As long as there are people on this earth there will be a need for travel. But over the years the nature of travel has changed, not just in terms of mode of transport but also in terms of motivation and destinations. While earlier people travelled only when they needed to and then only to nearby places, now travel has become a leisure and adventure activity and millions of people travel all over the world every year simply to relax and enjoy themselves. With the globalisation of business activities, the number of business travellers has also seen a massive growth.

The travel and tourism industry is now a billion-dollar business and there are countries where tourism is the biggest foreign exchange earner and mainstay of the economy. Tourism employs the largest number of people in the world. Tourism has grown enormously in the last few decades and tourism infrastructure, viz.-accommodation, transport, local sightseeing, guide services, curio shopping etc, has developed especially to cater to this growing activity. The potential for employment in this globally burgeoning industry is huge and expected to grow even more throughout this decade. The multi-faceted nature of this industry opens a world of opportunity for the person with drive, imagination and a love of life.

Travel and tourism has to adapt and change on a constant basis to anticipate the customer’s changing tastes and stay ahead of the competition. New ideas, new skills and new methods are welcomed in every facet of the industry. It is this dynamic nature of the business plus the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the world and meet people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds that makes this a very satisfying and enjoyable kind of work.

In India, tourism at present constitutes 5.9 % of the work force and contributes 6 % of the GDP. It is the second largest foreign exchange earner for the country and has been declared a high priority area by the government. Employment is to be found with government tourist departments, travel agencies and tour operating companies, cruise operators, local tourism related businesses, hotels and restaurants.

Within the travel and tourism sector, the hospitality industry, consisting of hotels and restaurants enjoys a separate industry status and there are special institutes that train aspiring professionals in this specialised field. Many opportunities exist to earn excellent salaries as a professional with the right attitude, work experience and training. Tourism has emerged as an instrument of employment generation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable human development. It also promotes national integration and international understanding (crucial in the interests of the global economy) and gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities.

There is a huge demand for trained and qualified personnel in the various segments of the travel and tourism industry. There are a large number of professional courses available and anybody who has completed a basic education up to 10+2 is eligible to join them. Alternatively one can complete graduation in any discipline (preferably in the arts) and then take up professional training in various levels and types of courses available for this industry:

Course Descriptions :

Ticketing and Reservation : is usually a short-term course provided by vocational training institutes, polytechnics, travel agencies and professional training institutes. Entry level for these courses is Plus Two or its equivalent. Training is given in the correct manner of filling out airline tickets, calculating fares and using air tariffs and other handbooks published and used by the airlines.

Travel Agency Operations :

A broadly based practical course is offered which includes the following topics: Travel Documentation, Charters, Train and Bus Fundamentals, Car Rental, Hotel and Resort Fundamentals, Package Tours and Travel Insurance. Emphasis is placed on making reservations, handling bookings, price calculations and the use of timetables, travel guides, brochures and industry handbooks (TIM, Hotel & Travel Index, etc.) World Destinations - This is an intensive study of topography, population, climate, culture and tourist attractions in countries and areas worldwide, including North, Central and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia and Oceania.

Computer Reservations Training :

Practical training in the use of airline computer reservation systems to fulfill the following functions: Fare Quotes, Airline Schedules, Hotel and Car Rental Bookings, Flight Bookings, Availability Displays and others.

Sales and Marketing :

A course designed to improve marketing and sales techniques with specific reference to the Travel Industry and developing the following aspects: the creation of a regular clientele, term planning objectives, improvement in productivity, promotion, advertising and closing sales. Tourist Guide : The Government of India Tourist Offices and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IlTTM) at New Delhi and Gwalior, at the Kurukshetra University, etc. are some of the places for Tourist Guide Training. These are short-term 13-4 months] for graduates with a background in Art/Archaeology/History.

Tourism and Travel Administration/Management :

is a comprehensive course offered to Graduates today by many universities and institutes. Best placement opportunities come with these higher-end courses meant for graduates. They are usually of 1-2 years' duration. Many of them are approachable only through an entrance test.

