to a documented tourism itinerary or event program. Produce a professional project portfolio containing all planning documents, vendor communications, permits checklist, site/venue analysis, and a post-event evaluation framework. Demonstrate compliant safety planning by embedding OSHA general-industry hazard controls, emergency action plan elements, and first aid/CPR response protocols into the capstone project. Present and defend all project decisions clearly and persuasively before a panel, responding to questions about budget variances, logistics trade-offs, and guest-experience rationale. Evaluate the completed project against industry benchmarks, identify gaps, and propose data-supported improvements in a written self-assessment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Scoping and Stakeholder Planning | 36 | practice | Students will define the scope, goals, and stakeholder structure of their capstone event or tourism product in a written charter that meets CMP Strategic Planning domain standards. |
| Project charter template, RACI matrix template, Google Sheets or equivalent, CMP International Standards reference (Events Industry Council), local venue/destination fact sheets, ADA Standards for Accessible Design summary handout | Instructor reviews charter and site report using a scored rubric; all SMART criteria must be met, RACI must be complete with no blank roles, and timeline must include at minimum 12 milestones. Pass = 80% of rubric points. |
| 2 | Budget, Vendor, and Logistics Documentation | 45 | lab | Students will build a line-item project budget, draft a vendor solicitation package including a request for proposal (RFP), and produce a logistics operations plan that integrates food-and-beverage, transportation, and on-site management details. |
| Spreadsheet software, blank RFP template (Events Industry Council model), sample vendor contracts (redacted training copies), food-and-beverage order forms, transportation manifest template, CMP Meeting and Event Design domain reference | Budget must balance (revenue ≥ expenses or deficit is explicitly acknowledged and justified), contingency line is present, both RFPs are complete, and operations plan covers all required sections. Peer and instructor review using scoring rubric. Pass = 80% of rubric points. |
| 3 | Safety Plan, Marketing Plan, and Guest-Experience Design | 45 | practice | Students will produce an integrated safety and emergency action plan, a destination or event marketing plan aligned with CTA ambassador principles, and a detailed guest-experience itinerary or program that reflects professional event and tourism standards. |
| OSHA General Industry hazard-communication and emergency-action references, FEMA EAP checklist, CTA program Destination Knowledge materials, site/venue floor plan, survey-building tool (e.g., Google Forms), 4 Ps marketing worksheet | EAP must address at minimum four hazard scenarios with assigned roles and an evacuation diagram; marketing plan must include all four P sections and a target-market profile; itinerary/program must cover the full event or tour duration with no unaccounted time gaps. Instructor scores each document on rubric. Pass = 80% of rubric points on each of the three documents. |
| 4 | Final Assembly, Rehearsal, and Oral Defense | 36 | field | Students will compile all project documents into a professional portfolio, conduct a formal oral defense of the complete project before a panel, and submit a written self-evaluation identifying strengths, gaps, and recommendations. |
| Complete capstone portfolio (student-produced), presentation software, printer or digital submission platform, program capstone rubric, panel evaluation form, self-evaluation template | Portfolio is complete with all required documents and a professional table of contents; presentation meets the 15-minute requirement, visual aids are present, and all panel questions receive substantive responses; self-evaluation addresses all four required elements. Panel scores presentation on a rubric; all three components must pass. Pass = 80% of rubric points on portfolio, 80% on presentation panel rubric, and self-evaluation submitted and complete. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone Project Plan (Complete Documentation Package) | Project | 60% | 80% overall on the multi-criteria rubric, with no single required document missing; any missing required document is an automatic incomplete until resubmitted. | The student submits the full, assembled portfolio — project charter, site report, Gantt chart, line-item budget with scenario analysis, vendor RFPs, logistics operations plan, emergency action plan, marketing plan, guest-experience itinerary or event program, and guest feedback survey — evaluated against a rubric aligned to CMP Body of Knowledge domains (Strategic Planning, Site Management, Financial Management, Marketing, and Risk Management) and CTA destination knowledge principles. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Professional Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | Portfolio must include all 10 required document types, an executive summary, and a professional table of contents; rubric score of 80% or above; documents must reflect revision from peer and instructor feedback given during Lessons 1–3. | The bound or digital portfolio is evaluated holistically for professional presentation quality, document completeness, internal consistency across all planning components (e.g., budget figures match operations plan staffing, EAP roles match RACI matrix), and evidence that the student incorporated feedback from earlier lessons — demonstrating the iterative planning process valued in both events and tourism management careers. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | 80% of panel rubric points; student must respond substantively to all panel questions — a response scored 'unable to answer' on two or more questions requires a second defense session within five business days. | The student presents the capstone project in a 15-minute formal presentation followed by a minimum 10-minute panel Q&A; the panel evaluates clarity of communication, depth of knowledge, ability to justify planning decisions using industry rationale, professional demeanor, and quality of visual aids, using a structured rubric that maps presentation sections to CMP and CTA credential competency areas. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
HOS-EVEN31-07 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement
243 hr · $970 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 243 supervised hours at an approved event, tourism, hospitality, or dive/eco-tourism employer, applying classroom skills in real operational settings under the direct guidance of an industry mentor. Competencies mapped to the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and PADI Divemaster credential frameworks are practiced and documented throughout the placement. A structured employer evaluation and a reflective journal log provide evidence of professional growth and job-readiness.
