Tour Operations: Course, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Subjects, Career Scope
Jasmine Dang AroraDeputy Manager-Content
Tour Operations is a part of the hospitality industry. as a field requires candidates to formulate itineraries for their client’s trips. The tour operator brainstorms ideas for vacations, researches the ideas, prepares holiday itineraries and materials, etc. Since this industry is highly dynamic, candidates can look for new jobs or employment by equipping themselves with the required skill set. Usually, students who complete their graduation can join organisations, startups, lodgings, etc. associated with the travel industry.
Most of the colleges offer short-term courses in the field of Tour Operations. Apart from this, candidates can also acquire adequate knowledge to excel in the field of Tour Operations by pursuing a broader Travel and Tourism course, as most of these courses have Tour Operations as a subject. The course can be completed at fees ranging between INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh.
Candidates who want to make a career in the Tour Operations industry can pursue a course in the same at the undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) level. Apart from this, aspirants can also pursue diploma and certificate courses in Tour Operations. Due to the increasing pattern of travelling, the scope of work in this field is also increasing rapidly.
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- Tour Operations Course Highlights
- All About Tour Operations Course
- 2.1 Why Study Tour Operations Course?
- Tour Operations Courses Eligibility Criteria
- Tour Operations Courses Entrance Exams 2023
- Tour Operations Course Syllabus
- Top Tour Operations Colleges
- 6.1 Top Tour Operations Government Colleges
- 6.2 Top Tour Operations Private Colleges
- Tour Operations Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- 7.1 Job Profiles and Salary After Tour Operations
- 7.2 Tour Operators Top Recruiters
- FAQs on Tour Operations
Tour Operations Course Highlights
The purpose of a tour operations course is to give students the information and abilities they need to operate in the travel and tourism sector, particularly in the tour operations field. These courses are frequently offered as part of educational programmes in hospitality, travel, and tourism, or tourist management.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | UG, PG and Diploma |
| Course Duration |
2 - 3 years |
| Course Fees |
INR 10200 - INR 8.4 lakh |
| Entrance Exams |
CAT, NCHMCT JEE, CUET, MAT, CMAT, etc. |
| Average Salary | Up to INR 7.4 lakh |
| Job Profiles | Travel Agent/ Consultant, Tourism Manager, Tour Operation Manager, Travel Coordinator |
| Popular Colleges |
Banaras Hindu University, Chandigarh University, IHM Delhi, Amity University, etc. |
All About Tour Operations Course
The purpose of a tour operations course is to give students the information and abilities they need to operate in the travel and tourism sector, particularly in the tour operations field. These courses are frequently offered as part of educational programmes in hospitality, travel and tourism, or tourist management.
These courses frequently incorporate real-world elements including field visits, internships, and case studies to give students firsthand knowledge of the tour operator industry. Graduates of programmes in tour operations can go on to work in the travel and tourism sector as destination managers, tour operators, travel advisors, or in other positions.
Why Study Tour Operations Course?
Participating in a Tour Operations course is a wise decision for anyone looking to break into the fast-paced travel and tourism industry. This programme prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including tour operators and travel advisors, by providing them with industry-relevant skills in itinerary design, logistics, and customer service. With its emphasis on adaptability, practical experience components, and global perspective, the course gives students the tools they need to succeed in a changing industry.
For individuals who are enthusiastic about organising exceptional and ethical travel experiences, the Tour Operations course is a wise investment because it offers networking possibilities, fosters cultural awareness, and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Read Know all about Hotel Management.
Tour Operations Courses Eligibility Criteria
There are many colleges and universities in India that offer undergraduate or postgraduate level degrees, diplomas, certificates, distance learning, and online courses in Tour Operations. Aspirants meet the eligibility criteria to pursue Tour Operations courses offered at the UG level if they have completed their 10+2 from a recognised board with passing marks in any subject.
- At the UG level, candidates can pursue BBA in Travel and Tourism or a BSc. Candidates also have to complete almost one year of internship during the course
- On the other hand, to pursue a PG level Tour Operations course, candidates should clear graduation from a recognised institute/ university with a minimum percentage (usually 45% - 60%). Preference for admission is usually given to candidates who have proficiency in any of the foreign languages.
Tour Operations Courses Entrance Exams 2023
In India, several entrance exams are conducted for admission to Hospitality and Tourism Management at various levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as diploma and certificate courses. These exams are used by different institutions across the country for their respective admission processes.
