by Travel & Tourism Jobs
The travel and tourism industry in India is predicted to boom in the coming years. Due to the government’s initiatives, the aspirants looking to build a career in this field can remain hopeful of availing lucrative opportunities. Moreover, jobs in this field can be exciting and satisfying.
Travel & Tourism Sector: Various Career Options
Amongst the several career opportunities that the aspirants can avail in the field of travel and tourism include in roles such as holiday consultants, event managers, ticketing officer, transport officer, airhostesses / stewards, ground, airport ground staff, tour operator, amongst others. They can get jobs in logistics departments, cruise companies, airline companies, airports, and travel agencies. Both in the public and private companies, these opportunities can be applied for.
In the travel and tourism industry, the various positions that are available are seen in the following details.
Airlines
In airline companies, the job roles include ground staff that are responsible for ticket bookings and reservations; in-flight personnel such as airhostesses / stewards.
Hotels
In hotels, there are various jobs in different departments such as House Keeping, Maintenance, Security, Accounting, Public Relations, Operations, Front Office, and Food & Beverages.
Tourism Departments
The tourism companies hire interpreters, sales & marketing staff, tour planners, tours guides, and Reservation & Counter personnel.
Transportation
Transportation companies manage various modes of transport such as train, bus, and ferry. Such companies hire for posts including destination managers, travel managers, foreign exchange personnel, travel counselors, Public Relations, and Sales officers.
Other Options
Other job roles such as Travel Media Specialist, Adventure Tour Operator, Global Distribution Service Manager, and Travel Educationist are available in the sector as well.
Travel & Tourism Sector: Various Features
On a worldwide basis, the travel and tourism industry earns the largest amount of foreign exchange. Also, the sector is found to employ a significant percentage of people either directly or indirectly via related service industries.
From government tourism agencies to small-sized private travel agents to the main multinational travel companies, all come within the ambit of travel and tourism.
As part of the services of travel and tourism companies, the staff has to cater to people traveling for holiday or business or both. They offer various tour packages that the clients can choose from. Also, the employees are required to make the necessary arrangements for the travelers for sightseeing expeditions, pilgrimage trips, or adventure trips.
The employees have to provide the best in service quality to their clients. Also, as part of their job, they have to interact with the customers to understand their needs; and ensure that their travel is as safe and comfortable as ever.
Travel & Tourism Sector: Perks
The travel and tourism industry offers attractive salaries to their employees. Additionally, the employees can avail free travel benefits. Also, they can take advantage of reduced airfare tariffs when traveling with their family members. During the peak season, bonuses and commission are given to the staff members as well. However, the pay in the international airlines is deemed to be higher.
Travel & Tourism Sector: Varied Courses
There are various courses in travel and tourism that the applicants can avail if they want to build a career in this sector.
After completing their class 12th, the aspirants can enroll for undergraduate courses in travel and tourism.
Also, there is a 2-year postgraduate program that is conducted by the Indian Institution of Tourism and Travel that the aspirants can sign up for. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidates are conferred with the Master of Tourism (MTA) degree. In turn, they can get jobs as managers or other administrative positions in the tourism companies.
Furthermore, several travel agencies are rendering short-term training courses for the interested individuals as well. Also, there are vocational courses that award the Bachelor of Vocation degree after completing the course. These programs help to improve the candidate’s standing in the job market.
Travel & Tourism Sector: Desired Skill Set
To become a part of the travel & tourism industry, the applicants should acquire various skills. They should have knowledge of Computer Reservation Systems (such as Abacus, Galileo, Sabre, and Amadeus). Also, they must develop good communication and customer service skills. Having knowledge of geography, various global cultures, and foreign currency are, also, desirable. Basically, they should be well-versed in all aspects of the travel business.
Being proficient in one more foreign language, other than English, is preferable in the field too. The aspirants can consider getting a diploma in Public Relations and Advertising to groom them for working in the field. Also, the aspirants have to be willing to work for long and odd hours.
Preferably, they must, also, remain updated about any newly-introduced rules and regulations, pertaining to the travel & tourism sector, so they can cater to their clients more efficiently.
The travel & tourism industry offers bright prospects to the applicants. The aspirants can, also, think of starting their own businesses or partner with their colleagues for establishing start-ups.
