Education
World Tourism Day 2023: The Career Prospects in the Field of Tourism
As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2023, it’s time for school graduates to embark on a journey that goes beyond the familiar horizons of textbooks and classrooms. This is a journey that explores the educational perspective of tourism, unveiling the skills required and the plethora of career opportunities available in this dynamic field. India’s travel and tourism industry is poised for center stage in the coming years, and the prospects for students have never been brighter.
A Glimpse into the Growth of Tourism:
In 2021, India’s tourism sector wasn’t just a contributor; it stood as a powerhouse, constituting a significant 5.8% of the country’s GDP and providing employment for a remarkable 32.1 million people. This resurgence followed a tumultuous 2020 marked by the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s more exciting is that India’s tourism sector is poised for sustained growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% during the period from 2019 to 2023. By 2023, it’s expected to reach an impressive ₹32.05 lakh crore (US$450 billion). Furthermore, the sector is on track to create an astonishing 52.3 million jobs by 2028, accounting for 8.1% of the nation’s total employment.
Moreover, India’s tourism sector is anticipated to benefit from consistent hiring in other sectors such as financial services, technology, FMCG, and property and construction in 2023, providing diverse opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Educational Avenues in Travel and Tourism:
The journey toward a rewarding career in travel and tourism begins with education. Numerous institutions offer a broad spectrum of courses tailored to the industry’s diverse demands. These educational pathways encompass Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, diploma programs, and even flexible distance learning options.
Here are some popular courses for undergraduate and postgraduate education in tourism in India:
Undergraduate Courses:
- BA in Tourism Administration: A three-year course covering various aspects of tourism management, including tourism planning, marketing, operations, finance, and human resource development. It also provides exposure to the cultural, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism. Some institutions offering this course include Christ University, Bangalore, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and Amity University, Noida.
- BA in Tourism Studies: A three-year course focusing on the theoretical and practical aspects of tourism, including tourism geography, tourism products, tourism policy, tourism development, and tourism research. It also offers electives in areas such as adventure tourism, heritage tourism, and eco-tourism. Institutions offering this course include Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, and Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.
- Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM): A four-year course providing comprehensive knowledge and skills in tourism management, such as tourism marketing, operations, finance, law, and entrepreneurship. The course also includes industrial training and project work in the tourism sector. Some institutions offering this course include the University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, and the University of Kashmir, Srinagar.
- Com in Travel and Tourism Management: A three-year course combining core commerce subjects with specialized topics related to travel and tourism, such as travel agency management, tour operations, airline ticketing, and tourism economics. It prepares students for careers as travel consultants, tour managers, and tourism officers. Some institutions offering this course include St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bangalore, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune, and Loyola College, Chennai.
- Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration: A three-year course covering various aspects of hospitality and hotel management, including food production, food and beverage service, front office, housekeeping, and hotel engineering. The course also provides practical training and exposure to the hospitality industry. Some institutions offering this course include the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, New Delhi, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal, and the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai.
Postgraduate Courses:
- Master of Tourism Administration (MTA): A two-year course offering advanced knowledge and skills in tourism administration, such as tourism policy, planning, marketing, finance, and research. It also offers specializations in areas like tourism product development, destination management, and human resource management. Some institutions offering this course include Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, and Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
- Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM): A two-year course focusing on managerial and operational aspects of tourism and travel, including operations, marketing, finance, and law. It includes field visits, internships, and project work in the tourism and travel sector. Some institutions offering this course include the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Gwalior, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, and Amity University, Noida.
- Master of Tourism and Heritage Management (MTHM): A two-year course exploring the connections between tourism and heritage, including heritage tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism. It covers heritage conservation, management, and promotion challenges in the context of tourism. Some institutions offering this course include the Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, and Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi.
- Master of Hotel Management (MHM): A two-year course providing in-depth knowledge and skills in hotel management, including operations, marketing, finance, law, and entrepreneurship. It offers electives like hotel revenue management, quality management, and facility management. Some institutions offering this course include the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, New Delhi, the Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore, and the Institute of Hotel Management, Bhopal.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Tourism and Hospitality Management: A two-year course blending core business administration subjects with tourism and hospitality management, covering areas like business environment, strategic management, marketing management, and financial management. It prepares students for leadership roles in the tourism and hospitality industry. Some institutions offering this course include the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, and the Indian Institute of Management, Indore.
Expanding Opportunities in Sustainable Tourism:
The travel and tourism sector have the potential to reshape India’s economic landscape, especially in the face of job losses in traditional sectors due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s not just about discovering new destinations; it’s about unlocking a world of educational opportunities and fulfilling careers, all while contributing to our nation’s economic growth.
The surge of Green Tourism and its positive impacts are becoming increasingly evident, particularly in South Asian countries. This practice encourages India and other nations to adopt best practices and learn from experiences in green tourism, including ecotourism, rural tourism, wildlife tourism, and adventure tourism. Through adaptability, we can address common challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector, such as climate change, digitalization, skills development, and destination management. Prioritizing job creation, income generation, and empowerment, while conserving and enhancing natural and cultural resources, is crucial for the future. By aligning with the principles and goals outlined in international agreements, destinations across the nation can work towards a future where India’s natural beauty remains preserved for generations of travelers and opportunities to come.
As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2023, let’s embrace the immense potential within the travel and tourism industry. Students possess a unique opportunity to be part of an industry that not only thrives but also actively shapes the future of our nation.
The statistics are compelling India’s tourism sector is on a remarkable trajectory, and the future is brighter than ever before. So, pack your bags and prepare for an educational journey that could lead to a fulfilling and prosperous career in tourism.