What is the Academy of Travel & Tourism?

Launched in 1987, the Academy of Travel & Tourism provides public high school students with the requisite knowledge and skills for a successful career in what many consider to be the world's largest service industry. The Academy curriculum offers an in-depth look at all aspects of travel, tourism and hospitality, including coursework in geography, economics, and systems applications. A member program of the National Academy Foundation (NAF), the Academy of Travel & Tourism operates as a "school within a school" and is located in more than 159 high schools nationwide.

The World's Largest Industry

Travel and tourism has generally shown itself to be recession-resistant: even in downward business cycles, the industry has grown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that U.S. employment in tourism and hospitality will rise to 12.3 million by 2005. As perhaps the world's largest industry, travel and tourism is vastly varied, offering a meaningful application for almost every skill set and interest area, including computers and marketing. And as a career path, travel and tourism also offers a better, perhaps the best, chance of becoming an owner/manager.

Meeting the Needs

The need for academic instruction and practical industry-related work experience to prepare young people to enter this exciting field is more critical than ever. Through their Academy experience, students gain an understanding of the connections that exist between their education and the workplace. Academy teachers and industry mentors provide students with the curriculum and guidance necessary for rewarding careers. With more than 500 travel-related companies participating as business partners, the Academy fosters the personal, analytical, technical and communications skills needed for a career path in travel and tourism.

The AOTT program is supported by a National AOTT Board, which provides guidance to the Academy and raises awareness of the program within the industry.