Tourism Studies Courses: Admission 2024, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary

Updated on Apr 9, 2025 09:28 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Tourism studies courses are aimed to prepare students for employment in the tourism and hospitality industries, including tourist management, travel agency operations, destination marketing, event organising, and more. These courses also highlight the significance of sustainable and responsible tourist practices, as well as the economic and cultural implications of tourism on various places.

Eligibility for Tourism undergraduate courses includes a cleared 10+2, with a minimum of 45 to 50 percent of aggregate scores. For Tourism postgraduate courses, students should have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant fields like Travel & Tourism, Hotel Management, and Event Management

The digital transformation has reshaped travel planning and booking, creating new online opportunities. The travel and tourism industry is currently growing at an unprecedented rate in India. The industry is one of the significant contributors to India’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is expected to do well in the coming years as well.

The scope of building a successful career in the tourism sector is bright with employment opportunities existing in both public and private sectors. The public sector has opportunities in the Directorates and departments of tourism of the centre and state governments. On the other hand, the private sector has opportunities in travel agencies, airlines, hotels, cargo companies, etc. Interested candidates can also choose to work independently as tourist guides or by starting a travel agency. The graduates of this course can earn an average salary ranging between INR 7 to 10 LPA.

Tourism Studies Course Details: Highlights

Tourism Courses often provide an overview of the hospitality industry, its history, and its various sectors. Students may learn about hotel management, food and beverage management, and event planning in courses related to Tourism. Candidates can look at the table below to learn about the key highlights of the Tourism Studies course.

Particulars

Details

Course Level

UG, PG, Diploma and Certification

Duration

6 Months to 4 Years

Entrance Exams

NCHM JEE, UGAT, CUET, UPSEE, IPU CET

Fees (in INR)

INR 4 lakh to INR 8 lakh

Average Salary

Up to 5.5 lakh

Top Recruiters

Cox & Kings Ltd., Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, MakeMyTrip, Travix Leisure & Travels Pvt. Ltd., SOTC Travel Limited, Yatra, etc.

Job Profile

Tourist Guide, Cabin Crew, Visa Executive/Immigration Consultant, Travel Executive, Travel Agent, Ticket Agent, Tour Manager

Top Colleges

LPU Jalandhar, Bangalore University, DAVV Indore, Kristu Jayanti College Bangalore, etc.

 

Q:   What is Tourism Studies course all about?
A:

Tourism studies courses focuses to prepare candidates for career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industries. The course covers topics such as, destination marketing, tourism management, and sustainable tourism practices, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.  

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Q:   What are the benefits of doing a travel and tourism course?
A:

In India, the travel and tourism sector is expanding at a never-before-seen pace. The industry is predicted to perform strongly in the upcoming years and is one of the major contributors to India's GDP overall.

A course in travel and tourism offers a wide range of opportunities in the hospitality industry. Qualified personnel in this field are in high demand as the global tourism business grows. The study and investigation of the physical, economic, social, and cultural facets of tourism, as well as travel markets and destinations, are included in a tourism studies course. 

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Table of content
  • Tourism Eligibility Criteria
  • Top Tourism Entrance Exams
  • Top Tourism Colleges
  • Popular Private Tourism Studies Colleges in India
  • Tourism Syllabus
  • Tourism Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
  • Tourism FAQs
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Tourism Studies UG Courses
  • Popular Tourism Studies PG Courses
View More

Tourism Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can choose a certificate, diploma, or degree programme in tourism studies at the UG or PG level. Candidates can choose to pursue a tourism studies programme as a full-time or part-time, online or correspondence course. Given below are the tourism studies eligibility criteria for both UG and PG courses: It may be noted that the eligibility criteria mentioned above might vary depending on the college/ university to which a candidate is applying. 

Details

Eligibility

UG Courses

Candidates should clear Class 12th in any stream from a recognized board with the minimum stipulated percentage (usually 50% - 60%) as demanded by a university/ college at the time of admissions.

PG Courses

Candidates should possess a graduation degree in any stream from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% - 60% aggregate marks.

Diploma/Certificate Courses

10+2 or equivalent (may vary).

English Proficiency

Fluency in English is often preferred.

