MBA in Travel and Tourism: Course, Admission, and Career Opportunities

Vaishali Pandey
November 26, 2024

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Are you considering a career in the travel and tourism industry? Pursuing an MBA in this field can be a strategic step toward roles that blend adventure with impactful leadership. This isn’t just about a love for travel—it’s about mastering the skills needed to drive growth, innovation, and customer experience in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors. 

From understanding key management principles to exploring the latest trends in hospitality and tourism, this guide covers everything you need to know about top programmes, career opportunities, and what an MBA in Travel and Tourism can bring to your professional journey.

MBA in Travel and Tourism Course Highlights

This MBA Tourism and Travel Management program offers a balance of traditional MBA subjects and tourism-focused courses, preparing graduates for various roles in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Parameter

Details

Course Duration

2 years

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate marks

Admission Process

Entrance Exams, followed by GD and PI rounds

Average Course Fees

INR 4 Lakh – 11 Lakh

Top Recruiters

MakeMyTrip, IRCTC, Thomas Cook, Ministry of Tourism, etc.

Average Annual Salary

INR 6 LPA - 12 LPA

Job Positions

Travel Agent, Tour Guide, Destination Manager, Visa Executive

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Why Pursue an MBA in Travel and Tourism?

1. Growing Career Opportunities

The tourism sector’s growth offers expansive career paths with high job security and attractive compensation packages. MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management salary are competitive, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals capable of managing complex travel operations and enhancing customer experiences.

2. High Earning Potential

With the industry's continuous growth, there's a high demand for qualified professionals, which translates into competitive salary packages, especially for managerial roles.

3. Diverse Job Profiles

Graduates with an MBA in Travel and Tourism can explore various roles, from managing tour operations and travel agencies to working in policy-making and consulting.

4. Government Support

Various government initiatives are promoting tourism and increasing the availability of MBA Travel and Tourism jobs across the country, making it an excellent field for stable career growth.

MBA in Travel and Tourism Eligibility

The following outlines the detailed eligibility criteria for admission into an MBA in Travel and Tourism programme, also referred to as MBA Tourism Management. Meeting these requirements is essential for applicants aiming to secure a place in reputed institutions offering specialised training in tourism management.

Criteria

Details

Educational Qualification

A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university.

Reserved Category Relaxation

Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) are eligible with a minimum of 45% aggregate.

Entrance Exam Requirement

Candidates must qualify in national-level management entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, or GMAT. Many universities also accept institution-specific exams such as CUCET (Chandigarh University) or LPUNEST (Lovely Professional University).

Work Experience (Optional)

While work experience is not mandatory, some institutions prefer applicants with prior experience in travel, tourism, or hospitality, enhancing prospects in MBA Tourism Management roles.

Final Year Eligibility

Final-year undergraduate students may apply, provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria and furnish their degree before the commencement of the MBA programme.

English Proficiency (if applicable)

Some institutions may require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, especially for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds or those aiming to study abroad.

Age Requirement

Most programmes do not have an age restriction, although some executive programmes may require candidates to be above a certain age, typically 21 years.

Need more clarification about your career options after an MBA? Check out our guide to post-MBA career paths.

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MBA in Travel and Tourism Admission Steps

Admissions for an MBA in Travel and Tourism generally follow these key steps. Make sure to check the specific admission requirements and deadlines for each institution you’re applying to.

1. Register and Apply

Start by visiting the official websites of the institutions you're interested in to register for their entrance exams or MBA programmes.

2. Entrance Exam Preparation

Prepare for national and state-level entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or institution-specific tests like LPUNEST.

3. Group Discussion and Personal Interview

After qualifying exams, shortlisted candidates undergo GD and PI rounds, where communication and analytical skills are assessed.

4. Written Ability Test (WAT)

Some institutions also conduct WAT, requiring candidates to write essays to assess their thought process and articulation skills.

5. Final Selection

Admission is finalised based on overall performance in exams, GD, PI, and WAT (if applicable).

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MBA in Travel and Tourism Entrance Exams Overview

To gain admission to top MBA programmes in Travel and Tourism, candidates must qualify in one of the following entrance exams. This table outlines each exam, its full form, and the exam dates to help you plan your application process.

Exam Name

Full Form

Exam Date

CAT

Common Admission Test

November 2024

MAT

Management Aptitude Test

Multiple sessions annually

GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Test

On-demand throughout the year

SNAP

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test

December 2024

XAT

Xavier Aptitude Test

January 2025

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MBA in Travel and Tourism Comprehensive Syllabus Overview

This table presents a semester-wise breakdown of the syllabus for MBA in Travel and Tourism, covering the core subjects that students will study. The syllabus combines traditional MBA subjects with tourism-focused courses to prepare you for specialised roles in the travel industry.

Semester I

Semester II

Management Concepts

Information Technology for Tourism

Organisational Behaviour

Tourism Concepts & Impact

Tourism Economics

Tourism Products of India

Tourism Marketing

Travel Agency Management

Geography and International Tourism

Soft Skills Laboratory

Semester III

Semester IV

Contemporary Issues in Tourism

Business Communication

Accounting & Finance for Managers

Human Resource Management

Business Research Methods

Tourism Policy, Planning & Development

Hospitality Management

Relationship Marketing

Wondering how to prepare for MBA entrance exams? Here’s what you need to know-  MBA Entrance Exams Preparation Guide

Top MBA in Travel and Tourism Colleges in India

Choosing the right college is crucial for a successful career. This table lists some of the top MBA in Travel and Tourism colleges in India, along with their location and approximate fees. Each institution offers unique strengths in terms of curriculum, faculty, and industry connections.

College Name

Location

Fees (Approx.)

Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism

Noida

INR 1.88 Lakhs

Goa Institute of Management

Goa

INR 8.80 Lakhs

Chandigarh University

Punjab

INR 1.86 Lakhs

Lovely Professional University

Punjab

INR 3.04 Lakhs

Parul University

Vadodara

INR 95,000

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Career Opportunities after MBA in Travel and Tourism

After completing an MBA in Travel and Tourism, graduates can expect a range of career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. The MBA in Travel and Tourism salary in India varies significantly depending on the job role, location, and level of experience. Below is a table outlining popular job roles along with their average annual salary range in India:

Job Role

Job Description

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Travel Agent

Assists clients in planning and booking travel arrangements, providing destination insights and advice.

3.5 LPA - 5.5 LPA

Tour Guide

Leads tourists on tours, sharing local knowledge, culture, and historical insights.

3 LPA - 6 LPA

Destination Manager

Manages and promotes tourist destinations, collaborating with local agencies to improve visitor experiences.

4.5 LPA - 7 LPA

Operations Executive

Oversees daily operations in travel companies, ensuring smooth execution of tours and services.

4 LPA - 6.5 LPA

Hotel Tour Manager

Coordinates tours, accommodations, and travel plans for hotel guests, ensuring quality experiences.

5 LPA - 10 LPA

Visa Executive

Assists clients with visa-related documentation, helping them navigate the application process.

3 LPA - 5 LPA

Travel Counselor

Provides guidance to clients, helping them make informed travel decisions and bookings.

3.5 LPA - 6 LPA

Sales and Marketing Officer

Develops marketing campaigns for tourism products, working to attract customers to services.

4 LPA - 8 LPA

Tour Operations Manager

Oversees tour planning and logistics, coordinating between suppliers, guides, and clients.

5 LPA - 9 LPA

Destination Marketing Specialist

Focuses on promoting specific destinations, and working with tourism boards and agencies.

6 LPA - 12 LPA

An MBA in Travel and Tourism could be your path to an exciting and fulfilling career, combining business expertise with the dynamic world of travel. This programme offers the tools you need to make an impact in a rapidly growing field—whether you’re drawn to managing destinations, guiding travel experiences, or creating tourism strategies. With strong industry demand and a wide range of career options, it’s the ideal choice for those ready to turn their passion for travel into a profession. Take the next step and see where this journey can lead.

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FAQs on MBA in Travel and Tourism

What are the main subjects covered in an MBA in travel and tourism?

The curriculum includes tourism economics, tourism policy, hospitality management, and marketing.

What is the average salary for an MBA in travel and tourism graduate?

On average, graduates can expect an annual salary ranging from INR 6 LPA to 12 LPA, depending on their role and experience.

Is the MBA in travel and tourism in high demand?

Yes, the growth of the travel and tourism industry in India creates a high demand for qualified professionals.

Do government jobs exist for MBA in travel and tourism graduates?

Yes, various state tourism boards and government tourism departments hire graduates from this field.

What are the top recruiters in this field?

MakeMyTrip, IRCTC, Thomas Cook, and several government tourism departments are prominent recruiters.

What are the career growth opportunities in travel and tourism?

The industry offers diverse career paths, with ample opportunities for growth into senior management and consulting roles.

What skills are required to succeed in an MBA in travel and tourism?

Candidates benefit from strong communication, problem-solving, organisational, and customer service skills, as well as a passion for travel and cultural awareness.

Can I pursue an MBA in travel and tourism through distance learning?

Yes, some universities offer distance learning or online MBA programmes in Travel and Tourism, although full-time programmes are often preferred for their hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Are there any internships included in this MBA programme?

Many MBA programmes in Travel and Tourism include internships or industry projects, providing students with practical exposure to the tourism and hospitality sectors.

What are the benefits of studying an MBA in travel and tourism abroad?

Studying abroad offers exposure to international tourism markets, different cultural perspectives, and global networking opportunities, which can be advantageous in this field.

How does an MBA in travel and tourism differ from a general MBA?

While a general MBA covers broad business management topics, an MBA in Travel and Tourism specialises in areas like tourism marketing, policy, and hospitality management, focusing on the unique needs of the industry.

What are the top entrance exams required for admission?

CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, and SNAP are commonly accepted entrance exams for MBA programmes in Travel and Tourism, depending on the institution.

What kind of roles are available in government tourism departments?

Government roles include positions in tourism development, cultural heritage management, tourism policy planning, and regional tourism promotion.

Can I transition into the travel and tourism industry with a general MBA?

Yes, many professionals with a general MBA enter the travel and tourism sector, although a specialised MBA in Travel and Tourism provides a stronger foundation for specific roles within the industry.

What is the scope for entrepreneurship in the travel and tourism sector?

There is substantial scope for entrepreneurship, with opportunities to start travel agencies, tour companies, destination management firms, and other tourism-related businesses.

Is work experience necessary before pursuing an MBA in travel and tourism?

While work experience is not mandatory for admission, it is often beneficial, especially for roles in management, as it can enhance your understanding of the industry.

What are the major challenges in a travel and tourism career?

Challenges include adapting to seasonal fluctuations, managing customer expectations, handling logistics, and staying updated on industry trends.

How does this MBA programme prepare graduates for the digital transformation in tourism?

MBA programmes in Travel and Tourism increasingly include courses on digital marketing, data analytics, and e-commerce, equipping graduates with skills to navigate the digital evolution in the tourism sector.

What is the scope of an MBA in travel and tourism?

The MBA in Travel and Tourism scope is broad, offering roles in travel management, tourism marketing, and destination planning. Graduates can work in both public and private sectors or start their own travel businesses, with increasing demand for skilled professionals globally.

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