Outcomes- Execute assigned event or tourism operational tasks—including logistics, guest services, vendor coordination, or dive/eco-tour support—meeting employer quality and timeline standards on at least 80% of evaluated tasks.
- Demonstrate workplace safety practices consistent with OSHA General Industry guidelines and site-specific emergency action plans without recorded safety violations during the placement.
- Apply professional communication skills—written, verbal, and digital—appropriate to the hospitality and events industry in at least three documented on-the-job interactions per week.
- Record and reflect on daily worksite experiences in a structured journal that maps each major task to at least one CMP, CTA, or PADI Divemaster competency domain.
- Receive a final employer evaluation score of Satisfactory or above on all five core competency categories: professionalism, technical skills, communication, initiative, and safety.
- Identify two or more career development goals informed by externship experience and articulate them in a written exit reflection submitted at placement completion.
Course text
Students complete 243 supervised hours at an approved event, tourism, hospitality, or dive/eco-tourism employer, applying classroom skills in real operational settings under the direct guidance of an industry mentor. Competencies mapped to the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and PADI Divemaster credential frameworks are practiced and documented throughout the placement. A structured employer evaluation and a reflective journal log provide evidence of professional growth and job-readiness.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Externship Orientation and Worksite Safety Integration; Supervised Operational Duties — Events and Tourism Core Tasks; Midpoint Check-In and Professional Development Activity; Final Evaluation, Exit Reflection, and Portfolio Compilation.
What competent looks like. Execute assigned event or tourism operational tasks—including logistics, guest services, vendor coordination, or dive/eco-tour support—meeting employer quality and timeline standards on at least 80% of evaluated tasks. Demonstrate workplace safety practices consistent with OSHA General Industry guidelines and site-specific emergency action plans without recorded safety violations during the placement. Apply professional communication skills—written, verbal, and digital—appropriate to the hospitality and events industry in at least three documented on-the-job interactions per week. Record and reflect on daily worksite experiences in a structured journal that maps each major task to at least one CMP, CTA, or PADI Divemaster competency domain. Receive a final employer evaluation score of Satisfactory or above on all five core competency categories: professionalism, technical skills, communication, initiative, and safety. Identify two or more career development goals informed by externship experience and articulate them in a written exit reflection submitted at placement completion.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Externship Orientation and Worksite Safety Integration | 20 | field | Students will complete employer site orientation and identify site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and professional conduct expectations before beginning operational duties. |
| Employer orientation packet, OSHA General Industry pocket guide, student externship handbook, site safety checklist form, SMART goal worksheet, program coordinator contact sheet | Signed safety checklist returned with a minimum of five documented hazard controls; SMART goals approved by both site mentor and program coordinator. Both items must be submitted within the first 20 hours to continue placement. |
| 2 | Supervised Operational Duties — Events and Tourism Core Tasks | 150 | field | Students will perform assigned operational duties in event planning, tour operations, destination guest services, or dive/eco-tourism support under direct mentor supervision, meeting employer performance expectations. |
| Daily journal log forms, externship competency tracking matrix (mapped to CMP Strategic Plan, Meeting or Event Design, Site Management domains; CTA Ambassador knowledge areas; PADI Divemaster supervisory skills), incident reflection template, employer task assignment sheet | Site mentor initials each shift log at end of shift; program coordinator reviews completed journal entries bi-weekly. Student must have mentor-initialed logs for 90% of scheduled shifts and at least one completed incident reflection by the midpoint check-in (75 operational hours) to continue without a corrective action plan. |
| 3 | Midpoint Check-In and Professional Development Activity | 18 | field | Students will participate in a structured midpoint evaluation with the site mentor and program coordinator, then complete at least one professional development activity to strengthen identified growth areas. |