Popular entrance exams for courses in Tour Operations are mentioned below:
| Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| CAT |
26 Nov '23 |
|
| NCHMCT JEE |
May '24 |
|
| CUET |
May '24 |
|
| MAT |
May '24 |
|
| CMAT |
May ‘24 |
Tour Operations Course Syllabus
The organisation and the particular programme can have an impact on the Tour Operations course syllabus. Nonetheless, the following is a broad summary of subjects that are frequently included in a tour operations syllabus. The curriculum of Tour Operations courses varies from college to college. Know about Culinary Management.
Some of the common topics that are taught in Diploma and Certificate Tour Operations courses are listed below:
| Tour Operations Subjects |
|
|---|---|
| Travel Agency Operation |
Computer Applications |
| Sustainable Tourism | Business French |
| Diploma in Tour Travel and Hotel Operations Subjects |
|
| Travel and Tourism Industry |
Computer Fundamentals |
| Business Communication | Tourism Management |
| Diploma in Tour Guiding and Escorting Skills Subjects |
|
| Service Industry: Concept and Characteristics |
Definition, Authorized and Unauthorized Guides |
| Categories of Tourist Guides | Definition of Tour Escort |
Top Tour Operations Colleges
The choice of the top Hospitality and Travel Management colleges can vary based on individual preferences, programme specialisations, and location preferences. However, a list of some recognised Tour Operations colleges known for their excellence is mentioned in the table.
Top Tour Operations Government Colleges
Candidates can check these government colleges offering Tour Operations in the table below.
| College Name |
Total Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| INR 10200 - INR 30000 |
|
| INR 62500- INR 1.8 lakh |
|
| Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition |
INR 49900 - INR 1.8 lakh |
| INR 2500 -INR 1.8 lakh |
|
| INR 72000- INR 95000 |
|
| INR 1.8 lakh |
|
| INR 30000 - INR 3.2 lakh |
|
| INR 1.8 lakh |
|
| INR 25000- INR 3.3 lakh |
Top Tour Operations Private Colleges
Banaras Hindu University, IHM (Delhi), Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, and IHM (Shimla) are popular private colleges offering Hospitality and Travel industry courses. Candidates can check the private colleges offering Tour Operations in the table below.
| College Name |
Total Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| INR 2.7 lakh -INR 5.8 lakh |
|
| INR 3 lakh- INR 8.4 lakh |
|
| INR 1.1 lakh -INR 4.9 lakh |
|
| INR 2 lakh-INR 8 lakh |
|
| INR 36000 - INR 3.1 lakh |
|
| School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth |
INR 50000 -INR 12 lakh |
| Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology |
INR 4.8 lakh |
| INR 81200 - INR 7.6 lakh |
|
| INR 52000- INR 2.4 lakh |
Tour Operations Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
After completing a Tour Operations course, candidates can either work at a travel firm or set up their own travel agency. A Tour Operator is allocated the task of planning as well as organizing holidays for individuals or groups of people within the country or even abroad. While planning a trip, a tour operator needs to take care of all the bookings (travel as well as accommodation) and also arrange tour guides.
Job Profiles and Salary After Tour Operations
Apart from this candidates can also view other job profiles that one can pursue in the field of Travel and Tourism Management.
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Annual Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Agent/ Consultant | A travel agent or consultant is expected to coordinate and book transport and other travel requirements for clients. Travel Agents provide their services to their clients who can be an individual or even a group. | Up to INR 5.3 lakh |
| Tourism Manager | In this job profile, one is handed over the task to promote tourism in their area or region. Tourism Managers also help create advertising campaigns to promote tourism. | Up to INR 3.15 lakh |
| Tour Operation Manager | In such a job profile one is allocated the task of planning as well as organising holidays with tourist groups from all over the country/ world, providing excellent service, arranging tour guides, etc. | Up to INR 7.4 lakh |
| Travel Coordinator | In this job profile, one is allocated the task of organising the travel arrangements of corporates or large organisations, which can be an office, college or university. | Up to INR 5 lakh |
Tour Operators Top Recruiters
Tour and Travel industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, and many reputable companies and organisations actively recruit professionals in this field. Here are some of the Hospitality and Travel Management top recruiters and types of employers within the industry.
| Tour Operators Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
| The Taj Group of Hotels |
Marriott International, Inc. |
| Hyatt Hotels |
ITC Group of Hotels |
| The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts |
Accor Hotels |
| Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts Group |
Hilton Worldwide |
| Courtyard by Marriott |
Oberoi Group of Hotels |
| Airlines (SpiceJet, Jet Airways, Vistara etc) |
DPauls |
| Cox & Kings |
MakeMyTrip |
FAQs on Tour Operations
Q. Which industries offer employment after Tour Operations course?
A. Graduates with experience in tour operations can work in a variety of travel and tourism-related fields. The following sectors frequently provide job openings for people with a Tour Operations qualification.
