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Tourism will become one of nine new industry-led subjects in New Zealand’s refreshed curriculum for Years 12 and 13, a move welcomed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa as a major step towards strengthening the sector’s future workforce.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram says the decision recognises both the importance of tourism to New Zealand and the breadth of career opportunities available in the industry.
“What our young people are exposed to at school has a significant influence over their aspirations, career goals and the choices they make for further study or employment post school.
“From entrepreneurship to senior management, visitor experience design to destination management – it’s all possible in tourism and we can now show the full spectrum of tourism roles in the curriculum.”
TIA has been advocating for tourism to be recognised within the senior secondary curriculum and will now work alongside the Services Industry Skills Boards and the Tourism Teachers Association to develop the new subject over the next two years.
Rebecca says the curriculum will help prepare students for an industry that increasingly requires analytical thinking, digital capability, sustainability knowledge and an understanding of global systems.
Tourism is expected to be piloted in 2028 before being rolled out nationally in 2029. Outdoor Education has also been confirmed as a Ministry-led subject for Years 12 and 13.
