What is Diploma in Travel and Tourism: Course Duration, Admission 2026, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Apr 10, 2025 12:22 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Diploma in Travel and Tourism course is a program focused on developing skills related to the tourist sector service. Students in this course learn how to handle the needs of tourists and arrange their requirements for well being.

Clear class 12 in any stream in order to pursue a diploma in travel and tourism course. The average fees for this course lies between INR 30,000 and INR 9 lakhs. Admission to this course is usually merit based only without any entrance exam.

Some popular colleges offering this course are IGNOU, IIHM, BHU, School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, and others.

After graduation, you can work as a tourist guide, instructor, travel agent, airline staff, etc. with an average salary of INR 5.3 LPA.

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Course Details: Highlights

Refer to the table below to learn some details and key highlights of the Diploma in Travel and Tourism course:

Parameters

Course Details

Duration

6 Months to 1 Year

Fees

INR 30,000 to INR 9 Lakh

Course Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 from any stream with 50%

Top Colleges

IGNOU

IIHM

BHU

School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies

Job Profiles

tourist guide

instructor

travel agent

airline staff

Travel Officer/Coordinator

Average Annual Salary  

INR 5.3 LPA

Top Recruiters

Cox & Kings Ltd, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, MakeMyTrip (and GoIbibo), Balmer Lawrie Travel & Vacations, Yatra, ClearTrip, Jet Airways, India Healthcare Tourism (IHCT), Flying Fox, SOTC India, Kuoni Travel, East India Travel Co., etc.

Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Links for Diploma Travel and Tourism Course:

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Q:   What is Diploma in Travel and Tourism course?
A:

Diploma in Travel and Tourism course is a short term Diploma course which is designed to equip students with the practical knowledge and skills required to build a career in  travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

The course focuses on fields such as travel management, tour management, tour operations, customer service, airline ticketing, tourism marketing and many such tasks. 

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Q:   Why should I do Diploma in Travel and Tourism course?
A:

You can get into the travel job scene fast because the courses usually only last about six months to a year, so you can start earning money quicker. You'll learn really useful, hands-on skills like figuring out trip plans, getting tickets, organizing tours, and making sure travelers are happy. The travel industry is also growing super fast, both here in India and all over the world, which means there are tons of job openings. You could find yourself working for airlines, cool hotels, travel agencies, fancy cruise ships, or even government tourism offices. If you've always wanted to travel, some jobs might even give you the chance to see different countries while you work. Plus, these Diploma courses usually don't cost as much or take as long as getting a full university degree.

Moreover, you can apply as long as you've finished your 12th grade, no matter what you studied! If you've ever dreamed of being your own boss, you'll even learn how to start your own travel company or a travel blog. This Diploma can also be a stepping stone if you decide you want to study more later, like getting a BBA in Tourism. 

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Table of contents
  • Diploma in Travel and Tourism Eligibility Criteria
  • Top Diploma in Travel and Tourism Entrance Exams
  • Diploma in Travel and Tourism Syllabus
  • Top Diploma in Travel and Tourism Colleges
  • Popular Private Diploma in Travel and Tourism Colleges in India
  • Diploma in Travel and Tourism Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
  • Diploma in Travel and Tourism FAQs
  • Course Cutoffs
  • Popular Diploma in Travel and Tourism Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
View More

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Eligibility Criteria

Some of the criteria for Diploma in Tour and Travel courses are mentioned in the table below for your reference -

Criteria

Details

Educational Qualification

Passed 10+2 (any stream – Arts/Commerce/Science) from a recognized board

Minimum Marks

Usually 45 percent – 50 percent (may vary by institution)

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Admission Related links:

Oberoi Group Announces Recipients of Hospitality Scholarships; Check Details Here

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Admission Process

Steps for the reference for the students who wish to pursue Diploma in Travel and Tourism Course are -

  1. Conduct a good level of research about the program. Look for the specific universities or colleges that is offering this program
  2. Submit the documents that are required such as mark sheets, certificates, passport pics, entrance exam scorecards. These are necessary for admission.
  3. Fill out the Application Form. You can do this from the official website of the college.
  4. Thoroughly prepare for the Entrance Exams and clear their cutoffs.
  5. The college will announce the result within a particular time. Wait for it!
  6. Next, confirm your admission and pay the required fees.
  7. Complete any formality that is remaining and then you are free to proceed with your classes.

 

Q:   What is the eligibility for Diploma in Travel and Tourism course?
A:

To pursue Diploma in Travel and Tourism course, you need to complete class 12th in streams like Arts, Commerce, or Science, with minimum 45 to 55 percent aggregate. Moreover, basic command of English is preferred (especially for customer-facing roles)

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Top Diploma in Travel and Tourism Entrance Exams

Admission to the Diploma in Travel and Tourism course is generally based on the merit system. Some colleges still conduct or accept entrance exam scores. You can see the table here for details on some top entrance exams you can prepare for.

