Tourism (BBA)

The Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a major in Tourism Management will develop professionals capable of administering, developing and serving in tourist destinations, such as, zones, areas, towns and communities in tourist areas and their dependencies.

This program enables students to apply the concepts, principles and techniques required for the effective administration of tourism businesses. The major in tourism administration is for those students who wish to develop professionally in tourism areas, such as; government, private companies, their own businesses and tourist facilities like hotels, restaurants and others. They will be able to work in areas of consulting, planning and zoning of tourism areas, as well as in the hospitality industry, trips and excursions.

Students must pass the required core and major courses with a minimum grade of C.

This Program is certified by the UNWTO of the World Tourism Organization (http://themis.unwto.org).

The Barranquitas and Fajardo campuses are authorized to offer this Program.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

The student graduated from the Tourism Program will demonstrate the following competences that will allow him to offer quality services in the Tourism industry:

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1. the basic concepts, theory and operation of the tourist administration and its dependencies.
2. the needs of the clients to satisfy them to the maximum offering a good service and of quality.
3. the viability for the development of hotels and apply the basic functions of its administration.
4. the laws governing tourism businesses in Puerto Rico, as well as the importance of compliance with them for the success of the company in which they work.
5. the culture of Puerto Rico based on tourism and its use for the creation of new destinations.
6. the theory of sustainability in tourism in the areas of professional development.

Skills

1. Manage computerized reservation systems efficiently and productively.
2. Plan, develop and evaluate the viability of tourism and hotel projects in the country.
3. Apply marketing techniques based on tourism and the service industry.
4. Manage natural and ecological resources based on the sustainable development of tourism.
5. Design successful tourist destinations based on its policies, planning and development.
6. Apply the basic functions for the reservation and purchase of tourist services.
7. Design and plan large and small events, as well as apply the functions of the banquet and conventions area.
8. Direct and offer the service to visitors with efficiency, courtesy and quality.

Attitudes

1. Base your practice and professional development based on ethical and moral aspects.
2. Demonstrate commitment to your professional development.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a Major in Tourism Management

General Education Requirements	48 credits
Core Course Requirements	38 credits
Major Requirements	36 credits
Elective Courses	3 credits
Total	125 credits

General Education Requirements - 48 credits

Forty-eight (48) credits are required as explained in the section “General Education Requirements for Bachelors’ Degrees.” Students in this Program will take GEMA 1200 in the Basic Mathematical Skills category.

Core Course Requirements - 38 credits

ACCT 1161	Introduction to Financial Accounting	4
ACCT 1162	Introduction to Managerial Accounting	4
BADM 1900	Fundamentals of Business Management	3
BADM 3900	Information Systems in Organizations	3
BADM 4300	Managerial Economics	3
FINA 2101	Corporate Finance I	3
MAEC 2140	Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods	3
MAEC 2211	Principles of Microeconomics	3
MAEC 2212	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
MAEC 2221	Basic Statistics	3
MAEC 2222	Managerial Statistics	3
OMSY 3030	Business Communication in Spanish	3
	Or
OMSY 3040	Business Communication in English	3

Major Requirements - 36 credits

TURI 1020	Fundamentals of Tourism	3
TURI 1200	Tourist Quality and Services	3
TURI 1900	Hotel and Accommodation Management	3
TURI 2000	Tourism Legislation	3
TURI 2060	Tourist Marketing	3
TURI 2200	Culture and Tourist Destinations of Puerto Rico	3
TURI 3010	Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism	3
TURI 3210	Planning and Tourist Development	3
TURI 3220	Trip Reservation System	3
TURI 3230	Accommodations Department Administration	3
TURI 4400	Administration and Organization of Groups and Conventions	3
TURI 4910	Practicum in Tourism Administration	3

Credit may be granted for the internship (TURI 4910) to students who have had a satisfactory work experience and who apply for it in writing to the director of the academic department. This credit will be subject to the following:

1. Students have been working full-time in a company for a minimum of two consecutive years within the three-year period immediately prior to the date of their request.
2. Students submit a certification and letter from their employer or the Human Resources Office of their place of employment which specifies:
   1. Years of experience.
   2. Period of the time employed.
   3. Position or positions held.
   4. Job description.
   5. Copies of evaluations received.
   6. Any other evidence of their professional performance during their employment.
3. Students pay 50% of the tuition costs of the internship course for which they are requesting credit.

The experience recognized by the University corresponds to the requirement for the degree that the student hopes to obtain from the Institution.