Wanderlust! This is one word that is trending since the world has come out of the pandemic. People are travelling with so much vigour and gusto as never before, there is a travel boom worldwide and it has become such a craze that some countries are restricting the number of tourists. Doors are open to the world of adventure and exploration, allowing you to experience diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes firsthand. The Travel and Tourism industry offers various roles ranging from tour guides and travel agents to travel influencers and photographers, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Additionally, working in Travel and Tourism fosters invaluable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and cultural understanding, which are transferable to various professions, offering the ultimate reward of creating unforgettable memories for travellers while forging lifelong connections with people from all walks of life.
WHICH IS THE BEST TRAVEL AND TOURISM COURSE?
- B.A. in Travel and Tourism Management- A bachelor of arts degree in Travel and Tourism is a three-year program. You learn the skills to develop, market and manage tourism, introducing you to the different sectors of the industry such as marketing, guiding, food services, international and intercultural communication, and such.
- B.B.A in Tourism Management– A Bachelor of Business Administration course is a 3-year undergraduate degree. This B.B.A course is designed to develop entrepreneurial skills within the industry—the average salary of a B.B.A graduate in India ranges from INR 5 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs. This figure is bound to increase with experience and higher qualifications.
- B.T.A (Bachelor of Tourism Administration)- A B.T.A degree focuses on tourism management such as resort planning and management, tourism development, ecology, environment and tourism, food and beverages and intercultural communication. It is a course that delves deep into the practices of the tourism industry, analysing the positive and negative impacts of tourism on local communities.
- Advanced Diplomas in Travel and Tourism- In this field, you have numerous diploma options for a two-year. You can choose to specialise in tourism management, travel history, aviation management, hotel management, catering, aviation management, business statistics, travel laws, etc.
Career paths to explore
- Travel Agent: Travel agents help tourists to make effective travel plans. This can include selecting travel destinations, modes of transportation and accommodations. Their responsibilities involve selecting the tickets and various bookings at the best prices for their clients.
- Tour Guide: While driving to non-familiar places needs GPS to guide, similarly there is a need for a tour guide while exploring different places. Lead groups of tourists through attractions, historical sites, or natural wonders, providing information and insights along the way.
- Travel Writer/Blogger: Your writing serves as a bridge, connecting readers to the places you’ve visited, and transporting them to far-off lands through vivid descriptions, captivating narratives, and immersive storytelling, experiences and work as a freelancer or full-time employee for travel publications or websites.
- Travel influencer- As a travel influencer, your primary role is to share your adventures, experiences, and insights with a dedicated audience through social media platforms. Cultivating a strong online presence, curating captivating content that showcases your travels in a visually appealing and engaging manner.
- Travel Photographer: Capture stunning images of destinations, landmarks, and cultural experiences to inspire and inform travellers. As a Photographer, you have the privilege of traversing the globe, capturing the beauty, diversity, and essence of destinations through your lens.
Five Effective Reasons to make Travel and Tourism a career
1. Personal and Professional growth
Working in the Tourism industry will improve your personality and sharpen your skills. The knowledge and experiences gained by working, travelling, and interacting with clients around the world, keep developing you professionally.
2. Recognised as the fastest growing sector and a promising future
The growth potential of the travel and tourism industry has been enormous. The growth of the travel and tourism industry has also led to the development of many other industries and its growth potential is expected to continue in the future. The job opportunities in the travel and tourism industry in India are promising, given the sector’s steady growth and the government’s initiatives to boost tourism.
3. Augments global exposure
The travel and tourism sector provides wide exposure to the world, enriching experiences, and a varied range of cultural immersion. It encourages understanding and cross-cultural interchange through engaging with people from different origins and travelling to strange locations, thereby forming deep connections throughout the globe.
4. Breaks Boredom
Travel and Tourism career offers a dynamic environment where every day brings new experiences and challenges. Whether you’re planning itineraries, assisting travellers, or exploring destinations yourself, the ever-changing nature of the industry keeps monotony at bay. From discovering hidden gems to interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, each moment presents an opportunity for excitement and adventure.
5. Opportunity to Explore Several Cultures
In a travel and tourism career, you have the incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in various cultures, through interacting with travellers from different parts of the world, sampling diverse cuisines, or experiencing local traditions firsthand, you constantly broaden your cultural horizons. This exposure not only breaks the uniformity but also enriches your understanding of the world, fostering empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity.
A list of colleges and universities offering this course
| Colleges and Universities | Location |
| Rajarshi Shahu Institute of Management | Aurangabad |
| Acton Business School | Mumbai |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh |
| Banaras Hindu University | Banaras |
| Amity University | Noida |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi |
| Lovely Professional University | Punjab |
| Universal Business School | Mumbai, Karjat |
A career in travel and tourism is a gateway to endless excitement, discovery, and personal and professional growth. By embracing the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and experiences the industry offers, professionals in this field continuously break the boredom barrier. Whether it’s crafting unforgettable journeys for others, exploring new destinations, or immersing oneself in different cultures, each day brings fresh opportunities for adventure and enrichment. Lastly, travel and tourism careers not only provide a livelihood but also a vibrant lifestyle that celebrates the beauty and diversity of our world.