| Midpoint evaluation form (five-category rubric), action plan template, professional development summary form, MPI/PCMA chapter event listings or DMO volunteer event calendar, updated SMART goal worksheet | Midpoint evaluation form signed by all three parties; no more than one competency category rated below Satisfactory without an approved written action plan. Professional development summary submitted within five business days of the activity. Missing these items triggers a corrective action review. |
| 4 | Final Evaluation, Exit Reflection, and Portfolio Compilation | 55 | field | Students will complete their remaining operational hours, receive a final employer evaluation, and submit a compiled externship portfolio with a written exit reflection that maps their experience to credential exam competency domains. |
| Final employer evaluation form (five-category rubric), complete externship portfolio checklist, exit reflection rubric, competency tracking matrix, credential domain reference sheets (EIC CMP Blueprint, Tourism Ambassador Institute knowledge domains, PADI Divemaster standards summary) | Final employer evaluation must show Satisfactory or above in all five categories; portfolio checklist verified complete by program coordinator; exit reflection earns at least 80% on the four-point rubric covering completeness, credential mapping, reflection quality, and professional writing. Any Unsatisfactory rating requires a remediation plan approved by the department chair. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Employer Skills Evaluation | Skills demonstration | 70% | Satisfactory (meeting expectations) or above on all five competency categories: professionalism, technical skills, communication, initiative, and safety; no category rated Unsatisfactory at placement end | The site mentor completes the standardized five-category evaluation form during the final evaluation meeting, rating the student's performance across the full placement period. Ratings of Unsatisfactory in any category require a documented remediation plan and, if not resolved, may result in an incomplete grade and extended placement hours. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Externship Journal and Portfolio Log | Log | 30% | 80% or higher on the portfolio rubric; mentor-initialed logs for at least 90% of scheduled shifts; competency tracking matrix showing documented evidence in at least four distinct credential domain areas across CMP, CTA, and/or PADI Divemaster | The student submits the complete externship portfolio—including all daily journal logs, the competency tracking matrix, incident reflection, professional development summary, and the two-page exit reflection—to the program coordinator by the final program deadline. The coordinator scores the portfolio against the four-point rubric and verifies the credential domain mapping as part of the overall course grade. Complete · Verified |
HOS-EVEN31-08 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: CMP, CTA, and PADI Divemaster
68 hr · $680 COMPLIMENTARY
This course prepares students to sit the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and PADI Divemaster written examinations by systematically reviewing each credential's tested content domains, identifying personal knowledge gaps, and building exam-day strategy and confidence. Students complete timed practice sets mapped to official exam blueprints, analyze errors, and demonstrate readiness through full-length mock examinations that replicate the format and difficulty of each credential assessment.
Outcomes- Accurately recall and apply content from all major CMP Exam Blueprint domains, including strategic meetings management, project management, risk management, and financial management, at a level consistent with passing performance.
- Demonstrate mastery of CTA core knowledge areas—local destination assets, visitor engagement, and ambassador communication—sufficient to pass the CTA assessment.
- Correctly answer PADI Divemaster written examination questions covering dive theory, physics, physiology, decompression principles, equipment, and rescue skills at or above PADI's minimum passing standard.
- Analyze personal practice-test results to identify weak content areas and implement a targeted study plan that measurably improves scores before mock exam day.
- Apply effective multiple-choice test-taking strategies—including elimination, time pacing, and flagging for review—to all three credential examinations.
- Complete full-length mock examinations for each credential under timed, proctored conditions and achieve scores that predict readiness for the live credential exams.
Course text
This course prepares students to sit the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and PADI Divemaster written examinations by systematically reviewing each credential's tested content domains, identifying personal knowledge gaps, and building exam-day strategy and confidence. Students complete timed practice sets mapped to official exam blueprints, analyze errors, and demonstrate readiness through full-length mock examinations that replicate the format and difficulty of each credential assessment.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: CMP Exam Blueprint Deep Dive and Diagnostic; CTA and PADI Divemaster Written Exam Review; Exam Strategy, Pacing, and Stress Management; Full-Length Mock Examinations and Final Readiness Review.