Exam Name

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

CMAT

25 Jan '25

CMAT Exam Date

CAT

Nov '24 (Tentative)

CAT Exam Date

MAT

MAT 2024 PBT- 09 Mar '25

MAT 2024 CBT 2- 23 Mar '25

MAT Exam Date

XAT

05 Jan '24

XAT Exam Date

NCHMCT JEE

27 Apr '25

NCHMCT JEE Exam Date

CUET

08 May ' 25 - 01 Jun ' 25

CUET Exam Date

UGAT

14 Jun '25

UGAT Exam Date

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Relevant information for Diploma Travel Courses:

Top 10 Government Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra

 

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
02 Feb ' 26 - 15 Apr ' 26

JEEP 2026 Offline Application Form

ONGOING
15 Jan ' 26 - 15 Apr ' 26

JEEP 2026 Online Application Form

ONGOING
May ' 26

JEEP 2026 Exam Date

TENTATIVE
06 Feb ' 26 - 24 Apr ' 26

IMU CET 2026 Registration window

ONGOING
May ' 26

IMUCET Online City Selection Start Date

TENTATIVE
24 May ' 26

IMUCET 2026 Exam Date

Jun ' 26

IMU CET 2026 Counselling

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates
28 Feb ' 26

IIHM eCHAT Exam 2026 (Next Exam)

22 Feb ' 26 - 25 Feb ' 26

IIHM eCHAT Applications 2026

21 May ' 23 - 08 Jun ' 23

BHU CUET 2023 exam days

Q:   What are the entrance tests for Diploma in Travel and Tourism courses?
A:

Here's a simple breakdown of how you might get into a travel and tourism Diploma course:

  • IGNOU Entrance Test: If you want to study tourism through the Indira Gandhi National Open University (which is mostly learning from home), you might need to take their special entrance test.

  • JET: If you're in Punjab and want to get a Diploma in hotel management or tourism, you'll probably need to take the Joint Entrance Test by the Punjab government.

  • IIHM Entrance Exam (e-CHAT): If you're looking at the International Institute of Hotel Management, they have their own entrance exam called e-CHAT, which covers both tourism and hotel-related diplomas.

  • AIMA UGAT: A Few colleges that offer diplomas in hotels and tourism can accept scores from the All India Management Association's undergraduate test (UGAT).

  • College-Specific Exams: Many private colleges and universities, like Amity, Christ, and LPU, often have their own entrance exams or interviews to decide who gets in.

Keep in Mind:

  • Most private colleges usually just look at your marks from 12th grade and might have a short interview with you.

  • Right now, there isn't one big national exam that everyone has to take for these Diploma courses.

  • If you're thinking about a government-run college (like a polytechnic) in your state, they might have their own entrance test.

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Syllabus

Here are the subjects involved in the curriculum of this course:

Semester 1

Core Subjects

Core Subjects

Fundamentals of Tourism

Geography for Tourism - India

Tourism Products and Resources

Skill-Based/Practical Subjects

Introduction to Computer Applications

Basic Accounting/Bookkeeping

Personality Development and Communication Skills

 

Semester 2

Core Subjects

Tour Operations and Management

Ticketing and Air Fares

Transportation in Tourism

Customer Service and Sales in Tourism

Subsequent Semesters (if applicable for longer diplomas)

Tourism Marketing and Sales

Business Communication for Tourism

Hospitality Management (Basic)

Regulatory Framework in Tourism

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Syllabus Related Information:

How many domain subjects are compulsory in CUET UG 2025?

 

Q:   Does the Diploma in Travel and Tourism syllabus focus more on theory or practical applications?
A:

Here's a simple way to understand what you'd learn in a Travel and Tourism diploma, and if it's more about learning facts or doing things:

  • You'll also get to practice things like booking tickets, making reservations, running tours, helping customers, and using the computer systems that travel companies use. You might even get to do internships or go on trips to see things for yourself!

  • These courses are really designed to help you get a job in the travel world. They give you the experience you need to start working.

  • Some courses will teach you specific areas like planning events, managing hotels, or adventure travel. That's how you can choose your field of interest. 

  • You'll often learn about managing hotels, how to market tourism, and even how airlines work. The focus is always on getting you practical skills and real-world experience through internships and actually doing things.

