- Overview
- Study Tracks
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Year 1
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Year 2
- Programme Content
- Experiences
- Work-study
- Careers
- Cost of studies
- Admission
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Director of Studies Thierry RigauxThe MSc in Destination and Tourism Project Development is open to students who have already studied in higher education for a minimum of 3 years. The programme provides you with an array of opportunities and prepares you to enter a multifaceted industry. You will not only learn about how to promote a destination or region, but also how to market a tourism product and become a fully-operational manager within the industry.You will therefore develop all the necessary skills for careers in the travel sector (travel agencies, tour operators, internet-based travel agencies, etc.) as well as for regionally-based tourism bodies (Tourist Boards, Tourist Information Centres, etc.).
Throughout the programme, industry professionals will be on hand to ensure that your learning is in perfect harmony with the realities of the industry.
By the end of the programme, you will have all the necessary knowledge and skills to really understand the tourism industry… an industry that is constantly evolving, particularly due to digital technology.
This programme offers the opportunity of obtaining a double Master qualification with our partner, ESTHUA.
Why choose the MSc in Destination and Tourism Project Development?
- A double Master qualification with our partner university, ESTHUA
- Certified by CFET (Conférence des Formations d’Excellence du Tourisme), an association for excellence in tourism education
- State-certified RNCP qualification Level 7 ‘Director of Tourism Products’ (equivalent to 5 years of post-High School education)
- Expertise provided by Excelia Tourism School, created in 2005
- A unique mentoring system involving our graduates, helping you to develop your network
- Work-study track
Exploring 3 principal areas
Digital Technology… because ‘digital’ represents more than 2/3 of industry turnover, and because it is not only transforming the way the industry’s traditional actors operate (Incoming Tour Operators, Tour Operators etc.) but is also creating new careers (Traffic Manager etc.).
The Customer Experience… because customer satisfaction means developing offers that are ever more appealing and interesting.
Local areas and regions… because in a context of intense competition between destinations, it is essential to fully understand the dynamics of each destination – seasonality, type of clientele and tourism offer, etc.
Our Campus: La Rochelle
The entire programme takes place on our La Rochelle campus, located in the Minimes area of the city.
Find out more about our campus
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Year 1
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Year 2
Year 1
Year 2
Programme structure
September-June: School-based and company-based periods September-June: School-based and company-based periods -
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Courses
- Year 1
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- Strategic Management for Tourism
- HR Management for Tourism Organisations
- Budgetary and Financial Management for Tourism Projects
- International Marketing Strategy for Tourism
- Tourism and Digitalisation
- Business English (or other language: Spanish/German/Italian/French as a Foreign Language)
- Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship
- Latest Trends, Issues and Challenges for Tourism
- Management of Institutional Bodies and Involvement of Local Authorities
- Tourism Organisations and Key Stakeholders
- Services Marketing in Tourism
- Case Methodology
- Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Marketing
- Document Research
Further benefits
A strong emphasis on Soft Skills: you will learn about the importance of skills relating to human and relational qualities needed in today’s business environment – listening, open-mindedness, communication, creativity, leadership, etc. Teamwork: you will work in groups on real-life business management situations Coach Inside: a unique learning approach involving a mentor who is a graduate of Excelia Tourism School - Year 2
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- Development and Marketing of Destinations
- Digital Marketing and Loyalty Management
- Strategic Repositioning of Tourism Destinations, Events and Hospitality Organisations
- Destination Management, Diversification, Globalisation, Sustainability
- Management of Organisations
- Advanced Global Code Of Ethics: International Tourism Law
- Professional Practices: Co-creation
- Consultancy Project
- Regional Management of Sustainable Development
- Thesis Methodology
- Master Thesis
Further benefits
A year dedicated to acquiring the relevant practical skills for Tourism Management and Destination Management A vocationally-oriented year, concluding with a 6-month internship Presentations and lectures by experts from the tourism industry
The different courses and projects are provided for indicative purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next. The specialisations offered will only be available if the required minimum number of students is reached.
All you need to know about languages, assessment, lessons and your teachers
Languages:
- Year 1: French Track
- Year 2: French Track
Assessment:
Three types of evaluation:
- Continuous assessment: 40% of the final mark
- End-of-semester exams: 60% of the final mark
- End-of-studies thesis, at the end of Year 2
Your teachers:
The MSc in Destination and Tourism Project Development combines the expertise of Visiting Professors with that of the research-active Faculty at Excelia Tourism School. In addition, lessons are given by industry professionals, renowned for their strong expertise in their respective fields.
Types of lessons:
In Year 1, students will be given a general overview of the tourism industry, as well as an insight into the strategic aspects and challenges of Destination Management. The aim is to understand the strategic fundamentals of Destination Management.
In Year 2, students benefit from specific lessons that will provide them with the skills to enable them…
- to ascertain the strategic issues of a tourism project
- to design a strategy to address current tourism issues
- to implement the strategy of a tourism project
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Your experiences
Mentoring
In Year 1, this unique educational tool has been designed to enable you to develop your professional network through the support of an industry mentor who is a graduate of Excelia Tourism School and whose job reflects your own professional project. Your mentor will help you to both evaluate the current job market and to develop your career strategy.