- Hotels- People with experience in tour operations are frequently employed by hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments to oversee guest services, plan tours, and respond to questions about travel.
- Travel agencies-Travel packages that include lodging, activities, and transportation are designed and coordinated by tour operators. Graduates may find employment with tour operators and travel agencies as itinerary planners, travel consultants, or tour coordinators.
- Cruise Lines-Cruise lines hire people to oversee shore excursions, schedule events at different ports of call, and arrange travel services for its customers.
- Airlines-Tour Operations specialists may be hired by airlines for positions involving group travel organisation, customer support, and itinerary design.
Q. What is the scope of the Tour Operations course?
A. For those looking to work in the travel and tourism sector, the Tour Operations course provides a wide range of prospects in a dynamic and diverse format. The adaptability, worldwide applicability, and compatibility with the changing demands of the travel and tourist business define the breadth of a Tour Operations course.
Graduates are in a good position to pursue dynamic, rewarding professions in a field that is always growing and changing with the times. This course involves tour management, travel management, etc. It has endless job opportunities in India as a large number of heritage, cultural and other tourists visit the country every year.
Q. What is the admission process for the Tour Operations course?
A. Admission to the Tour Operations courses is provided on the basis of the written entrance exams followed by personal interview rounds. However, some institutes or universities also grant admission to candidates on the basis of merit determined through their score obtained in the qualifying exam (Class 12, graduation, etc).
| UG Entrance Exams | PG Entrance Exams |
|---|---|
| CUCET | |
| MAT | |
| CMAT | |
| JMI Entrance Exam | XAT |
| ATMA | |
| GAT | MAH CET |
| NIMSEE | Karnataka PGCET |
Q. What are the different Travel and Tourism courses?
A. Some of the popular Travel and Tourism courses are:
| Popular Travel and Tourism Courses |
|
|---|---|
| Certificate course in Travel & Tourism |
Cruise Line Operations and Management |
| Airfares & Ticketing |
Computer Reservation System |
| Bachelor of Tourism Administration |
BA (H) Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism |
| BBA (Tourism and Travel Management) |
BCom Tourism and Travel Management |
| Executive MBA in Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Programme |
Master of Tourism Administration |
| MBA Tourism and Travel |
MBA Tourism and Leisure |
| MBA International Business (Tourism) |
MBA Tourism and Cargo Management |
| PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism |
MA in Travel and Tourism |
| Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Tourism |
PhD in Travel and Tourism |
Q. What are the roles and responsibilities of a tour operator?
A. Tour operators play a major role in planning holiday events and providing clients with facilities such as tour services, accommodation, vehicle rentals, etc. They are also helpful in providing detailed information about a tourist place. Designing, planning, and overseeing travel packages and experiences for people or groups, a tour operator is a vital player in the travel and tourism sector. Depending on the scale of the firm and the kind of tours they specialise in (luxury, cultural, adventure, etc.), a tour operator's precise duties and obligations change.
Q. Is Tour Operations a good career choice?
A. If you are looking for a career option that involves business, travel, and customer relations, then it can be the right option for you. People with great interpersonal and communication skills, a love of planning and organising, and a passion for travel may find success in the field of tour operations.
The travel and tourism sector is dynamic and constantly evolving. A career in tour operations can offer an exciting and varied work environment if you appreciate adjusting to new trends, technology, and places. Working with foreign clients and arranging travel experiences across many cultures and nations are frequent tasks of tour operations. This can be a fulfilling career if you're interested in worldviews and appreciate working in a multicultural environment.
Popular Tour Operations Colleges in India
Popular Private Tour Operations Colleges in India
Most Popular Courses
Popular Tour Operations UG Courses in India
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
6 Colleges
- B.Sc.
1 College
- BBA
1 College
- BHMTT
1 College
Popular Tour Operations PG Courses in India
PG Courses
- MBA/PGDM
3 Colleges
- PG Diploma
1 College
- MHMTT
1 College
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Nov 16, 2023
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