Top Diploma in Travel and Tourism Colleges

Refer to the tables below for colleges which offer diploma in travel and tourism courses: 

Top Diploma in Travel and Tourism Government Colleges

Here are the reputed government colleges for Diploma in Travel and Tourism:

College

Tuition Fees (INR)

BHU

30 K

IGNOU

4.5 K

University of Madras

3 K

Tamil Nadu Open University

3.5 K

UNIRAJ

26.4 K

VMOU

3.2 K

UOU

5.6 K

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Top Diploma in Travel and Tourism Private College

Below are the popular private colleges for Diploma in Travel and Tourism:

College

Tuition Fees (INR)

School of Hospitality and Tourism

1.75 L

IIHM

1.25 L

Panache Academy, Ahmedabad

1.19 L

Inspire Academy

NA

MMU

30 K

Rabindranath Tagore University

25 K

NIMS University

75 K

Sabarmati University

30 K

New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Career Studies

62.7 K

75 K - 3.68 L
4.5
1.87 L - 9 L
4.0

Hospitality & Travel Applications open. Apply Now

6 Courses
24.02 K - 3.98 L
6 - 9.25 LPA
50 K - 2.96 L
4.5
Q:   What are the private colleges offering Diploma in Travel and Tourism courses?
Q:   Which government colleges offer Diploma in Travel and Tourism course?
A:

Below are few government colleges offering Diploma in Travel and Tourism course:

College

Tuition Fees (INR)

Banaras Hindu University

30 K

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

4.5 K

VMOU of Madras

3 K

VMOU0 Nadu Open University

3.5 K

VMOU4 - University of Rajasthan

26.4 K

VMOU - Vardhman Mahaveer Open University

3.2 K

VMOU1 - Uttarakhand Open University

5.6 K

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Popular Private Diploma in Travel and Tourism Colleges in India

5 Courses
2.5 L - 4 L
4 Courses
2.5 L - 4 L
5.0
4 Courses
2.5 L - 4 L
30 K - 6.2 L
4.5

Hospitality & Travel Applications open. Apply Now

4 Courses
2.5 L - 4 L
2 Courses
9.4 L - 13.2 L
4.0

Hospitality & Travel Applications open till Apr 6, 2026. Apply Now

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters

These are the job profiles of this field along with their salaries:

Job Profile

Average Salary 

Travel Planner

INR 4.5 LPA

Ticketer

INR 3.5 LPA

Tour Guide

INR 3.0 LPA

Ground Staff

INR 4.0 LPA

Vlogger

INR 6.0 LPA (variable)

Destination Manager

INR 5.5 LPA

Service Executive

INR 3.5 LPA

Line Staff

INR 6.0 LPA

Visa Executive

INR 3.5 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Scope Related Information:

How to Become a Hotel Manager in India: Courses, Colleges, Fees, and Career Path

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Top Recruiters

Refer below for some hiring recruiters in this field:

Top Recruiters

Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

MakeMyTrip

Goibibo

Thomas Cook India

Hospitality Industry

ITC Hotels

Taj Hotels

Hyatt Hotels

Airlines and Aviation

IndiGo

Air India

Vistara

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Courses Related Information:

NCHMCT JEE 2025 Marks Vs Rank: Check Expected Cutoffs, Qualifying score, Tie-breaking Criteria

 

Q:   What is the highest paying job in Tourism?
A:

Food and Beverage Director and General Manager of a premier international hotel chain hold highest earning position in Tourism industry.

Food & Beverage Director is responsible for managing all parts of organization's food and beverage planning and service like -

  • menu planning
  • costing
  • preparing and presenting food and beverages
  • adhering to quality and safety requirements

Read more: Travel & Tourist Courses

Hope this helped your query! All the best!

Q:   What are the roles of a Travel Agent?
A:
Travel Agents are responsible for ensuring the seamless travelling experience of their guests. They generally plan, organize, the travel itinerary, provide information, ensure guests safety, etc.

Diploma in Travel and Tourism FAQs

Find out some commonly asked questions for Diploma Travel courses:

Q:   Are there any study Abroad opportunities available in Travel and Tourism Courses?
A:

Definitely, yes! You can pursue a range of Travel and Tourism courses around the globe. There are plenty of colleges offering MBA, Diploma, MSc, and more in Travel and Tourism specialization. University College London, New York University, University of Glasgow, etc., are some of the top choices among students.

Q:   What is the profile of a Travel agency manager?
A:

Hi,

A travel agency manager plans, organizes, directs and controls the operations of travel-related organizations. They also co-ordinate and direct the activities of staff, overseeing not only the day-to-day tasks, but the hiring, training and evaluating of staff members as well. Agency managers may also research new products and destinations, often by traveling to them and experiencing first hand the services available. Some key skills required are: - excellent communication skills; - diplomacy and tact; - innovation and energy with a desire to drive others; - commitment to people management; -sound judgement with attention to detail; -competent IT skills; -strong organisational skills; - resilience to cope with long hours and pressure at peak times; - a genuine interest in travel. Hope this information helps. Please feel free to revert. Click on the thumbs up or mark it as the best, if you found this useful. Wish You Luck!

