Alaska Tourism & Hospitality Education Resources

Explore the following list of statewide tourism and hospitality educational resources. ATIA Members, please log in for members-only e-learning programs.

Distance Learning

Alaska Certified Expert (ACE) via Travel Alaska

Designed for you, the Travel Professional, to help you become more familiar with all Alaska has to offer. Become an Alaska Certified Expert to assist your clients in creating the Alaska trip they have been dreaming of.

Distance Learning at University of Alaska

The three main campuses of the University of Alaska system provide undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, occupational endorsements and courses, which may be completed entirely online or in blended formats.  

eLearningU

eLearningU provides live and recorded webinars on marketing, social media, branding, sales, packaging, and other relevant topics.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) Training and Development Institute

The International Air Transport Association is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 250 airlines or 84% of total air traffic. They support many areas of aviation activity and help formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. IATA Training and Development Institute trains more than 95,000 professionals and students each year. Their 200+ courses are developed around IATA’s areas of expertise and commitment to promoting industry standards worldwide. Training is available in classroom, in-company, and distance learning formats.

College & University Programs

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Programs
  • Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
    The Culinary Arts program produces graduates who are not just prepared for entry-level work positions in the rapidly expanding and varied food service, hospitality and tourism industry, but also graduates who can quickly advance in career opportunities because of their formal training and education.
  • Associate of Applied Science in Professional Piloting
    Professional pilots need knowledge of aerodynamics, aircraft engine and system operation, aircraft operating limitations and performance, weather and atmospheric processes, as well as navigation and communication methods. This Professional Piloting degree program prepares graduates for careers in flying.
Alaska Pacific University (APU) Programs
  • Outdoor Studies
    The B.A. in Outdoor Studies prepares students for careers in outdoor recreation and education through expedition and classroom learning. Outdoor Studies is an interdisciplinary degree drawing on courses throughout the university in order to address issues with regional, national, and global importance. Professional competencies are built into the program leading to successful placement of graduates in a range of outdoor and environmental services, operations, and organizations.
  • Sustainability Studies
    The Sustainability Studies major explores the relationship between humans and the environment through an interdisciplinary curriculum. This Alaska-based program encourages you to explore Alaska’s cultural and ecological diversity and directly experience the strong connections between the landscape and its communities. Focusing on the ‘triple bottom line’ of sustainability, students draw together studies addressing people, the planet, and the economy.
University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Programs
  • Outdoor Studies
    Outdoor Studies is an intensive humanities program that offers students the opportunity to develop skills and characteristics that are essential to success as a leader in outdoor and adventure settings and to better understand the human relationship to the natural world.
  • Alaska Native Arts, Studies & Languages
    Examine modern and historical material from diverse perspectives in the Alaska Native Arts, Studies & Languages program. Seek an understanding of what it means to live in Alaska today. Connect with the lands, languages, and peoples of Southeast Alaska.
  • Marine Transportation
    Make your living on the high seas – or the more sheltered waters of Southeast Alaska. Either way, UAS has the Marine Transportation coursework needed to set you on the path to a successful maritime career. Using a combination of seatime and maritime classes, taken at either the UAS Ketchikan or Juneau campus, you can advance from Deckhand to Third Mate. Check out our career paths below to see which one best fits your personal needs.

Live Courses & Seminars

AlaskaHost

AlaskaHost is a statewide customer service training program designed for employees of the hospitality and visitor services industry. The core of the AlaskaHost program trains participants in how to provide quality customer service for both residents and visitors to Alaska.

CulturalHost

The Alaska Native CulturalHost Seminar is a comprehensive training program designed with assistance from the Cook Inlet Tribal Council to provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Alaska Native culture for workers within Alaska’s hospitality and tourism industry. The course covers:

  • Discussion of the meaning of culture.
  • Overview of the main Alaska Native groups.
  • Detailed presentations on the culture and characteristics of Alaska Native groups.
CHARR TAP® & SERVSAFE® Classes

Alaska CHARR’s Training Department offers the most comprehensive alcohol server and food safety training programs in Alaska. They have a network of over 40 instructors across the state to provide the best coverage and training possible. Courses Offered: Training for Alcohol Professionals, Certified Food Protection Manager.

Alaska Small Business Development Center

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost advising services and low cost educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. The Alaska SBDC business advisors work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions and learning center courses in the areas of management, marketing, sales, finance, accounting and other disciplines required for small business growth, expansion and innovation. SBDC hubs are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wasilla, and the Kenai Peninsula. Sessions Include Starting a Business, Building a Successful Website, Legal Aspects: LLCs, and many more.

Become a Member

Becoming a member of ATIA opens opportunities to benefit and grow your business or organization and strengthens the industry as a whole. Tourism is a top economic force for Alaska and by joining the broad-based membership of ATIA, you help ensure our industry continues to generate jobs and revenue while providing a thriving future for Alaska.