It is very common for a student who has just passed his class 12 to get confused about what to study in his/her undergraduation as they get a lot of options to choose from. Among those options, one flourishing and exciting field is travel and tourism. There are many travel and tourism course after 12th class that a student can pursue and venture into this promising domain. 

Here in this blog, we will discuss various things that a student must know before opting to pursue a course in this exciting field, right from what is travel and tourism course to the career opportunities that one gets in this field to travel and tourism course after 12th standard to travel and tourism course fees. We have it all. Let’s get started! 

The Significance Of The Travel and Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism industry is very important for a country as it contributes to GDP growth, generating employment and cultural exchange. 

India being a land of cultural diversity and tourist destinations, offers a plethora of job opportunities in the field of travel and tourism. It attracts many skilled professionals from travel and tourism backgrounds and that’s why students, after completing their class 12 look to pursue travel and tourism courses. 

Since this industry has huge potential and students can make a good career in it, many universities, colleges, and educational institutions have introduced specialised travel and tourism courses in their curriculum.  

What Is Travel And Tourism Course

In a travel and tourism course, a student is taught everything related to the travel and tourism industry. A student gets to learn ample things right from tour planning to destination management to customer service to various sustainable tourism practices. A travel and tourism course covers almost everything. 

Educational institutions offer travel and tourism courses in various forms. From short duration courses like diploma programmes and certificate courses, different UG and PG programmes are also offered to students. Let’s explore these courses in brief. 

Travel And Tourism Certification Courses

Apart from formal degree programmes in the field of travel and tourism, various short-term certificate courses are offered to students wherein they are taught basic topics like how to do reservations and book tickets, how a travel agency operates, tour guiding and more. The main focus of these certificate courses is to develop the basic skills and industry-relevant credentials in students.  

Travel And Tourism Diploma Courses

The diploma courses in the travel and tourism industry are of not more than two years. In general, they range from one-two years. In these courses, students are given an overview of the travel and tourism industry. These courses cover the basic concepts of the travel and tourism industry, some of them being hospitality, customer service, tourism management, and tour operations.  

Travel And Tourism Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

Bachelor’s degree programmes in travel and tourism are commonly of three years. In these years, students are taught about each and everything relevant to the travel and tourism industry in detail. Topics like destination management, tourism marketing, event planning, itinerary making, customer service, and more are covered. They also get to choose their specialisation from a range of specialisation options.  

Travel And Tourism Postgraduate Degree Programmes

Travel And tourism PG degree programmes are two-year programmes that give specialised knowledge of this industry. Those students who want to excel in the field of travel and tourism with expertise and in-depth knowledge pursue these PG degree programmes. Master’s programmes such as Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM), M.A in Travel and Tourism, PBDM in Tourism and Travel, M.B.A in Travel and Tourism Management etc. are common among students in India. These specialised master degree programmes deal with various strategic aspects of tourism planning, international tourism trends, policy formulation and a lot more.  

Skills Acquired By Pursuing Travel And Tourism Course

The Travel and Tourism course equips students with multiple skills and knowledge useful in diverse fields. The in-depth knowledge of tourist boards, structures, products, tour operators, the relationship between the customer and tourism operators and overall operations in the tourism industry. Other transferable skills include the following:

• Communication: Travel and tourism professionals must be communication experts. This includes verbal, written and even non-verbal forms of communication. They must also be active listeners. 
• Customer Service: Most Travel & Tourism courses provide students with excellent customer service training. Since they have to deal with a variety of customers, a tourism professional has to deliver a positive experience. 
• Marketing Skills: Marketing skills are crucial for success. Hence, they must have a deeper understanding of tourism marketing strategies and sales techniques.
• Crisis Management: There are times when tourism professionals face unexpected events that can negatively impact them. This is why they plan proactively and develop a response strategy. 
• Cultural Awareness: Travel and tourism professionals must understand different cultures, traditions, and customs to interact respectfully with international clients and travellers.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to quickly resolve issues such as travel delays, booking errors, or customer complaints is essential.
• Time Management: Managing itineraries, schedules, and multiple client requests efficiently is crucial in this fast-paced industry.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Tourism professionals must be able to adjust plans and services according to changing situations, customer needs, or global conditions.
• Organisational Skills: Handling bookings, documentation, logistics, and coordination requires strong organisational abilities.
• Negotiation Skills: Professionals often negotiate with vendors, hotels, airlines, and service providers to secure the best deals for clients.
• Digital and Technology Skills: Knowledge of online booking systems, travel software, and digital platforms is increasingly important.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in bookings, itineraries, and travel documents helps avoid errors and enhances customer satisfaction.
• Decision-Making Skills: Making quick and informed decisions during travel disruptions, cancellations, or emergencies.
• Language Skills: Knowledge of foreign languages is a strong advantage when dealing with international tourists.
• Networking Skills: Building strong relationships with hotels, airlines, tour operators, and travel partners.
• Emotional Intelligence: Staying calm, patient, and empathetic while handling diverse customer personalities.
• Planning & Forecasting Skills: Anticipating travel trends, peak seasons, and customer preferences to offer better services.

Travel And Tourism Courses Offered By K R Mangalam University

The prestigious K R Mangalam University offers two courses in travel and tourism. Let’s explore these two courses.  

BBA Travel & Tourism

This is a three-year bachelor’s programme. This UG programme focuses on experiential learning, industry exposure, and inculcating a global perspective in students. 

