The Tourism and Hospitality Bachelor’s programme at the University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk offers a practical and comprehensive education for students seeking a career in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors. With a three-year, full-time course structure focused on hands-on experience, the programme aims to equip graduates with both broad-based and specialized competences in tourism and hospitality. The following article provides an overview of the programme’s structure, key competencies acquired by students, and the career opportunities that can be explored after graduation.
The programme at GUPES is designed to prepare students for working in an industry characterized by constant change and a need for adaptability. Based in Gdańsk—part of the Tri-city agglomeration that includes Sopot and Gdynia—the institution is situated in a region renowned as a prime tourist destination and a center for academic and scientific pursuits in Poland. Students enrolled in the Tourism and Hospitality programme are encouraged to engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of the industry. The curriculum focuses on preparing individuals who are not only well-versed in academic concepts but also ready to meet the demands of modern tourism and hotel environments.
As a first-cycle full-time programme with a practical profile, the course spans three years of study. The curriculum is structured to include a significant number of practical classes hosted in actual tourist institutions and hotel facilities. This emphasis on practical experience helps students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, enhancing their readiness for professional roles within the industry. The course content covers a diverse range of topics, from planning and organization of individual and group trips to the effective use of modern technology in business processes. By integrating hands-on learning with academic study, GUPES aims to streamline the path from education to professional employment for its students.
The programme is structured to ensure that its graduates possess a comprehensive skill set. Upon completing the three-year study course, graduates earn a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality that certifies their competence in several key areas. These include:
The preparation and organization of both individual and collective tourist trips
The delivery of customer service that addresses various aspects of hospitality
The efficient use of current technology to support workplace functions
The promotion and sale of hotel services
The understanding and application of professional interpersonal communication, which is critical for effective teamwork
Additionally, the course covers aspects of economic activity management within the tourism and hotel sectors. This includes competencies related to the registration, effective management, and appropriate settlement of one’s own business ventures in the field. Another important area of focus is the development of language skills tailored to the specific demands of tourism and hospitality, ensuring that graduates can engage in professional communications across international contexts.
Graduates of the Tourism and Hospitality programme from GUPES are well-prepared to enter a range of professional settings. The hands-on experience and the comprehensive set of competencies cultivated during the course open up various career avenues. Alumni can find opportunities in travel agencies, where organizing and managing travel arrangements are at the forefront of operations. Tourist associations and wellness or spa facilities also value the practical skills developed during the programme. Furthermore, the hospitality sector—encompassing hotels and other related facilities—offers diverse roles where the blend of customer service skills, technological proficiency, and business management can be effectively applied.
The ability to combine universal skills with specialized knowledge makes the GUPES programme appealing to prospective students who are interested in starting a career in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. The educational model emphasizes both theory and practice, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of adapting to the demands of an evolving market. Through its focus on developing essential competencies, the programme strives to prepare individuals to meet the challenges of modern tourism and hospitality with confidence and professionalism.
In summary, the Tourism and Hospitality Bachelor’s programme at GUPES in Gdańsk provides a balanced approach to education in one of today’s most engaging and fast-paced industries. Its blend of academic instruction and practical application is designed for students who appreciate a hands-on learning environment and aspire to build a solid foundation for their professional future. Prospective students are encouraged to consider how this programme aligns with their career goals in tourism and hospitality and to explore the opportunities it presents within a region that is both culturally vibrant and economically significant.