Entrance Exams

National-level exams like CAT, MAT, or CUET PG may be considered depending on the institution.

Some institutions conduct their own entrance exams. National/State-level exams like CUET may be considered.

Other Factors

May include personal interviews or group discussions.

Tourism Studies Courses Related Information:

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

Tourism Admission Process

The process of getting admission to a good Tourism degree starts with the preparation of entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges. Here's the step-by-step guide for aspirants' reference on the admission procedure of the Tourism course.

  • Make sure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria of the colleges.
  • Fill out the application form and pay the fee.
  • Appear for the entrance exams if any.
  • Wait for the results.
  • Sit for the counselling rounds.

Note: This info. is taken from the official website and may differ.

Q:   What is the eligibility for various Travel courses?
A:

Students interested in pursuing Travel courses can pursue it at undergraduate, postgraduate, Diploma and certification levels. 

Course NameEligibility
Bachelor's DegreeCandidates should clear Class 12 in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate percentage  (usually 50% - 60%). 
Master's DegreeCandidates 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.  
DiplomaCandidates should clear Class XII from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% - 60% aggregate marks.
PG DiplomaCandidates should clear graduation from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% - 60% aggregate marks.
CertificationCandidates should clear Class 12 from a recognised board with at least 45% - 50% marks.
Distance Learning/Online Course

Candidates must note that Travel & Tourism distance learning/online courses are offered at all – degree, diploma, and certificate levels. Therefore, eligibility criteria for distance learning programmes remain the same as mentioned above for different courses.

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Top Tourism Entrance Exams

Following are the exams for Tourism courses based on various course levels, university types, and also national/state-level exams. You can choose among CAT and XAT if you want to get into a management degree specialized in Tourism fields, or CUET for any general degree in the same: 

Exam Name

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

CMAT 2025

25 Jan '25

CMAT Exam Date 2025

CAT 2025

Nov '24 (Tentative)

CAT Exam Date 2025

MAT 2025

MAT 2024 PBT- 09 Mar '25

MAT 2024 CBT 2- 23 Mar '25

MAT Exam Date 2025

XAT 2025

05 Jan '24

XAT Exam Date 2025

NCHMCT JEE 2025

27 Apr '25

NCHMCT JEE Exam Date 2025

CUET 2025

08 May ' 25 - 01 Jun ' 25

CUET Exam Date 2025

UGAT 2025

14 Jun '25

UGAT Exam Date 2025

MAH HM CET 2025

28 Mar '25

MAH HM CET Exam Date 2025

Christ University Entrance Test 2025

Christ University Entrance Test Final Result (ET Session 1)- 21 Apr ' 25

Christ University Entrance Test CUET 2025 (non-ET Session 2)- 15 May ' 25 - 18 May ' 25

Christ University Entrance Test Exam Date 2025

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

 

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

Jul '24

MAKAUT CET Choice Filling/ Counselling

TENTATIVE

12 Jul ' 24

Declaration of MAKAUT CET Results

Feb '26

CT SET 2024 Application Form

TENTATIVE
Q:   What are the qualifications required to pursue Tourism courses?
A:

You typically need cleared class 12th examinations from recognised board with minimum 50% aggregate, while few colleges may ask for entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or CUET.

Top Tourism Colleges

In India, there are 78 colleges that offer Tourism Studies, with 46 of them being privately owned institutions, 18 of them public / government owned institutions, and 1 of them a private owned institutions in India that provide the Tourism Studies.

Top Tourism Government Colleges

Among government colleges in India that are offering Tourism field of study, IGNOU is also providing distance education courses in the same field. 

Other popular government colleges are listed in the table below:

College

Tuition Fees

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

INR 2.4 K - 14.1 K

Ravenshaw University

INR 3.42 L

Bangalore University

NA

DAVV - Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya

INR 1.65 L

Annamalai University

NA

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

Top Tourism Private Colleges

Top private universities like LPU and IIHM Pune are in the list below that offer Tourism courses: 

College

Tuition Fees

LPU - Lovely Professional University

INR 3.6 L

Zeal College of Engineering and Research

INR 1.67 L

International Institute of Hotel Management, Pune

INR 5.87 L

Institute of Advanced Management, Kolkata

INR 4.5 L

Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management

INR 4.4 L

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

 

1 Course
1.91 L
4.0
2.4 K - 14.1 K
3.3
0
1 Course
3.42 L
3.5 LPA
1 Course
3.6 L

Tourism Studies Applications open. Apply Now

Q:   What is the value of doing tourism studies from IGNOU?
A:

The value of studying tourism at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is determined by individual goals, circumstances, and career aspirations. IGNOU is one of the world's the largest open universities, offering a wide range of programmes, including tourism studies.

