Course Information

Course Overview

Crown Institute of Studies offers one of New Zealand’s most comprehensive and industry-connected pathways into the tourism and travel sector — through the NZ Certificate in Travel (Level 4) and the NZ Diploma in Tourism & Travel (Level 5). These NZQA-approved qualifications are specifically designed to equip international students with the practical skills, professional knowledge, and industry-standard systems expertise needed to launch and grow a successful career in New Zealand’s world-class tourism and travel industry. Choosing to study tourism and travel in New Zealand means immersing yourself in one of the country’s most iconic and economically significant sectors — an industry that welcomes millions of international visitors annually and consistently demands skilled, globally minded professionals.

The NZ Certificate in Travel (Level 4) is a focused 20-week foundation programme that introduces students to the fundamentals of the travel industry — covering travel operations, airline services, global tourism geography, workplace legislation, and sales and marketing skills. A standout feature of this programme is hands-on training in Amadeus and the Virtual Travel Office (VTO) — two of the most widely used booking and reservations platforms in the global travel industry. Proficiency in these systems is actively sought by travel agencies, airlines, and tourism operators, and Crown students develop this competency through practical, real-world application throughout the course. Industry trips include visits to Auckland International Airport, cruise ship facilities, and a two-night trip to a New Zealand destination — bringing the course to life beyond the classroom.

The NZ Diploma in Tourism & Travel (Level 5) builds on the certificate foundation, developing students’ management, leadership, and operational capabilities at a higher level. This advanced diploma prepares graduates for supervisory and coordination roles across tourism operations, destination management, travel agency management, and tour operations. The Level 5 diploma is endorsed by industry partners including Destination Management New Zealand (IDNZ), the New Zealand Cruise Association, and Contiki — ensuring the curriculum reflects the expectations and standards of New Zealand’s most prominent tourism employers. Together, the Level 4 and Level 5 programmes create a powerful, structured pathway — from foundation travel consultant skills through to tourism management expertise.

One of the most exciting opportunities available to Crown tourism students is the exclusive Disney internship — available to eligible students who complete one year of study. This highly competitive, limited-seat programme offers a once-in-a-career experience working with one of the world’s most iconic hospitality and entertainment companies, and represents the kind of extraordinary industry connection that sets Crown’s tourism programmes apart. For international students from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Kenya, and Hong Kong, Crown Institute’s tourism and travel qualifications offer a direct, supported, and genuinely exciting entry point into a global industry that values cultural diversity, communication excellence, and passion for people and places.

Why Choose Tourism and Travel at Crown Institute?

Crown Institute has been training tourism and travel professionals in Auckland for over 50 years — and its industry partnerships, practical curriculum, and unique opportunities make it the standout choice for international students who are serious about a career in this sector:

Who Should Study This Course?

Crown Institute’s Tourism and Travel programmes attract students who are genuinely passionate about travel, people, and creating memorable experiences. These qualifications are well-suited for:

• Travel Enthusiasts Turning Passion into Career: Students from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Malaysia, or Hong Kong who love travel and want to build a professional career in tourism, travel consulting, airline services, or destination management in New Zealand and internationally.
• Recent School Leavers and Fresh Graduates: Students who have completed secondary education and want a practical, employment-ready qualification that delivers both industry-standard systems training and real employer connections — without the length or cost of a full university degree.
• Students Seeking Unique Career Experiences: Motivated individuals who want access to extraordinary industry opportunities — including the exclusive Disney internship — that go far beyond what a standard qualification provides.
• Hospitality and Service Professionals Expanding Their Expertise: Workers from hotels, restaurants, or customer service roles who want to transition into travel agencies, tourism operations, airlines, or cruise services — and need a recognised tourism qualification to make that move.
• International Students Building a New Zealand Future: Students who want to gain NZQA-recognised tourism credentials, access New Zealand post-study work rights, and explore skilled migration or residency pathways within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Tourism and Travel Programmes at Crown Institute of Studies

Crown offers a structured two-level Tourism and Travel pathway — from foundation certificate through to advanced diploma — each building meaningfully on the last and connected to real industry partners:

Core Tourism and Travel Qualifications:

Key Skills & Systems Covered:

Complementary Programmes at Crown:

Career Outcomes

New Zealand’s tourism industry is one of the country’s most important economic sectors — and globally, travel and tourism remains one of the world’s largest industries, generating significant and ongoing demand for qualified, systems-proficient, and customer-focused professionals. Graduates of Crown Institute’s tourism and travel programmes are well-prepared for careers including:

• Junior Travel Consultant: Advising clients on travel options, booking international and domestic itineraries, processing reservations using Amadeus and VTO, and providing exceptional customer service in travel agency settings.
• Reservations Consultant: Managing booking systems, handling enquiries, processing changes and cancellations, and coordinating travel arrangements for individual and corporate clients across hotels, airlines, and tour operators.
• Airline Customer Service Representative: Working at airline counters, check-in desks, and reservations centres — assisting passengers with ticketing, boarding, baggage, and travel information using industry-standard systems.
• Tour Guide / Tour Coordinator: Leading domestic and international tour groups across New Zealand’s iconic destinations — providing expert destination knowledge, cultural commentary, and outstanding guest experiences.
• Event Coordinator: Planning and managing tourism-related events, conferences, and group travel programmes for corporate clients, incentive groups, and international visitors to New Zealand.
• Cruise Operations Representative: Working with New Zealand’s growing cruise industry — coordinating shore excursions, passenger services, and destination experiences for cruise lines operating in New Zealand waters.
• Tourism Operations Supervisor (Level 5): Managing day-to-day tourism operations, coordinating staff and supplier relationships, and overseeing service delivery across tourism businesses, destination management companies, and inbound tour operators.
• Travel Agency Manager (Level 5): Leading the full commercial and operational management of a New Zealand travel agency — from staff management and product development to revenue targets and client relationship management.

Completion of an NZQA-approved tourism qualification supports eligibility for a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa, enabling graduates to gain local industry experience — a key step toward skilled migration and long-term residency pathways in New Zealand.

How to Apply

Applying for a Tourism and Travel programme at Crown Institute through Boomerang International is a fully guided, step-by-step process:

• Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older, hold IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) or equivalent, and meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen level. Boomerang International provides free eligibility assessments — contact us before preparing any documents.
• Step 2 — Prepare Your Documents: Gather certified copies of academic transcripts, your passport, IELTS/PTE results, and any supporting work experience documentation if applying for the Level 5 Diploma via the work experience pathway.
• Step 3 — Submit Your Application: Apply through Boomerang International — Crown Institute’s official New Zealand education partner. We manage your complete application end-to-end, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Step 4 — Receive Your Offer Letter: Crown Institute will issue a conditional or unconditional offer of enrolment. Boomerang will advise on any outstanding conditions to be met before acceptance.
• Step 5 — Accept & Secure Your Place: Accept the offer and pay the required enrolment deposit. Eligible 2026 scholarship students will have their scholarship confirmed at this stage.
• Step 6 — Apply for Your Student Visa: Boomerang International provides expert New Zealand Student Visa support — preparing your documentation, advising on financial evidence requirements, and guiding you through Immigration New Zealand from start to finish.
• Step 7 — Arrive & Begin: Travel to Auckland and start your tourism and travel studies at Crown Institute — ready to explore the world from the inside.