In today’s globalized world, travel and tourism courses after graduation are gaining immense popularity among students who wish to work in the dynamic and rewarding tourism industry. With the ever-expanding global travel network, the demand for trained tourism professionals has increased significantly. Students are now actively looking for specialized travel and tourism courses after graduation to enhance their skills, broaden their horizons, and secure well-paying job opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Choosing one of the many travel and tourism courses after graduation can open up doors to multiple career paths including travel consultancy, tourism management, destination marketing, tour operations, and airline services. These fields not only offer a variety of roles but also the chance to interact with people from different cultures, work in exotic locations, and be part of a growing and vibrant industry.
Opting for travel and tourism courses after graduation can be a life-changing decision for individuals passionate about exploring cultures, helping others experience the world, and building a career that is both dynamic and rewarding. These courses are specifically designed to help graduates gain a competitive edge in the booming tourism and hospitality industry. With the right set of skills and knowledge gained through travel and tourism courses after graduation, students are prepared to meet the demands of a fast-paced, customer-centric sector.
High Demand Industry
The global travel and tourism industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors, offering abundant career opportunities.
Diverse Career Paths
Graduates can work in airlines, hotels, travel agencies, cruise lines, tourism boards, event management companies, and more.
International Career Opportunities
Travel and tourism qualifications open doors to work abroad or in international organizations.
Skill Development
These courses enhance communication, customer service, problem-solving, and intercultural skills.
Quick Entry into the Job Market
Many travel and tourism courses are diploma or certificate programs that are short in duration but high in placement potential.
Attractive Salary Packages
Professionals in tourism, especially in managerial or international roles, can earn lucrative salaries and incentives.
Dynamic and Exciting Work Environment
If you enjoy meeting new people, traveling, and learning about different cultures, this field offers a stimulating work life.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
You can start your own travel agency, tour company, or consultancy with the right knowledge and network.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
Courses often include certifications from IATA, UFTAA, or government tourism boards, which boost employability.
About: This course provides a strong foundation in managing travel agencies, tour operations, and customer service.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: Includes modules on tourism marketing, foreign exchange, and destination management.
Career Options: Travel consultant, operations executive, tour planner.
Skills Gained: Management, negotiation, itinerary planning.
Best For: Students seeking quick job-oriented specialization.
Institutes: Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Thomas Cook Centre of Learning.
About: A professional 2-year postgraduate program combining business administration with tourism.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks; entrance exam like CAT/MAT may be required.
Duration: 2 years
Highlights: Strategic tourism management, finance, HR, international tourism law.
Career Options: Tourism manager, travel agency head, business developer.
Skills Gained: Leadership, finance, operations, and branding.
Best For: Graduates aiming for leadership roles in the tourism industry.
Institutes: Amity University, Lovely Professional University, Banaras Hindu University.
About: Offers international certification in air travel and tourism recognized by airlines globally.
Eligibility: 12th pass minimum, but preferred after graduation for better placement.
Duration: 6 months
Highlights: Covers ticketing, GDS (Amadeus, Galileo), and global geography.
Career Options: Ticketing agent, travel executive, customer support.
Skills Gained: GDS proficiency, fare calculation, itinerary design.
Best For: Those targeting airline and travel company jobs quickly.
Institutes: IATA-authorized training centers in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore.
About: Blends aviation studies with tourism and hospitality, offering versatile career opportunities.
Eligibility: Graduation from any stream.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: Cabin crew training, hotel operations, travel desk management.
Career Options: Airline staff, ground handling, hotel reservations.
Skills Gained: Grooming, communication, safety procedures.
Best For: Students interested in multi-industry job roles.
Institutes: Frankfinn Institute, Aptech Aviation Academy.
About: A distance learning program ideal for working professionals or rural students.
Eligibility: Graduation or 12th with relevant experience.
Duration: 1 year (flexible)
Highlights: Indian tourism, transport systems, tourism marketing.
Career Options: Tour operator, guide, heritage interpreter.
Skills Gained: Research, cultural sensitivity, customer handling.
Best For: Flexible learners or part-time job seekers.
Institutes: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
About: A short-term, career-oriented certificate focused on fundamentals.
Eligibility: Graduate or final year students of any stream.
Duration: 3–6 months
Highlights: Travel basics, tourist behavior, customer service.
Career Options: Junior travel agent, tourism assistant, counter sales.
Skills Gained: Customer care, basic itinerary planning.
Best For: Freshers looking to enter the industry quickly.
Institutes: YWCA, YMCA, local travel training centers.
About: This course teaches how to design, operate and manage organized tours.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: International tour design, pricing, legal aspects.
Career Options: Tour manager, MICE planner, DMC operator.
Skills Gained: Event planning, logistics, costing.
Best For: Those aiming to work in destination management companies.
Institutes: IITTM, TMI Academy.
About: Designed for careers in both hospitality and travel sectors, offering dual exposure.
Eligibility: Graduates from any stream.
Duration: 1–2 years
Highlights: Front office, travel desk, global hospitality trends.
Career Options: Hotel manager, tour coordinator, travel desk executive.
Skills Gained: Multitasking, service quality, cultural etiquette.
