The travel and tourism industry has been experiencing a significant rebound since the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. As vaccination rates have increased and travel regulations have been relaxed, there has been a surge in both domestic and international travel demand. This recovery is characterised by pent-up desire for leisure trips, reunions with family and friends, and business travel resuming in many regions. The industry has adapted to new health and safety protocols, with many businesses implementing enhanced cleaning measures and flexible booking policies to attract cautious travellers. While the recovery has been uneven across different regions and sectors, overall trends show increasing passenger numbers for airlines, higher occupancy rates for hotels, and growing interest in outdoor and nature-based destinations. However, the industry continues to face challenges such as labour shortages, changing consumer preferences, and the need to balance growth with sustainability concerns.
Travel and tourism refer to the activities of individuals who journey to and stay in destinations outside their usual surroundings for various purposes, such as leisure, business, or other motivations. This sector encompasses a wide range of experiences, from exploring new cultures and landscapes to attending conferences or engaging in recreational activities. It is a dynamic industry that plays a significant role in global economies, fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and personal enrichment by providing opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and discovery in diverse environments.
Travel and Tourism Courses After 12th: Eligibility Criteria
Most institutes require a minimum of 50% in 12th grade from a recognised board.
Some reputed institutions may demand higher percentages, such as 60-70%.
Offline: Traditional classroom courses offered by universities and colleges. These include a Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS), a Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Management (BTTM), and a Diploma in Tourism Management.
Online: Various platforms and institutes offer online certifications and diploma courses in Travel and Tourism. These courses are flexible, allowing students to study at their own pace.
Bachelor's Degree: Typically ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year, depending on the institution.
Diploma/Certificate Courses: Can range from INR 10,000 to INR 1,50,000, varying based on the course duration and the offering institute.
Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board.
Minimum Percentage: Typically, a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
Additional Requirements: Some institutions may require proficiency in English and may conduct entrance exams or interviews.
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Minimum Percentage: Generally, a minimum of 50-55% aggregate marks in the undergraduate degree.
Additional Requirements: Some universities may require entrance exams, interviews, or relevant work experience in the field.
This structure allows students to pursue specialised education in Travel and Tourism, with UG courses laying the foundation and PG courses offering advanced knowledge and skills.
Here's a list of common subjects typically covered in a Travel and Tourism course:
Introduction to Travel and Tourism
Tourism Geography
Hospitality Management
Customer Service in Tourism
Travel Industry Operations
Tourism Marketing
Sustainable Tourism
Event Planning and Management
Tourism Economics
Cultural Tourism
Adventure and Ecotourism
Tourism Law and Ethics
Tour Guiding Techniques
Destination Management
Travel Technology and Online Booking Systems
Aviation and Transport Management
Hotel and Resort Management
Tourism Policy and Planning
Business Communication for Tourism
Tourism Research Methods
Role: Assists in overseeing daily operations within a department, ensuring smooth functioning.
Responsibilities: Supervising staff, handling customer complaints, and assisting with budgeting and planning.
Salary: ₹4 LPA – ₹6 LPA
Role: Manages all food and beverage operations within a hotel or restaurant.
Responsibilities: Menu planning, managing staff, and ensuring quality standards.
Salary: ₹6 LPA – ₹10 LPA
Role: Oversees the front desk and reception area of a hotel.
Responsibilities: Managing reservations, guest services, and coordinating with other departments.
Salary: ₹4 LPA – ₹8 LPA
Role: Manages recruitment, training, and employee relations in a hotel or travel company.
Responsibilities: Hiring, employee development, and policy implementation.
Salary: ₹5 LPA – ₹9 LPA
Role: Captures high-quality images for travel publications, websites, and social media.
Responsibilities: Traveling to various locations, editing photos, and collaborating with travel agencies.
Salary: ₹3 LPA – ₹7 LPA
Role: Manages the overall operations of a hotel, ensuring guest satisfaction.
Responsibilities: Budgeting, staff management, and maintaining hotel standards.
Salary: ₹7 LPA – ₹15 LPA
Role: Oversees all operations of a hotel or travel company.
Responsibilities: Strategic planning, financial management, and ensuring profitability.
Salary: ₹10 LPA – ₹25 LPA
Role: Creates engaging content about travel destinations for blogs, magazines, or travel guides.
Responsibilities: Research destinations, writing articles, and collaborating with editors.
Salary: ₹3 LPA – ₹6 LPA
Role: Plans and manages events such as weddings, conferences, and corporate functions.
Responsibilities: Coordinating with vendors, managing budgets, and ensuring smooth event execution.
Salary: ₹4 LPA – ₹10 LPA
Role: Assists clients in planning and booking travel arrangements.
Responsibilities: Booking flights, and hotels, and providing travel advice.
Salary: ₹3 LPA – ₹6 LPA
Role: Manages group travel arrangements and ensures a seamless experience for all participants.
Responsibilities: Coordinating schedules, managing bookings, and handling group logistics.
Salary: ₹3 LPA – ₹7 LPA
To excel in the travel and tourism industry, professionals need a diverse skillset tailored to the dynamic nature of the field. Here's an overview of the essential skills:
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of travel and tourism. Professionals must be friendly, approachable, and patient, ensuring that clients feel valued and supported throughout their journey.
Effective and clear communication is vital. Whether dealing with clients, suppliers, or team members, being able to convey information accurately and persuasively is key to ensuring smooth operations and satisfied customers.
Travel and tourism professionals often interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Understanding and respecting different customs, traditions, and preferences is crucial for providing a personalised and respectful service.
The ability to think on your feet and resolve issues quickly is essential. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected travel disruptions, last-minute changes, or customer complaints, strong problem-solving skills help maintain a positive experience for clients.
Managing multiple bookings, itineraries, and logistical details requires excellent organisational abilities. Being able to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively ensures that operations run smoothly and clients receive timely service.
These skills, combined with a passion for travel and a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, are fundamental for success in the travel and tourism industry.