Such courses teach: Basic knowledge about the tourism industry including an overview of the recent trends in international tourist movement, transport and accommodation; Basic geography, including world time zones, continents and oceans. Topics also include major domestic and international destinations. Major airports, airline routing and important industry codes impact of weather and climate on tourist destinations; Indian history, art, culture and architecture; Modules on finance, economics and personnel management.

International Travel :

Topics include: passport and visa requirements, additional taxes, airfare types, airfare structures, and basic tours. In-depth discussion of tour operators, packages available, reservation making and payment methods. Reading and interpretation of industry related brochures and discussion of commission issues related to an agency'’ livelihood. Students will be calling tour operators directly and pricing packages Tourism management and tourism planning.

Discussion of background and history of the travel industry leading up to topics regarding career opportunities, responsibilities and general industry qualifications. The cost of training varies from one institute to another and between universities varying between Rs. 25,000 to around Rs.2 lakhs. There are both one-year and two-year travel and tourism management courses offered by different universities. The Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management [Ministry of Tourism] offers 14-month courses (including a two months' practical training) and is conducted as a full-time course. The DTM (Diploma in Tourism Management) course is approved by the All India Council of Technical Education.

Eligibility :

A minimum qualification of 10+2 or Bachelor’s degree in any discipline depending on the level of the course. An entrance exam for admission is usually held which assesses proficiency in English language as well a general knowledge with special emphasis on history, culture, geography, and tourist attraction of India; some reasoning ability testing may also be included. IATA Courses The International Air Transport Association [IATA] is a world organisation of scheduled carriers with its head offices at Geneva for the Europe, Asia and Pacific regions. In coordination with the Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association [UFTAA] the IATA offers the travel-related IATA- Standard International Travel Agents' Training Programme and the IATA-UFTAA Advanced International Travel Consultant Programme. An IATA-UFTAA diploma is widely sought after in the travel industry.

IATA/UFFAA Standard (Entry Level), Advanced and Travel Agents Marketing Courses IATA/FIATA Cargo Agents Introductory, International Air Cargo Rating, Dangerous Goods and Dangerous Goods Refresher Courses.

These courses can be taken up through self-study methods or through the IATA/UFTAA and IATA/ FIATA Authorised Training Centres.

The worldwide Travel and Tourism industry is growing at a phenomenal pace and opportunities for employment are vast and varied. The scope of tourism has grown tremendously in recent years from the two main categories of business and leisure travel to include special areas like adventure tourism, educational tours, heritage sites, wildlife safaris, holiday cruises and others.

A large number of private travel and tour operators have sprung up to provide services to clients opting for special packages. Persons with suitable qualifications and attitude can easily get employment in these travel companies. In India, there are both government and private firms engaged in tourism activity.

Organisations involved in the development of tourism at the government level are: Department of Tourism, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, and Indian Tourism Development Corporation Limited. A plethora of employment opportunities exists in the industry including tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, resorts owners, restaurateurs, transport service providers, adventure and leisure tourism providers, heritage sites and their conservation, manufacture and sale of handicraft items, marketing of souvenirs, all of which require professionalism. Besides the specialised services, there are the support services such as administration in the offices, secretarial and clerical work.

While salaries in the travel agency field are initially low, agents can make high incomes with two or three years of experience. These are the ones with good marketing skills who can bring a high volume of business into the agency. They usually receive a salary and a percentage of the commission. Most travel counsellors enjoy some travel benefits after working with an agency for a period of time. Salaries depend on the organisation, its range of operation and the work profile. Professionally qualified persons can hope for starting emoluments in the range of Rs. 5000-Rs. 9000. Persons working with airline companies, luxury hotels and cruise operators command better salaries and also several in house benefits.

Government jobs would offer job security and promotions according to a time-bound schedule. In the private sector, job security and promotions would be influenced more by enthusiasm, commitment, innovation and a productivity-oriented attitude.

