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Are you ready to embark on a career that combines your love for travel, adventure, and serving others? The travel and tourism industry in India offers a world of opportunities for young professionals like you. By pursuing the right courses after 12th, you can kickstart your journey towards an exciting and fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
Job Opportunities and Salary Potential
The travel and tourism industry offers a broad range of career opportunities, making it an exciting field to venture into. With the increasing popularity of travel, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in various roles. By pursuing relevant courses after 12th grade, you can position yourself for success in this dynamic industry.
There are several lucrative job roles within the travel and tourism sectors that offer attractive salary potential.
- As a travel consultant, you can assist individuals and groups in planning their trips and provide them with valuable insights on destinations and accommodations.
- Tour operators organise and manage travel itineraries for clients, ensuring a smooth experience throughout their journey.
- Travel agents act as intermediaries between customers and travel suppliers, helping them find the best deals.
Additionally, positions such as hotel manager, event planner, and destination marketer also offer promising career prospects. The salaries in these roles vary depending on factors like experience, qualifications, and location.
Degree Courses in Travel and Tourism
When it comes to pursuing a career in the travel and tourism industry, a bachelor's degree can open up a world of opportunities. A bachelor's degree equips you with a strong foundation in tourism management, customer service, marketing, and finance, among other areas.
Bachelor of Arts in Travel & Tourism Management
- This course focuses on core subjects such as tourism planning, hospitality management, tour operations, and marketing strategies.
- This programme is typically for three years, although some institutes offer four-year programmes with an integrated internship. The fees range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs per year.
- After completing this degree, you can explore job opportunities as a travel consultant, event planner, tourist guide, or hotel manager. Entry-level salaries range from ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per annum.
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Studies
- This degree covers subjects like food production management, accommodation operations, event management, and sustainable tourism practices.
- The course is typically for three years, with annual fees ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakhs.
- After completing the course, you can pursue careers as a hotel manager, resort executive, food and beverage manager, or work for event planning companies. Salaries can range from ₹3 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs per annum.
Bachelor of Commerce in Travel and Tourism Management
- This course covers topics such as accounting, economics, marketing, travel agency operations, and tour management.
- The duration is typically three years, with fees varying between ₹40,000 to ₹2 lakhs per year.
- Upon completion of this degree, you can work as a travel consultant, tour operator, customer service executive, or start your own travel agency. Entry-level salaries range from ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per annum.
BBA in Tourism and Travel Management
- The curriculum includes subjects like business communication, financial management, entrepreneurship, and destination marketing.
- The duration of this programme is usually three years, with fees ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹3 lakhs per year.
- After completing this course, you can pursue careers as a travel agency manager, tourism officer, event manager, or even work for airline companies. Salaries for these roles can range from ₹3 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs per annum.
Diploma Courses in Travel and Tourism
While pursuing a degree in travel and tourism is an excellent choice, diploma courses provide the specific knowledge and skills required for the industry. They are shorter in duration compared to degree programmes, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner.
Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management
- This course typically lasts for 1-2 years and covers various aspects of the industry like tour operations, transportation management, hospitality, and marketing.
- The fees vary depending on the institution and can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
- Upon completion of this diploma course, you can explore job opportunities as a travel consultant, tour operator, or travel agent. The starting salary can range from ₹2-3 lakhs per annum.
Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality, and Travel & Tourism Management
- This course covers subjects such as airline operations, customer service management, hotel administration, event planning, travel agency management, and tourism marketing.
- The duration is typically 1-2 years, and the fees range from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs.
- Completing this diploma course opens up diverse career possibilities, including roles in airlines, hotels/resorts, event management companies, or travel agencies. The starting salary can range from ₹2-4 lakhs per annum based on qualifications and experience.
Specialised Courses for Career Enhancement
In the ever-evolving travel and tourism industry, specialising in a particular field can greatly enhance your career prospects.
1. Event Management Courses
Event management courses cover various aspects of event planning, including budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
With this skillset, you can pursue a career as an event planner or manager, organising conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and other exciting events.
2. Tour-Guiding Courses
Tour guiding courses offer specialised knowledge about historical sites and cultural destinations and the effective communication skills required for interacting with tourists from around the world.
By undertaking these courses, you can become a professional tour guide and showcase India's rich heritage to domestic as well as international travellers.
Upskilling and Certification Programmes
Upskilling helps you stay competitive by acquiring new skills that align with evolving market demands.
Among certification programmes, the most reputed are those provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA certifications are highly recognised in the travel and tourism industries worldwide. Some popular programmes include:
- IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism
- IATA Airport Operations Fundamentals
- IATA Cargo Introductory Course
- IATA Travel Sales & Operations
Embark On A New Journey
The travel and tourism industry in India is experiencing remarkable growth, offering abundant career opportunities for aspirants. With emerging trends like sustainable tourism and digital advancements, the industry's future looks promising.
WIZR is dedicated to assisting individuals like you in making informed career choices by providing expert guidance, comprehensive courses, and financing options. Start your journey today!
FAQs
1. Are degrees and diplomas equally valued in tourism jobs?
Yes, both degrees and diplomas hold value in tourism jobs. However, practical experience gained through internships or industry-specific certifications can also be highly beneficial.
2. Can I pursue a degree in travel and tourism after completing my 12th grade?
Yes, many universities offer undergraduate degree programmes in travel and tourism that can be pursued after completing the 12th grade.
3. Does a travel company need a licence to operate?
Yes, travel companies need licences from regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Tourism or state government authorities to legally operate their businesses.
4. What are some uncommon roles for travel and tourism graduates?
Some uncommon roles for travel and tourism graduates include destination wedding planner, cruise ship director, ecotourism consultant, travel blogger, and adventure tour operator.