Personalised Support and Guidance from your Mentor
Throughout your studies, you will benefit from personalised support and guidance. The School offers workshops structured around personal development (self-awareness and self-assertion), communication tools (such as CVs and cover letters), understanding the job market, learning about different careers and developing your professional network.
Consultancy Project
You will carry out a consultancy project on behalf of a major player in the industry (e.g. Atout France, Futuroscope). In groups, you will complete a detailed analysis of the issue and then present your findings and associated recommendations to a panel made up of managers from the partner company.
Examples of past projects:- ‘How can we adapt the World Forum event 2016 to the La Rochelle area?’ (World Forum, 2016)
- ‘Developing a night-time tourism economy in Paris’ (Welcome City Lab, 2016)
- ‘How can we continue to develop our business?’ (Yescapa, specialist in the hire of motorhomes between private individuals)
Industry Seminars
Several times a year, graduates visit the School to present and explain the different strategies adopted by industry professionals or perhaps to give a presentation on a specific career.
End-of-studies Thesis
Your programme culminates with your end-of-studies thesis, which enables the School to evaluate your ability to understand and deal with a complex issue through theoretical analysis, to formulate a diagnosis and to put forward pertinent recommendations and solutions.
This dissertation is a real opportunity to conduct research on an operational theme, supervised by our research-active Faculty. It will be an asset on your CV as regards your future career.
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What is ‘Work-study’?
Programmes offered on a work-study track are subject to specific admissions requirements and conditions. To maximise your chances of being accepted on a work-study track, here is some useful information and helpful advice.
- Personal interview: Candidates are strongly advised to submit a CV and a cover letter. How you perform on the day of the interview and the quality of these documents, even if optional, are all part of the assessment.
- Grant holders: as part of its commitment to social inclusion, when it comes to work-study, Excelia gives preferential consideration to applicants receiving grants.
During the two years of the programme, you will alternate school-based periods with periods spent in a company, where you will be entrusted with assignments in line with your studies.
We provide students with support in their search for a work-study placement, helping them to take stock of their personal qualities… highlighting their experiences (professional, voluntary, sporting, charitable, international) as well as their academic abilities.
Work-study in detail
Contract type
contrat de professionnalisation (professional training contract), contrat d'apprentissage (apprenticeship contract) or a stage alterné (work-study internship agreement)
Format
- Year 1: 1 week school-based followed by 3 weeks company-based
- Year 2: 1 week school-based followed by 3 weeks company-based
Main objective: To combine theoretical knowledge with professional experience
Securing a contract with a company: The School provides you with the necessary search tools to assist you in your professional project. Once you have successfully completed the Admissions tests, you will have access to the numerous work-study offers available to our students.
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Careers
Graduate Testimonials
Our graduates quickly take up positions of responsibility across all 5 continents and, thanks to the MSc, they rapidly rise to management positions
Our graduates work in a wide variety of posts, in organisations such as:
- Travel Agencies
- Tour Operators
- Incoming Tour Operators
- Tourist Information Centres
- Local and Regional Tourist Boards
- Internet-based Travel Agencies.
Facts & Figures
- 100% of our graduates find a job within 6 months of graduating
- 80% secure a job contract before the end of their studies
International
- 42% work abroad – the principal countries are United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, India, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia
Sectors they work in:
- 50% in Hospitality and Catering
- 13% in Event Management
- 16% in the Travel Industry
- 11% in Leisure and Entertainment
- 10% in other sectors of Tourism
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Tuition Fees 2024-2025
Students from within the European Union*
- 24-month Track: €24,900
- 12-month Track (only for Year 2): €14,900
- 12-month Track or 24-month Track: In the case of a contrat de professionnalisation and a contrat d'apprentissage, tuition fees are paid by the host company from the date of signature of the contract.
* 27 European Union members: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France and French Overseas Territories, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Students from outside the European Union
- 24-month Track: €27,100
- 12-month Track (only for Year 2): €14,900
- 12-month Track or 24-month Track: In the case of a contrat de professionnalisation and a contrat d'apprentissage, tuition fees are paid by the host company from the date of signature of the contract.
Tuition fees are provided for information purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next.
In addition to tuition fees, you need to take into account the following costs:
- Multiservice charge (see details below)
- Annual administration costs relating to a double qualification (if applicable)
- Enrolment fees at a partner university in the case of a double qualification (to be paid directly to the partner institution)
Multiservice charge
Fee: €250
This one-off Multiservice fee gives access to the following services: Multimedia and Internet network, Cyberlibris (online library), Student Identity Card, Reprographics credit, Intranet, e-learning modules, Wi-Fi, Career Centre activities and services, International Insurance-Assistance (for any periods spent abroad during the period covered by this contract), University library, University Medical Service etc.
Financing your studies
Calculate the cost of studying in France
For more information about the cost of studying
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Applications for Classic Track - 12 or 24 months
The Classic Track is open to students with a minimum of 3 years of post-High School education or international equivalent.
The Classic Track is a 12 or 24 months full-time programme.
Motivation interview is carried out by internet via our dedicated platform (day and time of your choice).Application fees: €50
Applications for Classic Track - 12 or 24 months
The Classic Track is open to students with a minimum of 3 years of post-High School education or international equivalent.
The Classic Track is a 12 or 24 months full-time programme.
Motivation interview is carried out by internet via our dedicated platform (day and time of your choice).Application fees: €50