There are plenty of ways in which a person can start up on one’s own in this field. With a few years of experience and a network of established contacts one can start a travel agency, arranging for ticket bookings, hotel accommodation, sightseeing tours and travel counselling for individual or group travellers. This can be done at a local level for domestic tourists and also at an international level for foreign tourists who are on the lookout for the best holiday itineraries.

A thorough knowledge of local conditions and customs and ability to handle all types of customers with varying budgets and interests is a prerequisite. Young persons with pleasant and outgoing personalities can become freelance Sightseeing Tour Guides. Their job requirements usually include conducting local city tours, operating transportation vehicles and provide commentary about local sights.

Another choice for self-employment is to become Establishment Tour Guides. This job involves escorting tourists on sightseeing and educational tours through particular sites and buildings of interest, describing features of interest, answering questions and passing out literature. A Tour Escort is another position that is open to freelance operators. Responsibilities include accompanying individuals or groups on local or international tours, preparing itineraries, arranging for accommodation and transportation, describing points of interest, plan and carry out recreational activities, organise baggage and look after special needs.

They may also be responsible for organising special events and entertainment, paying bills, arranging entrance tickets, handling bookings and accompanying tours.

All these positions call for a pleasing and outgoing personality, ability to communicate effectively with large groups, knowledge of geography and history, good memory and lots of patience, ability to create a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere on tours. Knowledge of an additional foreign language may be a requirement for these positions.

The following is a brief job description of some of the most popular positions in travel/tourism industry which is open to individuals with the right qualification.

Travel and Tours :

Reservation Agent - For Airlines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Car Rental Agencies, Cruise Lines. Making reservations is a very valuable area of the industry. Passenger Agent - Personnel who work at airports to assist passengers with different aspects of their arrangements including check-in. Destination Representative - The person at a foreign destination representing a company whose duties include customer service and extra travel arrangements. Cruise Directors/Staff - Personnel who provide customer service to passengers in the area of entertainment, activities and shore excursions. Product Development - The area of the industry that plans, organises and develops product for sale and marketing. This position offers a challenge to the creative individual.

Travel Counsellor :

Working in a Travel Agency and providing full travel service to the general public. Tour Guides - are trained by the Govt. of India Department of Tourism offices before the onset of the tourist season. Graduates with excellent knowledge of the country’s heritage and history are trained in the finer aspects of guiding tourists through their journey of India so that they can get a complete picture of the country's numerous attractions.

Tour Escorts :

for tourist groups can be people with a background of vocational training in tourism and travel administration with proficiency in a foreign language. Sales Representative - A person who promotes and represents a travel related company to the travel industry and corporate organisations.

Ticket Agent :

The person who calculates airfares and prepares tickets for airlines, cruise lines and wholesale companies.

Hotels and Restaurants :

Front Desk Agent- Make room reservations and receive payment for services such as accommodation, room service and restaurant meals, including: register arriving guests and assign rooms; respond to guest complaints; compile and check daily record sheets, guest accounts, receipts and vouchers, using computerized or manual systems.

Hotel/Restaurant Manager :

Plan, organise, direct and control the operations of the facility, including: develop and implement policies regarding the type of accommodation service to be offered; develop and implement procedures for the operation of the establishment; monitor staff performance; control inventories, etc. Executive Housekeeper Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of staff who clean and maintain facility, including : plan, establish and implement standards and work performance procedures for the housekeeping department; monitor assigned areas to ensure safety standards.

Bar and Beverage Sales and Services- Mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages directly to patrons or prepare beverages for serving staff, including: mix ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks; serve wine, draft or bottled beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Chef- culinary expert, plan, design and prepare menu for customers for buffet or a la Carte services, knowledge and understanding of different cuisines to suit different customers, develop a unique style and taste to impart exclusivity and character to the establishment.

