Hotel / Hospitality Management

Both the departments or streams are different and one should only go to either of them with the personal interests and liking. But if you go for a hotel management college like any IHM, you will be able to work in either of the two departments as IHM allows to you study both the streams, travel and tourism and also food production. So, once you study both the things, you will have a clear idea of what to do and what not to as you will definitely grow interest in either of these two. Culinary arts is all about preparing and innovating dishes and serving to the guests or the customers who will come to dine in at the restaurant. Wherein, travel and tourism is a different sector altogether. Culinary arts is more practical and practical knowledge. Majorly, it depends upon the interest of the individual.

Both the departments or streams are different and one should only go to either of them with the personal interests and liking. But if you go for a hotel management college like any IHM, you will be able to work in either of the two departments as IHM allows to you study both the streams, travel and tourism and also food production. So, once you study both the things, you will have a clear idea of what to do and what not to as you will definitely grow interest in either of these two. Culinary arts is all about preparing and innovating dishes and serving to the guests or the customers who will come to dine in at the restaurant. Wherein, travel and tourism is a different sector altogether. Culinary arts is more practical and practical knowledge. Majorly, it depends upon the interest of the individual.

India is witnessing a travel boom. The number of tourist arrivals is increasing at a rapid clip. At the same time, Indians going abroad as well as travelling within India have also shown a remarkable uptick. This surely translates into a big boom in employment opportunities in this sector. Incidentally, in this sector opportunities are in wide variety of areas. Drivers, Taxis, Guides, Sellers of trinkets, hotels and restaurants to name a few. All these tourists need to be handled in the best possible way to create a market for revisit or publicity by these people to others in their own country. It is said that one tourist's arrival creates jobs for five in the country. This indeed is true. In addition to this, domestic travel too has witnessed quick growth. This clientele has a disposal income and does not mind spending money thus generating employment. Thus to conclude, it can be said that career prospects for travel and tourism professionals are quite great.

A number of universities, community colleges, and vocational schools feature degree programs specific to the growing field of travel and tourism. Degree programs in this field cover topics that include hotel management, hospitality services, and travel booking as well as business and finance concepts. List of courses:
Principles of Travel and Tourism
This course gives students the basics in navigating the travel and tourism industry. Students in these classes learn about the issues related to business and resource management, tourism's effect on the world economy and the political impact of tourism. Some introductory travel and tourism classes detail the many positions available for travel and tourism students; these include hotel manager, airline manager, event planner, travel agent and others. This class is mandatory and is usually taken during freshman year. Hospitality Management
This class provides students with a background in how to properly manage all aspects of travel, lodging, food services and event planning. Incorporating information technology into the hospitality industry is also discussed. This class also discusses the importance of leadership in the workplace and focuses on strategic decisions about business operations. This class is required and is taken during the freshman or sophomore year. International Tourism
International tourism courses teach students about how global issues can impact the industry. Topics covered include politics, economics, sociology, environmental concerns and international tourism management. This class is usually required but can be taken anytime during a college career. Financial Issues in Tourism
This course focuses on the business and financial decisions those employed in the tourism industry must make. Finance related tourism courses are usually geared towards those interested in a career in tourism management and are similar to what one would see in a traditional business programme. Topics of interest include business financing, construction, sales management and currency exchange. This class is usually required and taken in the junior or senior year. Tourism Planning
Students in this class design travel and tourism plans for potential customers, developing their skills in geography, finance and marketing along the way. Sales techniques are also covered in this course. This class is usually offered for junior- and senior-year students.

Below are few pointers for as Pros and Cons that I have been able to list.
Pros:
1. Meeting new people
2. Learning new career skills
3. Great and attractive pay package
4. A range of entry level jobs available which gives flexibility to choose a desired department
5. Helps in developing the overall personality
6. Can be a specialist over a period of time in the desired department
Cons:
1. Industry being dependent on economic conditions, therefore, with a downfall in the economy, the industry always goes low
2. No time limitations one has to work on weekends as well as national holidays
3. Starting pays can be low
4. Long and odd hours
5. Being active all the time
6. 24*7 approach being present at all the times (whenever the demand for your presence is required).