Tourism and Travel

The travel and tourism industry serves as a catalyst for peace, communication, and commerce throughout the world, promoting an appreciation for individual cultures and traditions. It has been stated in the WTTC report that by 2020, tourism in India could contribute Rs. 850,000 crores to the GDP. India boasts of a vast variety of cultures and exotic geographical locations awaiting to be explored by the world. How often have we heard tourists gushing about the diversity of Incredible India? India is yet to realize its full potential for tourism. Owing to globalization and opening of our economy to the world, travel and tourism in India is getting a great impetus, providing innumerable job opportunities directly and indirectly through associated services. As benefits of doing business with and in India are increasing, thousands of jobs are moving to the Indian shores from the West. This brings in its wake transit travelers, business travelers, and holiday seekers. Therefore, a dazzling future is assured for all those who choose to make a career in travel and tourism industry.

Course Details :

• There are graduate-level, postgraduate-level, diploma, and certification courses.
• Master’s in Tourism Administration (MTA), Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management (PGDTM), Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism (PGDT), and Diploma in Destination Management are some of the courses that are available.
• For courses at undergraduate level one must have passed the 10+2 examination. A graduate in any discipline can pursue a postgraduate degree in tourism and travel.
• For admissions into these course candidates need to clear the entrance test, group discussions and interviews that are conducted by the Directorate and Department of Tourism.
• Candidates proficient in a foreign language have an added advantage.
• Duration of these courses vary from one year to two years depending on course type.
• There are also many short-term certificate courses that are of less than a year’s duration. The minimum eligibility for certificate courses is a 10+2 pass certificate.

Career Prospects:

• Career opportunities in travel and tourism exist in both the public and private sectors.
• Graduates may find jobs in government tourism departments, immigration and customs services, travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, hotels, and in many associated service industries such as airline catering, laundry services, and tourism promotion and sales. You could also choose to be a guide or an interpreter.
• As far as the public sector is concerned, there are opportunities in the tourism departments of both the center and the states as tourism officers, information assistants, and tourist guides.
• There are other good prospects in the private sector with travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and transport and cargo companies.
• After a few years of experience, tourism professionals can also start their own business by handling all travel requirements of various clients.

Remuneration:

• Pay scales differ depending upon qualification and experience.
• As a fresher, one can earn from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month and it is bound to increase with experience.