What competent looks like. Accurately recall and apply content from all major CMP Exam Blueprint domains, including strategic meetings management, project management, risk management, and financial management, at a level consistent with passing performance. Demonstrate mastery of CTA core knowledge areas—local destination assets, visitor engagement, and ambassador communication—sufficient to pass the CTA assessment. Correctly answer PADI Divemaster written examination questions covering dive theory, physics, physiology, decompression principles, equipment, and rescue skills at or above PADI's minimum passing standard. Analyze personal practice-test results to identify weak content areas and implement a targeted study plan that measurably improves scores before mock exam day. Apply effective multiple-choice test-taking strategies—including elimination, time pacing, and flagging for review—to all three credential examinations. Complete full-length mock examinations for each credential under timed, proctored conditions and achieve scores that predict readiness for the live credential exams.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CMP Exam Blueprint Deep Dive and Diagnostic | 18 | theory | Students will map the official CMP Exam Blueprint domains to their prior coursework, complete a scored diagnostic practice set for each domain, and produce a written gap-analysis study plan. |
| Events Industry Council CMP Exam Blueprint (current edition, downloaded from eventscouncil.org), official CMP Candidate Handbook, instructor-prepared domain practice question banks, student laptops or tablets, gap-analysis tracking spreadsheet template, course notes from Course 2 (Event Planning) | Student scores each domain practice set; instructor reviews gap-analysis study plans and confirms each plan correctly identifies weak domains and lists specific remediation actions. Pass mark: student achieves at least 65% on the diagnostic aggregate and submits a complete, actionable study plan—instructor signs off before the student may advance. |
| 2 | CTA and PADI Divemaster Written Exam Review | 16 | theory | Students will review all tested content areas for both the Certified Tourism Ambassador assessment and the PADI Divemaster written examination, completing scored practice sets for each and correcting errors through instructor-facilitated debrief. |
| Tourism Ambassador Institute candidate study guide and local destination fact sheet, PADI Divemaster Manual, PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, PADI RDP Table and eRDPml, instructor-prepared CTA and Divemaster practice question banks, dive physics formula reference card, student notes from Course 4 (Cruise/Dive/Eco-Tourism) and Course 3 (Tour Ops) | Scored practice sets for CTA and PADI Divemaster topics; instructor reviews error-correction paragraphs for accuracy of reasoning. Pass mark: 70% or higher on both the CTA and Divemaster practice sets before advancing; students below threshold complete an additional targeted practice round the same session. |
| 3 | Exam Strategy, Pacing, and Stress Management | 10 | practice | Students will apply systematic multiple-choice test-taking strategies—elimination, answer flagging, and time pacing—to mixed practice sets drawn from all three credential exams, and demonstrate stable performance under timed conditions. |
| Mixed credential practice question banks (instructor-prepared), countdown timer, scratch paper, PADI RDP Table (permitted reference), exam-day checklist template, stress-management reference handout, official candidate handbook excerpts for all three credentials | Instructor observes pacing behavior during timed rounds (no student finishes more than 15% under or over the target pace without a deliberate second-pass review); students submit completed exam-day checklists. Pass mark: average score across the three timed practice rounds of 70% or higher; completed and accurate exam-day checklist signed off by instructor. |
| 4 | Full-Length Mock Examinations and Final Readiness Review | 24 | practice | Students will complete full-length, proctored mock examinations for the CMP, CTA, and PADI Divemaster written assessments under realistic exam conditions, achieve target readiness scores, and receive individualized feedback identifying any remaining knowledge gaps before sitting live credentials. |
| Full-length CMP mock exam (instructor-prepared, domain-weighted per current Blueprint), full-length CTA mock assessment, full-length PADI Divemaster written mock exam, PADI RDP Table, answer keys with rationales, individual score-report templates, credential registration deadline reference sheet | Scored mock exams for all three credentials; one-on-one conference completion confirmed. Pass mark for course completion: 75% or higher on the CMP mock, 80% or higher on the CTA mock (consistent with Tourism Ambassador Institute's standard passing threshold), and 75% or higher on the PADI Divemaster written mock; students below any threshold receive a documented remediation plan and one additional targeted practice attempt before the live exam. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three-Credential Full Mock Examination Suite | Mock certification exam | 100% | 75% or higher on the CMP mock exam, 80% or higher on the CTA mock assessment, and 75% or higher on the PADI Divemaster written mock exam, all completed under proctored, timed conditions with only credential-permitted materials; students below any single threshold must complete a documented remediation plan and one additional targeted practice attempt. | Students sit full-length, proctored mock examinations for each of the three program credentials—CMP, CTA, and PADI Divemaster written—in a single exam-week session that replicates the format, timing, and permitted-materials rules of the live assessments. Scored results, item-level error analysis, and a one-on-one instructor feedback conference constitute the final summative evidence of exam readiness before students register for and sit the official credentialing exams. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: Certified Tourism Ambassador; CMP Prep; PADI Divemaster
Students prepare for and sit three portable industry credential exams: the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam administered by the Events Industry Council, the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) exam administered by the Tourism Ambassador Institute, and the PADI Divemaster certification assessments administered through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Event & Tourism Management · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