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular Diploma in Travel and Tourism colleges is given below:
Diploma in Computer Science and Engineering : TS POLYCET 2025 Last Round Closing Rank (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
Diploma in Nautical Science : IMUCET 2025 Last Round Closing Rank (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3

Popular Diploma in Travel and Tourism Specializations

Following are the most popular Diploma in Travel and Tourism Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Student Forum

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Answered 4 days ago

Yes, some private colleges offer admission without IIHM eCHAT. However, IIHM colleges mainly give admission through this exam, so appearing for it gives better chances.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, you can study hotel management without giving Oberoi STEP exam. Many other colleges and universities offer hotel management courses through different entrance exams or direct admission processes.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

NFCI certificate courses are short-term and focus mainly on practical cooking skills. In comparison, hotel management colleges like IHM offer 3-year degree programmes covering management, theory, and operations. NFCI is suitable for students who want quick job-ready skills, while degree colleges are

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Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, attempting English section is compulsory for MAH HM CET exam. It helps in improving overall score. Skipping it can reduce your chances of getting a good rank.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET is considered moderate in difficulty. With regular practice and revision, most students can crack it easily.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The MAH HM CET exam duration is usually 90 minutes. Students must complete all questions within this time, so time management is very important.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The MAH HM CET exam is generally easy to moderate. Students who prepare well and practice mock tests can easily score good marks.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You need to study English, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Hospitality basics. These subjects test communication, thinking ability, and industry knowledge.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

For many students, General Knowledge is the toughest section of MAH HM CET because it needs regular reading and updates. Practicing daily GK questions can improve performance.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

A score of 60+ marks is considered good MAH HM CET score for General category students. It can help in getting admission to top government colleges.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Many students find Reasoning and General Knowledge slightly difficult. However, difficulty depends on individual strengths. With regular practice, all sections can be managed well.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You can download the syllabus PDF from the official CET Cell website. It is available in the notification section along with the exam brochure.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET expected result date depends on the exam schedule. Generally, it is released in May or June. However, students should follow official updates for accurate information.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET result is usually declared 3 to 4 weeks after exam. It is published online on official website. Students need their login details to check result.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates must pass Class 12 from a recognised board. Some institutes may require minimum marks. Indian nationality is usually required. Detailed eligibility is given in the official brochure.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The deadline for MAH MHMCT CET (Postgraduate) is February 23, 2026. The deadline for MAH BHMCT CET (Undergraduate) has been extended to March 4, 2026.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET good books: English grammar books, reasoning practice guides, and general knowledge books. Use previous year question papers and online mock tests for better preparation.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You can check the syllabus on the official website of Maharashtra CET Cell. It is also available in the information brochure released with the application form.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, knowing exam pattern is very important. It helps you understand question types, marks distribution, and time. This allows you to plan your study and exam strategy properly.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, MAH HM CET is generally conducted only once a year. Students should prepare well for that single attempt and not depend on another exam chance in same year.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET has only one online paper. It contains multiple-choice questions from different sections. There is no separate paper for each subject.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can study hotel management without MAH HM CET by applying to private colleges or institutes that offer direct admission. However, government colleges usually require CET scores for admission.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You should study syllabus properly, practice mock tests, revise daily, and improve your English and GK. Solving previous year papers and managing time well can help you score better.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET cut off depends on factors like exam difficulty, number of students, and available seats. Cutoffs are different for General, OBC, SC, ST, and other categories.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Syllabus includes English Language, Reasoning Ability, General Knowledge, and Hospitality-related awareness. It tests basic skills needed for hotel management studies. 

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Total score in MAH HM CET is based on number of questions and marks per question. Most years, exam carries around 100 marks, but students should always check official notification for exact details.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can. Many private colleges offer hotel management courses without this exam. They give admission through direct entry, management quota, or their own tests.

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Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

There are various meal plans that students can opt for at ETH Zurich. Students can find ramen soup at Mendokoro and some other restaurants and cafes located nearby the university include bQm, CafeBar, Eureka Take Away and Flavour Kitchen

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Ridhi

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No, CGC Landran no longer offers the BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration course in 2026. The aforementioned BSc specialisation was discontinued by CGC Landran since January 2025. CGC Landran only offers four BSc specialisations for admissions in the academic year 2026.

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Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, the Panache Academy BBA in Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality Management is a single course that covers subjects related to all three fields. The curriculum of this Panache Academy BBA course covers the subjects of hospitality in first year, tourism in second year and the third year covers the s

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