Programme Highlights

• Specifically designed curriculum in consultation with top business leaders 
• Guidance and insights from industry experts 
• Regular industry visits, conferences, and engagement in live projects 
• Entrepreneurship and Incubation Center and Design Thinking Lab, designed to nurture innovative startup ideas 
• Live projects with top companies across industries for experiential learning 
• Advanced development courses on SQL, R, Python, Tableau and AI Prompt training 
• Specialised classes for GMAT, IELTS, GRE and TOEFL to prepare for admission to international universities 
• Paid international visit: Attend 2 weeks of summer school at a renowned European university 
• Internship and Placement opportunities in leading companies and MNCs 

BBA Travel & Tourism Duration, Programme Fees, and Eligibility Criteria

• Programme Duration: Three Years  
• Programme Fees: Rs 1,70,000 per year  
• Total Semesters: 6 
• Eligibility Criteria: Must have passed class 12 or equivalent examination from any recognised board/university with at least 50% aggregate marks. 

BBA (Hons. with Research) Travel & Tourism

This is a four-year bachelor’s programme that equips students with a blend of academic excellence and practical expertise in the exciting field of travel and tourism. The extensive syllabus and curriculum of this programme helps students explore various dimensions of tourism in detail, thereby making them job ready. 

Programme Highlights

• Specifically designed in consultation with top business leaders 
• Guidance and insights from industry experts 
• Regular industry visits, conferences, and engagement in live projects 
• Entrepreneurship and Incubation Center and Design Thinking Lab, designed to nurture innovative startup ideas 
• Live projects with top companies across industries for experiential learning 
• Advanced development courses on SQL, R, Python, Tableau and AI Prompt training 
• After completing this programme, one can pursue a Master degree programme in the same domain, the duration of which will be one year
• Specialised classes for GMAT, IELTS, GRE and TOEFL to prepare for admission to international universities 
• Paid international visit: Attend 2 weeks of summer school at a renowned European university 
• Internship and Placement opportunities in leading companies and MNCs 

BBA (Hons. with Research) Travel & Tourism Duration, Programme Fees, and Eligibility Criteria

• Programme Duration: Four Years  
• Programme Fees: Rs 1,70,000 per year  
• Total Semesters: 8 
• Eligibility Criteria: Must have passed class 12 or equivalent examination from any recognised board/university with at least 50% aggregate marks. 

Career After Pursuing A Course In Travel And Tourism

After getting a degree in travel and tourism, one can choose the best suited career among the many exciting career opportunities. Not only does it open the door to discovering new destinations, but it also provides ample opportunities to cater to the needs of today’s dynamic global travel industry in diverse roles. Let’s discuss some of  the most preferred jobs in the field of travel and tourism.  

Travel Agent

A travel agent is the one who plays a significant role in making the road to creating life-long memorable experiences for his/her clients. With his/her expertise and knowledge, he/she creates itinerary, travel arrangements, books hotels and resorts, gives dining recommendations, and sells travel products and services for the clients keeping in mind their tour budget. These professionals, with their knowledge and networks, come up with best deals for their clients. 

Tourism Marketing And Sales Professionals

We live in a digitally-driven era where we are exposed to digital platforms every now and then. From mobile phones, to laptops to bill-boards and what not, we are surrounded by digital mediums. Tourism marketing professionals make the use of all the digital mediums to attract tourists and visitors from all across the globe. These professionals, after completing travel and tourism courses, make careers in the field of tourism marketing and sales wherein they work for marketing agencies, tour operators, event management companies, and hospitality establishments etc. 

Event Management And Conference Planning Professionals

With a degree in travel and tourism, one can become event management or conference planning professionals. These professionals, with their organisational skills and industry knowledge, majorly deal with planning and executing big conventions and conferences, music events, lavish marriage ceremonies, corporate meetings and more. 

Sustainable Tourism Development

Those travel and tourism professionals, who have interest in conservation and community development, can make a career in sustainable tourism. Moreover, with the growing environmental awareness, the travel and tourism industry is focusing more on sustainable tourism. These professionals emphasise on recommending eco-friendly and responsible travelling to their clients along with promoting and working towards sustainable tourism development. 

Tour Operations And Management Professionals

Tour operations and management professionals are dedicated people responsible for the seamless travel and stay experience of their clients. They primarily make travel packages, book tickets, arrange logistics and accommodations. After completing travel and tourism courses, one can become a tour operator professional and excel in this flourishing hospitality industry. 

Destination Management

Destination management professionals work towards enhancing the experiences of the visitors and bring economic growth at tourist places or travel destinations. Such professionals work with government agencies, and tourism boards across states, where they contribute to destination marketing, and infrastructure development.  

Challenges and Opportunities

The field of travel and tourism is very attractive and enticing. After pursuing a travel and tourism course after 12th class, one gets the option to choose from a lot of career choices in this field. However, no career comes without its challenges. A student who has no idea about this industry, or has misconceptions, or is worried about job security, may refrain from this thriving industry. That’s why it is very important for a student to thoroughly explore the field of travel and tourism, get the right mentorship & guidance, explore travel and tourism course fees, and various travel and tourism courses offered by educational institutions etc. 

To conclude, a travel and tourism course after 12th class gives a plethora of work opportunities and adventures. From exploring exotic destinations to crafting memorable experiences for travellers, the journey in this dynamic field is enriching. By exploring the diverse range of travel and tourism courses offered, and opting the best suited course for themselves, students can chart a fulfilling career path in this field. So, let your passion for exploration and hospitality propel you towards success! 

Conclusion

To conclude, a travel and tourism course after 12th class gives a plethora of work opportunities and adventures. From exploring exotic destinations to crafting memorable experiences for travellers, the journey in this dynamic field is enriching. By exploring the diverse range of travel and tourism courses offered, and opting the best suited course for themselves, students can chart a fulfilling career path in this field. So, let your passion for exploration and hospitality propel you towards success!