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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Run hotels, airlines, travel companies and create great guest experiences.

Job Roles in this field

Typical Career Progression

  1. 1Trainee
  2. 2Supervisor
  3. 3Manager
  4. 4GM
  5. 5Regional Director
  6. 6VP Operations

Entrance Exams

NCHMCT JEEIIHM eCHATAIMA UGAT

Typical Tuition Fees

₹2–15L (India) · ₹40–80L (Abroad)

Indicative ranges across reputed institutions. Scholarships available at most colleges.

Top Colleges in India

  • IHM Pusa
  • WGSHA Manipal
  • IIHM Kolkata
  • IITTM

Top Colleges Abroad

  • Les Roches
  • EHL Lausanne
  • Glion
  • Cornell Hospitality
Deep dive

Jobs in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Salary, career path, pros & cons, the personality it suits — and the personality it doesn't.

Disclaimer: Salaries vary by city, company, skills and economic conditions.

Hotel Manager

Runs hotel operations — front office, F&B, housekeeping, guest experience, P&L.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹25,000 – ₹55,000

Career Progression

  1. 1Trainee
  2. 2Asst Manager
  3. 3Manager
  4. 4GM
  5. 5Regional GM
  6. 6VP Operations

Personal attributes needed

  • Service mindset
  • Calm under pressure
  • Polished communicator

Pros

  • Global mobility (chains)
  • Premium guest exposure
  • Free meals/stay

Cons

  • Long shifts
  • Weekend/festival work
  • Slow early growth

This job is NOT for…

  • People uncomfortable serving others
  • Those needing 9–5 hours

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Cross-train across departments
  • Move across geographies

Popular recruiters / employers

  • Taj Hotels (IHCL)
  • Oberoi Group
  • ITC Hotels
  • Marriott
  • Hyatt
  • Hilton
  • Accor
  • Lemon Tree
  • Leela Palaces
  • Radisson

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

Chef

Runs kitchens — designs menus, manages teams, creates signature dishes.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹20,000 – ₹50,000

Career Progression

  1. 1Commis
  2. 2Demi Chef
  3. 3Chef de Partie
  4. 4Sous Chef
  5. 5Executive Chef
  6. 6Restaurateur

Personal attributes needed

  • Palate
  • Stamina
  • Creativity
  • Discipline

Pros

  • Creative craft
  • Global travel via chains
  • Restaurant ownership possible

Cons

  • Hot kitchens, long hours
  • Physical strain
  • Low entry pay

This job is NOT for…

  • People uncomfortable with heat/long hours
  • Those who avoid hierarchy

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Stage at top kitchens
  • Follow Michelin guides

Popular recruiters / employers

  • Taj Hotels
  • Oberoi Group
  • ITC
  • Marriott
  • Hyatt
  • Olive Group
  • Massive Restaurants
  • Speciality Restaurants
  • Cruise lines
  • Independent restaurants

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

Travel Planner / Tour Operator

Designs trips, books logistics, leads tours — for individuals, corporates or large groups.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹20,000 – ₹45,000

Career Progression

  1. 1Travel Consultant
  2. 2Sr Consultant
  3. 3Branch Manager
  4. 4Director
  5. 5Travel Entrepreneur

Personal attributes needed

  • Geography fan
  • Detail-loving
  • Calm with logistics

Pros

  • Travel often
  • Build own agency
  • Diverse clients

Cons

  • Seasonal income
  • Last-minute cancellations
  • Margin pressure

This job is NOT for…

  • People who dislike planning
  • Those uncomfortable on phones/email

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Travel a new region annually
  • Get IATA certifications

Popular recruiters / employers

  • MakeMyTrip
  • Yatra
  • Thomas Cook India
  • Cox & Kings
  • SOTC
  • Veena World
  • Kesari Tours
  • Club Mahindra
  • TUI India
  • Airbnb Experiences

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

Cabin Crew / Aviation Hospitality

Ensures safety and service for airline passengers; entry route into aviation.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹35,000 – ₹80,000 + allowances

Career Progression

  1. 1Cabin Crew
  2. 2Sr Crew
  3. 3Pursar
  4. 4Cabin Supervisor
  5. 5Inflight Manager

Personal attributes needed

  • Composed
  • Multilingual
  • Service-oriented

Pros

  • Travel the world
  • Strong starting pay
  • Glamorous lifestyle

Cons

  • Jet lag/fatigue
  • Strict grooming standards
  • Time away from family

This job is NOT for…

  • People uncomfortable in close quarters
  • Those who avoid uniforms/protocols

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Aim for international routes
  • Move to inflight management

Popular recruiters / employers

  • Indigo
  • Air India
  • Vistara (now Air India)
  • Akasa Air
  • SpiceJet
  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Etihad
  • Lufthansa

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

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