Careers in Travel & Tourism

Travel and tourism industry is one of the largest foreign exchange earners in the Indian economy. It provides scores of employment opportunities directly to the people associated with this sector. Indirect employment opportunities are also available in many associated services. The vast travel and tourism industry includes Government tourism departments, immigration and customs services, travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, hotels, etc. and many associated service industries, such as airline catering or laundry services, guides, interpreters, tourism promotions and sales, etc. India is a vast country with diverse cultures and traditions. Our country offers a great fascination for those who crave to know about the splendor and magnificence of one of the oldest civilizations of the world and its scenic beauty. With the increasing globalization and unwrapping of our economy to the world, travel and tourism in India is getting a great impetus. Technology, coupled with the growth of tourism globally, has had a large impact on transforming these jobs significantly. This forecasts a bright future for all those who choose to make a career in travel and tourism.

Course Details
There are graduate level, postgraduate level, diploma, advance diploma, and certification courses available in travel and tourism industry. Some of these courses are Advance Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management, Airline Passenger Services, BA in Travel and Tourism, B.Sc in Airline Ticketing and Hospitality Management, Bachelor in Air Ticketing and Management, Bachelor in Tourism Administration, Bachelor of Hotel and Tourism Management, Masters in Tourism Administration (MTA), Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management (PGDTM), Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism (PGDT), Diploma in Accommodation Operation, Diploma in Destination Management, and Certificate Course in Guide Training, etc. For entry into undergraduate courses, one must have passed 10+2 examination. A graduate in any discipline can pursue post graduate degree in tourism and travel. For admissions into these programs, candidates need to clear the entrance test, group discussion, and personal interview, which are conducted by the Directorate and Department of Tourism. Candidates, proficient in any foreign language, are generally preferred. Duration of these courses vary from 1-2 years, depending on the kind of course one prefers. Besides, there are many short-term certificate courses which run for less than a year's duration. The minimum eligibility for certificate courses is 10+2 pass.

Career Prospects
Career opportunities in travel and tourism exist both in the public and private sectors. As far as public sector is concerned, there are opportunities in the central and state tourism departments as tourism officers, information assistants, counter staff, marketing staff, reservation staff, tour guides, and tour planners. Other great prospects for qualified tourism professionals are in the private sector with travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hotels, transport and cargo companies, etc. After a couple years experience, professionals can start their own business by handling all travel requirements of their clients.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
There are several universities, colleges, and institutes in India that offer various courses in travel and tourism. Some of them include: Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh; Dravidian University, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh; National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Hyderabad; Tezpur University, Assam; Institute of Tourism and Future Management, Chandigarh; Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, New Delhi; Skyline Business School, New Delhi; Sri Venkateshwara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi; YWCA of Delhi Women's Training Institute, New Delhi; Sophia College, Mumbai; Pondicherry University, Pondicherry; School of Vocational Studies, Delhi University, New Delhi; Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar; Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar; Goa University, Goa; Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; Kumaon University, Nainital; Punjabi University, Patiala; SNDT Women's University, Mumbai; and IATA/UFTAA and IATA/FIATA authorized training centers at various places across India.

Remuneration
Jobs in travel and tourism industry offer good remuneration. Pay scale differs at different levels, depending upon qualification and experience. As a fresher, one can start earning around Rs. 8000 to Rs. 12000 per month. However, the salary increases as experience grows.