Pooja Singh
A career in travel and tourism is one of the most looked forward career options these days. The travel industry was supposed to be an ever-growing industry. However, due to the pandemic, the travel industry all over the world has been hit in the worst way possible.
But, this does not mean the evolution of this industry has stopped. It is believed that in the post-pandemic era, the travel and tourism industry is going to be back on track with a full swing.
A career in travel and tourism is divided into various sectors leading to the growth of travel in the country. The travel industry has high hopes of creating around 46 million jobs by 2025. To know about the different options in a career in travel and tourism, read below.
Facts about the Travel and Tourism
- No matter what department or status a person gets placed in the travel industry, they have to interact with the customers personally. It is the core behaviour of the hospitality industry.
- This industry is the largest earner of foreign exchange worldwide.
- The travel and tourism industry gives opportunities to millions of people directly or indirectly through associated service industries.
- The jobs in this industry are in the government tourism departments, major multinational companies, and the small scale private travel agents.
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Salaries and Perks
The salaries depend on the job and industry status. However, the overall pay structure of all departments is pretty good. The additional perks make everything even better like free travel, free holidays, reduced transportation tickets for one’s family, and bonuses during the peak seasons.
Options of a career in Travel and Tourism
Airlines
- Ground staff (booking staff, reservation staff, counter staff, and traffic assistance)
- In-flight staff (stewards, cabin crew, pilots, air host/hostess)
Hotels
- Staff in restaurants, bars, resorts, cruise lines, camping grounds, and rest houses
- Departments could be (housekeeping, receptionist, manager, front office, operations, marketing, food & beverages, accounting, sales, PR, maintenance, and security)
Transportation
- Management and operations in all varieties of transport including rail, air, ferry, bus, cruise, etc.
- Departments could be (itinerary planning, tour guides, sales, branding and PR, travel counsellors, travel managers, travel agents, ticket bookers, destination manager, holiday curators, and foreign exchange)
Other options of a career in travel and tourism
- Travel media specialist
- Travel educationist
- Adventure tour operator
- Global distribution service manager
- Travel blogger/vlogger, creator
- Travel photographer
- Travel channel owner
- Travel show anchor
- Travel and food curator
- Travel writer
Courses to opt-in for a career in travel and tourism
- Depending upon the career niche, there are various undergraduate programmes to join just after the 12th standard.
- There is a post-graduation degree offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, called MTA or Master of Tourism Administration.
- There are also a lot of short term training programmes offered by many travel agencies.
- There are vocational courses for the same as the B.Voc degree.
Skills required for joining the travel industry
- On entering the travel industry, the core skill set that is extremely important is knowledge about the world. One should have an interest in knowing about the global culture.
- The travel and the tourism industry comes under the hospitality sector so getting along well with people is extremely important.
- Indian geography, architecture, art, tradition is also an important factor to know.
- Knowing at least one foreign language is essential.
- To build a high excelling career in travel and tourism, a diploma in public relations or advertising could be helpful.
- One must have the good interpersonal skill, decent speaking skills, etc.
Popular Courses in Travel and Tourism
- MBA in tourism and travel
- MBA Tourism and Cargo Management
- Certificate course in tourism and travel
- Bachelor of Tourism Administration
- PhD in Travel and Tourism
- Executive MBA in Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Programme
- BBA in Tourism and Travel Management
- MBA International Business (Tourism)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Tourism
- MA in Travel and Tourism
- PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism
- Master of Tourism Administration
- BA (H) Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism
- BCom Tourism and Travel Management
- MBA Tourism and Leisure