Best For: Graduates wanting to enter 5-star hotels or resorts.
Institutes: IIHM, ITM Institute.
9. Master of Tourism Administration (MTA)
About: A postgraduate degree tailored to tourism planning, policy-making, and sustainable tourism.
Eligibility: Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks; entrance exams may apply.
Duration: 2 years
Highlights: Tourism economics, event management, policy framework, eco-tourism.
Career Options: Tourism officer, travel agency manager, tourism consultant.
Skills Gained: Research, administrative planning, policy drafting.
Best For: Students who wish to work in government or strategic tourism roles.
Institutes: Himachal Pradesh University, Amity University, Christ University.
About: A skill-based course focusing on booking and reservation systems used by airlines and agencies.
Eligibility: 12th pass or graduates with basic computer knowledge.
Duration: 3–6 months
Highlights: GDS software training, ticketing formats, customer interaction.
Career Options: Airline reservation staff, GDS operator, travel desk agent.
Skills Gained: Global Distribution System (GDS) handling, ticket issuance.
Best For: Quick entry into air ticketing and travel tech roles.
Institutes: Kuoni Academy, Bird Academy, Trade Wings.
About: Specialized course for managing adventure travel businesses like trekking, rafting, wildlife tourism.
Eligibility: Graduation, preferably with interest or background in outdoor activities.
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Highlights: Risk management, route mapping, equipment handling.
Career Options: Adventure tour leader, camp organizer, eco-tour guide.
Skills Gained: Crisis management, outdoor survival, team leadership.
Best For: Nature lovers and thrill-seekers aiming for unconventional careers.
Institutes: NIMAS, ABVIMAS, Mountaineering institutes.
About: Focuses on training individuals to work in the cruise and luxury liner industry.
Eligibility: Graduation in any stream, good communication skills.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: Cruise operations, hospitality services, safety drills.
Career Options: Cruise manager, hospitality crew, entertainment planner.
Skills Gained: International hospitality, emergency handling, cross-cultural service.
Best For: Candidates looking to travel the world while working.
Institutes: AIMS Institute, SAMS Institute of Hotel Management.
About: A program that emphasizes sustainable travel practices and environmental conservation.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental science, tourism, or related fields.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: Sustainable tourism models, biodiversity, rural tourism.
Career Options: Eco-tourism planner, wildlife sanctuary guide, sustainable travel consultant.
Skills Gained: Conservation strategy, tourism ethics, ecological awareness.
Best For: Environmentally conscious individuals looking to protect nature through tourism.
Institutes: Wildlife Institute of India, IGNOU.
About: Provides a global perspective on tourism, covering international laws, cross-border travel, and multicultural service.
Eligibility: Graduation in any field.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: Global tourism trends, destination marketing, international relations.
Career Options: Travel consultant for international agencies, global destination planner.
Skills Gained: International protocols, language proficiency, cultural diplomacy.
Best For: Students interested in international tourism markets and roles abroad.
Institutes: Blue Whale Academy, Welingkar Institute, international training schools.
About: Focuses on promoting and developing tourist destinations, including branding, logistics, and infrastructure.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; relevant experience is an added advantage.
Duration: 1 year
Highlights: Destination planning, tourism marketing, local culture integration.
Career Options: Destination manager, tourism board executive, regional tourism promoter.
Skills Gained: Branding, research, partnership development.
Best For: Candidates aiming to work with tourism boards or government initiatives.
Institutes: IITTM, School of Tourism & Hotel Management (Indore), Christ University.
Postgraduate Diploma Courses
Duration: 1 year
Focus on practical and job-oriented training in tourism management, operations, or hospitality.
Examples: PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management, PG Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism.
Master’s Degree Programs
Duration: 2 years
Comprehensive academic courses with managerial, administrative, and strategic focus.
Examples: MBA in Travel and Tourism, Master of Tourism Administration (MTA).
Certificate Courses
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Short-term, skill-based programs for quick industry entry.
Examples: Certificate in Travel & Tourism, Air Ticketing & GDS Courses.
Specialized Training Courses
Focused on niche areas like eco-tourism, adventure tourism, or cruise management.
Ideal for those targeting specific tourism sectors.
Examples: Diploma in Cruise Ship Management, Certificate in Adventure Tourism.
Distance Learning/Online Courses
Flexible and affordable learning options for working professionals.
Examples: Diploma in Tourism Studies (IGNOU), online IATA Foundation Course.
Vocational Courses
Emphasize hands-on experience with internships and real-world exposure.
Offered by institutes like Frankfinn, Aptech Aviation, and YWCA.
International Certification Programs
Globally recognized qualifications by IATA, UFTAA, and other tourism bodies.
Enhances global job opportunities in airlines and travel agencies.
Language and Cultural Courses
Support roles like tour guides, translators, or travel consultants in foreign destinations.
IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism (Online)
Offered by IATA-authorized online training partners.
Covers airline operations, fare calculation, GDS systems.
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Ideal for: Graduates seeking global travel industry jobs.
Diploma in Tourism Studies – IGNOU (Online/Distance Mode)
Government-recognized program from IGNOU.