IGNOU's open and distance learning strategy makes education available to a diverse variety of students, including those who may not be able to attend traditional classes. It provides flexibility in terms of study time and location, making it appropriate for working professionals and persons with other obligations. IGNOU frequently provides more affordable education options than many traditional colleges, making it more accessible to a broader clientele.

Q:   Are there any Travel and Tourism colleges in India offer distance courses?
A:

Yes, there are about 50+ distance Travel and Tourism colleges in India. Some of them are mentioned below along with their total tuition fees:

Distance CollegesTotal Tuition Fee
IGNOUINR 2,000 - INR 14,000
Institute of Distance Education, University of MadrasINR 7,000
Tamil Nadu Open UniversityINR 4,000
Himachal Pradesh UniversityINR 21,000
UPRTOUINR 2,000 - INR 12,000

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website/ sanctioning body and may vary.

Popular Private Tourism Studies Colleges in India

1 Course
3.6 L

Tourism Studies Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1.6 L
3.0
1 Course
1.91 L
4.0
2.4 K - 14.1 K
3.3
0
1 Course
3.42 L
3.5 LPA

Tourism Syllabus

Tourism programs typically emphasize practical skills, so fieldwork, internships, and projects are common. Moreover, later semesters often allow for specializations in areas like event management, eco-tourism, or hospitality.

Semester 1

Introduction to Tourism

Tourism Geography

Environmental Studies

Tourism Resources of India

Semester 2

Tourism Products

Transport Management

Business Environment for Tourism

Regional Tourism

Semester 3

Tourism Marketing

Tourism Impacts

Hotel Business

Tourism Economics

Semester 4

Tourism in India

Tourism Organizations & Associations

Tourism Marketing

Computer Applications in Tourism

Semester 5

International Tourism

Sustainable Tourism

Impacts of Tourism (Advanced)

Economics of Tourism

Semester 6

Tourism Administration in India

Salesmanship in Tourism

Tourism Logistics

Entrepreneurship in Tourism

Tourism Syllabus Related Information:

CUET UG Previous Year Question Papers (2024, 2023, 2022); Download Free PYQ PDFs

 

Q:   What are the main Tourism courses?
A:

The main Tourism courses include various courses such as:

  • Bachelor's degrees in Tourism Management
  • Tourism Studies, and specialised areas like Hospitality Management
  • Diploma and Certificate programs in Travel and Tourism

Tourism Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters

Many tourism professionals work as freelancers or start their own businesses, particularly in areas like travel writing, tour guiding, and event planning. But those who are interested in working in different tourism companies at various job roles can think of some options as shown in the table below:

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Salary (LPA)

Tour Manager/Operator

Plans, organizes, and leads tour groups, ensuring smooth travel experiences and handling logistics.

INR 2.5 - 6 LPA

Travel Consultant/Agent

Advises clients on travel destinations, creates itineraries, handles bookings, and provides travel-related information.

INR 4 - 8 LPA

Hotel Manager

Oversees the day-to-day operations of hotels, ensuring guest satisfaction and efficient management of staff and resources.

INR 4 - 10+ LPA 

Event Manager/Coordinator

Plans, organizes, and executes events, including conferences, exhibitions, and social gatherings.

INR 3 - 7 LPA

Tourism Officer/Development Officer

Promotes tourism in a region, develops tourism products, and works with stakeholders to enhance tourism infrastructure.

INR 4 - 6.5 LPA

Airline Ground Staff

Provides customer service at airports, handles check-ins, baggage handling, and assists passengers with inquiries.

INR 3 - 5 LPA

Travel Writer/Blogger

Creates travel-related content, including articles, blog posts, and reviews, to inspire and inform travelers.

