What is the job all about?
This role involves coordinating various travel arrangements, including tickets, visas, guides, hotels, and transport for a diverse range of travelers—tourists, pilgrims, and business visitors. The coordination could be for international destinations or for travel within India and Goa.
Travel agencies like SOTC, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook, Veena World and Raj specialize in organizing guided tours both domestically and internationally. They tailor their services to the specific needs of groups, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including visa assistance, ticketing, hotel bookings, and guide arrangements. In Goa, travel agents cater to both international and domestic tourists, providing services such as sightseeing tours, hotel reservations, and other travel-related needs.
Can I go for it?
There is significant potential for careers in this field. As a tourist guide in Goa, especially if you speak languages like Portuguese, Russian, German, Hebrew, or French, you can offer valuable insights into Goa’s history, cultural diversity, and pilgrimage sites.
If you have skills in event management, you can collaborate with hotels to create comprehensive multi-day packages that include cultural and entertainment experiences. Additionally, there are opportunities to organize travel for Goans to pilgrimage and holiday destinations, both within India and abroad. For instance, many Goans travel to the Holy Land.
Is there a future in this Job?
In 2023, Goa recorded 403,000 foreign tourist arrivals, with Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism reaching approximately USD 50 million. Given these impressive numbers, there are ample opportunities to enhance tourist experiences with creative approaches. You can also develop programs for local residents who wish to explore more of India or travel to other destinations around the world.
How to qualify?
In Goa:
You can pursue a career in Travel & Tourism after completing your 10+2 education or by enrolling in a graduation program. Institutions such as Don Bosco College, St. Xavier’s College, and Rosary College offer a BBA program in Travel & Tourism. For advanced studies, you can pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management through IGNOU, with classes available at Dempo College in Panaji.
Outside Goa:
• Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management (IITTM), Gwalior: Offers a Master’s in Tourism Management – www.iittm.org
• Garware Institute of Career Education & Development, Vidyanagari, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai
• Sophia-Shree Basant Kumar Somani Memorial Polytechnic, Mumbai – www.sophiapolytechnic.com
• School of Management, Centre for Tourism Studies, Pondicherry University – www.pondiuni.edu.in
• Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management, New Delhi – www.itdc.co.in
• IATA-IFTAA: Diploma programs available through Geneva
• Oberoi Center for Learning & Development, Delhi: Offers the Mercury Travel Management Program for Graduates
Employment Avenues:
• Airlines (Holiday Divisions)
• Hotels
• Travel Agencies
• Government Tourism Departments
• Private Consultancy
• Event Management Companies
Monies:
Starting out can be challenging, but with relevant experience and confidence, your earnings could range from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month. If you run your own business, your income potential could be even higher.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024