Students who pursue courses in Travel and Tourism Management have an attractive career in India. The tourism sector is a key growth driver and an important source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. This sector attracts both international tourists and domestic travelers for business. 

India is the 16th most visited country in the world. It’s not surprising to say that the country has something in store to fulfill the wanderlust in every visitor. While India’s rich history and vibrant culture draws lakhs of tourists every year, the tourism industry now has more to offer to boost its fanfare. India is emerging as the new hot-spot for medical tourism, eco-tourism, adventure trips, cruise holidays, film, rural and religious tourism.

What is working in favor of this sector?

  • Government Visa on Arrival – India has extended the Visa on Arrival facility from 53 to 150 countries. This provision will create a massive influx of foreign tourists visiting the country. 
  • FDI – With the footfall of international tourists constantly on the rise, better facilities are in great demand. The immense potential of the market has led to a distinct increase in foreign direct investments (FDI) with more and more investors eyeing to make their entry.
  • The expanding industry is in need of skilled manpower to meet its various needs. This is why career opportunities in travel & tourism are on a steady rise.

What are the career prospects?

  • Medical tourism – India is among the top three destinations for medical tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Quality healthcare facilities coupled with skilled medical professionals and low cost of treatment draws many from all over the world to India. Apart from this, the alternative rejuvenative therapies like Ayurvedic healing and yoga are extremely popular among foreigners who visit India to avail these native remedial services. Opportunity waits at organizations/ agencies that provide medical tourism services which apart from planning their treatment also plan their post therapy recuperation stay, at one of the many attractive holiday spots in the country before returning home.
  • Eco-tourism – As an alternative to commercial tourism, those opting for eco-tourism, visit destinations where they can experience nature, learn about ecological preservation and experience environmental conservation. India has a lot to offer to eco-tourism enthusiasts and the Indian tourism department is promoting it in every way possible. A career here will have its own share of excitement and interesting opportunities to offer to its aspirants.
  • MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) – Events such as these are held throughout the year and keep the business rolling for the tourism & hospitality industry. A career with an event management company or agency /organization that takes charge of conducting these can be a very good option.
  • Escorts or Guides – Students can work independently or with a travel agency as an escort or guide to take around travelers coming to visit India. Knowledge in history and geography along with good speaking skills can take an aspirant a long way. Learning a foreign language or two is always an added bonus. It gives you the option of working as an interpreter and accompanying the foreign delegates coming into town for meetings or vacations. You can also accompany Indian tourists travelling to a non- English speaking country on behalf of the agency. At NSHM, the curriculum includes learning French to ensure that our students have an added advantage.

Apart from these, there are other career avenues that a graduate in travel and tourism management can explore. These include working as inbound & outbound tour operators, in the airlines industry, on cruise ships, in cargo management organizations and in the accommodation sectors (Hotels, Motels and Resorts etc.).

A career that officially allows you to travel and even pays for it – can it get better than that? 

Not really. And the best bit is- you will get a chance to plan holidays for people and contribute towards creating a memorable experience for them and make them cherish every moment. The tourism sector will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Indian government’s Make in India campaign which is set to propel the nation forward and grab global attention. So, what if we are staying indoors for COVID, when we step out the travel & tourism industry will be booming with revenue. With dedicated lessons in all of the above a course at NSHM is a safe bet for those looking for a career.