Covers Indian and international tourism, travel management basics.
Duration: 1 year
Affordable and flexible for working professionals.
Certificate in Travel and Tourism Management – Udemy
Self-paced, beginner-friendly course.
Topics include global tourism trends, travel agency operations.
Duration: 3–5 hours
Affordable with lifetime access and completion certificate.
Tourism and Travel Management – Coursera (University of Queensland)
Offered by a reputed university on Coursera platform.
Includes tourism planning, marketing, and sustainability.
Duration: 6 weeks (self-paced)
Earn a verified certificate upon completion.
Sustainable Tourism – edX (Wageningen University)
Focus on sustainable practices in global tourism.
Suitable for eco-tourism or policy-related career paths.
Duration: 6 weeks (free to audit, fee for certificate)
Learn from world-class environmental experts.
Travel Agent Training Course – Alison
Free online diploma course with paid certification.
Covers travel booking, customer handling, and geography.
Duration: 10–15 hours
Ideal for quick entry into the travel agency industry.
Cruise Line Operations and Management – Skillshare
Short modules on cruise tourism and hospitality.
Includes case studies, real-life examples.
Flexible duration, subscription-based access.
Best for candidates interested in luxury and leisure tourism.
Online GDS Training (Galileo, Amadeus) – Travelport Academy
Offers simulation-based learning for airline reservation systems.
Duration: Varies per module
Certificate provided; widely accepted by travel companies.
Travel Consultant
Helps clients plan and book travel itineraries, accommodations, and activities.
Works in travel agencies, tour companies, or independently.
Skills: Communication, planning, destination knowledge.
Tour Operator / Tour Manager
Designs, coordinates, and operates travel packages and guided tours.
Often manages group travel, logistics, and on-ground assistance.
Suitable for those with strong organizational skills.
Airline Ticketing Executive
Manages flight bookings using GDS systems like Amadeus, Galileo.
Works for airlines, OTAs, or airport counters.
High demand in both domestic and international markets.
Destination Manager
Plans strategies to promote specific tourist destinations.
Works with tourism boards, government agencies, or private firms.
Ideal for candidates with creative and marketing skills.
Customer Service Executive – Airlines or Travel Portals
Handles inquiries, complaints, and bookings over calls/emails/chat.
Required in travel BPOs, airline customer care, and online portals.
Good communication and patience are key.
Cruise Staff / Cruise Manager
Works on luxury cruise liners handling hospitality, events, or guest relations.
Opportunity to travel while working.
Requires hospitality and service skills.
Event and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Coordinator
Plans and manages corporate and tourism-related events.
Works for event companies, tourism firms, or hotels.
Travel Consultant
Job Role: Plan and book trips, provide travel advice, handle itineraries.
Average Salary (India): ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA
Top Recruiters: Thomas Cook, MakeMyTrip, Cox & Kings
Tour Operator / Tour Manager
Job Role: Organize group tours, handle logistics, accompany tourists.
Average Salary: ₹3 – ₹5 LPA
Best For: Fieldwork lovers and people with strong coordination skills.
Airline Ticketing Executive
Job Role: Issue flight tickets, manage GDS software, customer handling.
Average Salary: ₹2 – ₹3.5 LPA
Top Employers: Airlines, travel portals, OTAs.
Destination Manager
Job Role: Promote and manage tourism strategies for locations.
Average Salary: ₹4 – ₹6 LPA
Workplace: Tourism boards, private tour companies.
Cruise Line Staff / Cruise Manager
Job Role: Handle operations, guest relations, hospitality on cruise ships.
Average Salary: ₹4 – ₹8 LPA (can go higher internationally)
Additional Perks: Free travel, international exposure, accommodation.
Event & MICE Coordinator
Job Role: Organize travel-based corporate events and meetings.
Average Salary: ₹3 – ₹6 LPA
Workplaces: Hotels, travel firms, event agencies.
Hotel and Resort Manager
Job Role: Manage hospitality operations, guest services, staff coordination.
Average Salary: ₹4 – ₹7 LPA
Top Employers: Taj, Marriott, Club Mahindra, Hyatt.
Visa and Immigration Executive
Job Role: Process visa applications, verify documents, guide clients.
Average Salary: ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA
Mandatory Industry Exposure
Most diploma, degree, and certification programs include internships.
Duration ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the course and institute.
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Students work with real clients, booking systems, and travel documentation.
Often includes GDS system training (Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre).
Partnered Institutions and Agencies
Colleges tie up with airlines, hotels, cruise companies, and travel agencies.
Interns get to work with brands like IndiGo, Thomas Cook, Taj Hotels, etc.
Types of Internship Roles
Travel Consultant Trainee
Airline Check-in/Reservation Assistant
Tourism Marketing Intern
Tour Operations Assistant
Hotel Front Office Intern
Real-World Skill Development
Internships develop skills in customer service, ticketing, itinerary planning, and crisis handling.
Also build confidence, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities.
Certifications & Recommendations
Interns receive a certificate, letter of recommendation, and sometimes a stipend.
Boosts employability and resume strength.
Pathway to Permanent Jobs
Many students are offered pre-placement offers (PPOs) after successful internships.