Educational There are graduate level,
Postgraduate level, diploma and certification courses available to pursue in
the industry. The post-graduate degree awarded is Master of Tourism Administration
(MTA), which is a two year full time programme approved by the Ministry of Tourism,
Govt. of India. The Indian Institution of Tourism and Travel Management and
some universities offer MTA degree in Tourism. A Post graduate degree can be
helpful in getting into managerial and administrative positions in the industry.
International Air transport Association (IATA), a World Organisation which provides
recognised standard in training to travel, tourism and cargo industry, offers
certification courses. Several large travel agencies also offer short-term training
programmes, and tend to absorb most of the candidates.
The eligibility for admission to Travel and Tourism courses at the undergraduate
level is, higher secondary examination pass. At post-graduate level,
eligibility is graduation in any field along with a pass in the entrance test
followed by group dicussions and interview conducted by the institute. Proficiency
in at least one foreign language is preferred. A diploma in public relations
or advertising is helpful from the career point of view. It is also possible
to gain these qualifications through correspondence courses. Eligibility for
certification courses is 10+2.
Officers in the Directorate
and Departments of Tourism are recruited from among the candidates who have done
civil service, drawn from the Civil/administrative services of the State and Central
governments. A degree in travel and tourism is required for operational jobs
in government organisations. Information assistants at the office of the Tourism
departments are selected through competitive examinations held by the Staff Selection
Commission. The eligibility is graduation with knowledge of Indian history, art
and architecture, besides proficiency in English. These vacancies are advertised
through he employment news.
Duration : The duration of training varies between one and two years, depending
on the course. For certification courses the duration maybe below one year.
Personal
Attributes :
Good
communication and presentation skills is essential in the industry where service
to the customer is of utmost importance. An outgoing, friendly personality; ability
to handle people, verbal fluency, aptitude for languages will be advantageous
to be successful in the field. One should also have an up-to-date knowledge of
available facilities and services in the field. In the administrative or managerial
level, organising ability, an ability to make decisions, solve problems, work
effectively within a team will be essential.