Rahul · August 1, 2025 
Introduction
India’s tourism and hospitality industry stands as one of the fastest-growing sectors, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. With expanding domestic and international travel, the demand for professionally trained tourism experts continues increasing rapidly.
Students aspiring to work in travel planning, hospitality management, event coordination, or cultural promotion can pursue diverse tourism courses in India. These comprehensive programs prepare graduates for lucrative careers in the thriving travel industry.
The best tourism courses in India offer specialized training in destination management, customer service, travel operations, and cultural heritage promotion. Additionally, these programs provide practical experience through internships and industry partnerships.
Whether you’re interested in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, or luxury travel management, tourism courses in India provide the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic field.
Types of Tourism Courses in India
Tourism education in India is offered at various levels: diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs. Below is a list of common courses:
Diploma and Certificate Courses (After 10+2)
- Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management
- Certificate in Tour Guide Services
- Diploma in Airfare and Ticketing
- Diploma in Eco-Tourism
- Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Undergraduate Courses (After Class 12)
- B.A. in Tourism Studies
- BBA in Travel and Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management (BTTM
- B.Sc. in Hospitality and Tourism Studies
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 10+2 from a recognized board (some institutes may require entrance exams or personal interviews)
Postgraduate Courses
- MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- M.A. in Tourism Administration
- PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management
- Master of Tourism Management (MTM)
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Graduation in any stream; some colleges may conduct entrance exams such as CAT/MAT/CMAT for MBA programmes.
Top Colleges Offering Tourism Courses in India
| College Name | Location | Course Offered | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) | Gwalior, Bhubaneswar, Noida | BBA, MBA in Tourism | Entrance Test + Interview |
| Christ University | Bangalore | BBA in Travel & Tourism | CUET/Christ Entrance |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | B.A./M.A. in Tourism | CUET/University Exam |
| Amity University | Noida | BTTM, MBA (Tourism) | Merit + Interview |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | BTTM, MTTM | LPUNEST |
| University of Mumbai | Mumbai | BA in Tourism | Merit-based |
| IGNOU | Pan India | BA in Tourism Studies, MTM | Open Admission |
Career Opportunities in Tourism Sector
The tourism industry in India offers diverse career paths in both government and private sectors. Some prominent job roles include:
- Travel Consultant
- Tour Manager
- Airline Ground Staff
- Tourism Officer
- Hotel Manager
- Event Coordinator
- Destination Manager
- Travel Blogger or Content Creator
- Cruise Manager
Top Recruiters:
Thomas Cook, MakeMyTrip, IRCTC, Yatra, Cox & Kings, Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), State Tourism Boards, Airlines, Luxury Hotels.
Eligibility and How to Get In
The admission process varies depending on the course and institution.
- For Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Courses:
- Eligibility: You must have completed your 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Students from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) are eligible to apply.
- Admission Process: Admissions are generally based on the marks obtained in the 12th grade (merit-based) or through scores from university-level entrance exams.
- For Postgraduate (Master’s) Courses:
- Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is the minimum requirement.
- Admission Process: Admission is typically granted based on performance in national management entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or CMAT, followed by a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) round. Some universities also conduct their own entrance tests.
Average Salary After Tourism Courses
| Job Role | Average Salary (Per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Travel Executive | ₹3 – 4 LPA |
| Tour Manager | ₹4 – 5 LPA |
| Hotel Operations Manager | ₹5 – 7 LPA |
| Destination Manager | ₹6 – 9 LPA |
| Cruise Director | ₹7 – 10 LPA |
Note: Salaries increase significantly with experience, specialization, and international exposure.
Why Choose a Career in Tourism?
- Diverse Work Opportunities: From airlines and hotels to eco-tourism and government tourism boards.
- Global Exposure: Travel and work opportunities across countries.
- Creative and People-Oriented: Ideal for students who enjoy storytelling, people engagement, and planning.
- Growing Industry: The Indian government is heavily investing in tourism infrastructure and campaigns like “Dekho Apna Desh.”
FAQs About Tourism Courses in India
Q: Are tourism courses expensive?
A: The fees vary significantly between government and private institutions. Government colleges like the IHMs and IITTM are highly subsidized and affordable, while private universities can have higher fees but often offer excellent infrastructure and international collaborations.
Q: What skills are most important for a successful career in tourism?
A: Beyond a passion for travel, key skills include excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, cultural awareness, and a customer-centric attitude.
Q: Do I need to be good at geography to study tourism?
A: While a good knowledge of geography is certainly an advantage, it is not a strict prerequisite. Most courses will cover destination geography as part of the curriculum. What’s more important is a curiosity about different places and cultures.
Conclusion
Tourism courses in India offer excellent opportunities for students passionate about travel, hospitality, and cultural exchange. The industry’s rapid growth ensures strong job prospects and diverse career paths for qualified professionals.
Choose programs that align with your interests and career goals. Focus on institutions offering practical training, industry connections, and comprehensive curriculum covering modern tourism trends and technologies.
The tourism sector continues evolving with digital transformation and sustainable travel practices. Graduates with relevant qualifications and industry experience will find themselves well-positioned for success in this exciting and rewarding field that celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
At Career Plan B, we understand that choosing the right tourism course can define your future. Our expert career counselors:
- Help identify the best-fit tourism programs based on your interests and goals
- Offer guidance on college selection, admission process, and entrance preparation
- Provide personalized career mapping and internship opportunities
- Keep you updated with new trends in the tourism and travel industry
Let Career Plan B be your trusted guide in building a career in India’s thriving tourism sector.