INR 5+ LPA

Front Office Executive

Handles guest check-ins and check-outs, provides information, and ensures a positive first impression at hotels and resorts.

INR 1.5 - 3 LPA

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

Tourism Top Recruiters

Depending on your specialization (e.g., adventure tourism, medical tourism), you may find recruiters in niche areas. Take a look at the recruiters from different universities where you can find various Tourism career opportunities:

Top Recruiters

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

MakeMyTrip (and GoIbibo)

Yatra.com

ClearTrip

Hospitality (Hotels & Resorts)

The Taj Group of Hotels

The Oberoi Group

ITC Hotels

Airlines

Air India

IndiGo

Vistara

Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

SOTC Travel Limited

Kuoni Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Q:   What is the scope of Tourism Studies course?
A:

The travel and tourism industry is currently growing at an unprecedented rate in India. The industry is one of the significant contributors to India's total GDP and is expected to do well in the coming years as well. A Tourism Studies course has a broad breadth and provides a variety of chances in the travel and tourism business. As the global tourist industry expands, so does the demand for qualified workers in this field. A course in tourism studies includes the study and research of physical, economic, social and cultural aspects of tourism, tourist markets, and destinations. 

Q:   Which sectors have opportunities for a Tourism Studies graduate?
A:

Given the broad nature of the topic, Tourism Studies graduates have chances in a variety of sectors of the travel and tourist business. Here are some industries where Tourism Studies graduates can find work:

  • Graduates can work as travel agents, tour operators, and travel consultants, assisting clients in planning and booking excursions, vacations, and travel packages.
  • Opportunities exist in the hospitality industry for professions such as hotel management, front desk operations, guest services, and food and beverage management.
  • Graduates with a destination management concentration can focus on the marketing, development, and management of tourist destinations and visitor services.
Q:   What is the highest paying job in Tourism?
A:

The Food and Beverage Director and General Manager of a premier international hotel chain hold the highest earning position in the Tourism industry. The Travel and Tourism sector is a growing one that has produced several employment prospects for both job seekers and business owners.

The Food & Beverage Director is responsible for managing all facets of the organization's food and beverage planning and service, including menu planning, costing, preparing and presenting food and beverages, and adhering to quality and safety requirements.

A hotel's general manager is in charge of planning all aspects of operations, including the front desk, dining, bar, room service, reservations, budgeting, marketing, and employees.

Read more: Travel & Tourist Courses 

Q:   Who are the top recruiters for Travel and Tourism students?
A:

Hi, The Tourism sector is now looking for experts who can give visitors a unique perspective of the nation and its culture in addition to being able to show them an exceptional level of hospitality. All of the significant cultural, historical, and even medical travel is covered by the numerous job prospects after Travel and Tourism courses.

Additionally, the industry offers a variety of professional opportunities in the public and private sectors. Candidates who meet the requirements can anticipate good compensation packages and a variety of job perks, including free travel and other services. Some of the top recruiters that employ Travel and Tourism courses graduates are as follows:

Top Recruiters in Travel & Tourism

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

Kesai Tours

Club Mahindra Holidays

Expedia

TravelGuru

Air Asia

American Express Global Business Travels

Hope this information proves beneficial for you!

Tourism FAQs

Consider reading Tourism studies FAQs below:

Q:   What does a Tourist guide do?
A:

A Tourist Guide is a professional responsible for guiding visitors about different tourist attractions. A guide leads a group of tourists to different places and helps them get familiar with the culture and heritage of a particular area. A tourist guide, sometimes known as a tour guide, is a professional who gives tourists and travellers guided tours and information to improve their understanding and experience of a particular place or attraction. Tourist guides interpret the culture, history, and aspects of the location they are leading, providing insights, context, and amusement to their tour group. 

Q:   What are the areas of employment after Tourism Studies?
A:

With considerable growth in tourist traffic, travel-related jobs are increasing by the day. To begin with the industry, one should have a thorough knowledge of industry plus general management concepts.

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Retailing
  • Transportation
  • Travel agencies
  • Tour companies
  • Leisure, recreation and sport
  • Cultural industries
  • Tourist attractions

Popular Tourism Studies UG Courses

Following are the most popular Tourism Studies UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Tourism Studies PG Courses

Following are the most popular Tourism Studies PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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