Bartender :

collect payment and record sales; maintain inventory and control of bar stock and requisition and order supplies; clean bar area, arrange displays of bar stock and glassware, prepare fruit for garnishes and/or serve snacks or light food items and wash glassware; may supervise other bartenders. Wine Steward Recommend and serve wine to patrons, including: recommend wines that are complementary to patrons food orders; take patrons’ and serve wine in formal manner to patrons; usually required to distinguish wine characteristics, evaluate wine, list vintage years.

The Travel and Tourism industry operates at so many different levels and across so many countries that it is impossible for a single person or organisation to handle all the different aspects of the business. It is therefore common for companies to specialise in any one or more areas of tourism activity. There is however a lot of interaction and inter dependence within the industry and this is one major business that operates without any international borders. Some important specialisation areas are:

Leisure or Corporate Travel Consultant/Agent :

These include retail travel agencies and wholesale tour companies. Agencies are usually classified by size. Smaller, owner-operated agencies employ three or four people and derive the majority of their business from the leisure market. A medium sized agency employs around eight people and usually has a mix of business and pleasure travellers. A large travel agency may be either a single office with a large staff, or a company with branches throughout the country. Within the company are specialists who serve specific clients such as incentive travel and cruise clients.

Travel Consultants advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets and receive payment, respond to customer inquiries about travel destinations, transportation schedules and travel costs, sell tickets and package tours to customers, plan trip itineraries for individuals or groups, promote packaged tours and other travel services offered by the agency.

Adventure Travel Coordinator :

Travellers are increasingly looking for interesting things to see and do while holidaying. The adventure tourism sector is not only one of the fastest growing segments of tourism, but it is also one of the most diverse and exciting. Adventure tourism encompasses backpacking, mountaineering, heli-hiking and skiing, ballooning, kayaking, cross-country ski touring, snow mobiling, bicycling, river rafting, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and sailing. An Adventure Travel Coordinator is usually an experienced Travel Counsellor who advises clients on travel options and tour packages, makes bookings and reservations, handles enquiries, provides information about seasonal attractions, checks available space and confirms bookings, coordinates with local guides and escorts and provides details of clothing and travelling gear.

Package Tour Operators :

Package tours are said to have begun when Thomas Cook in the mid-19th century operated an excursion train from Leicester to Loughbrough as a means of promoting the cause of temperance. Since then package tours have come a long way. They are in existence simply because of the tour's ability to bring together the key holiday elements, purchasing them in bulk and re-selling them to the customer at an exclusive price. It normally includes transport, accommodation at the destination, and transfers between airport and hotel/apartment.

Tour operating is a highly competitive industry. Its success depends on maintaining low prices whilst giving value for money. Customer Service Agent This includes Airlines, rail, road Transport Company, cruise line, ferry or boat company, airport counter locations, travel/tour related company. Their job is to answer enquiries and handle complaints from the public regarding a transportation company’s services or policies. May record information, receive payment and process necessary forms. Other duties include providing information concerning services, schedules, accommodation, and other tourism related information.

May also be responsible for the special care of passengers, such as arranging for a wheelchair, welcoming VIP’s, arranging transfers for unaccompanied children or handling groups or charters. Tour Organiser/Wholesaler Many tourists buy their experience as a "package" that includes accommodation, transportation, some food and entertainment. These packages are assembled and marketed by tour operators and wholesalers who then distribute their product through retail outlets and agencies.

Wholesale operators :

They deal with retail operators who in turn deal directly with the public and design, operate, advertise and sell tourism products/services/tours. Tours are usually presented in a sales brochure. Larger firms may offer tours and pay a commission to other travel agents. Smaller firms may accept bookings from other travel counsellors at their own discretion. Wholesale Operators design and operate tours exclusively for sale through travel counsellors. Direct bookings are not accepted and direct sales contact with the public is avoided. A "ground operator" provides services at the destination only and usually does not market or package transportation to or from the destination.

Reservation Agent/Ticket Agent Ticket Agent :

Airline companies, bus and railway companies, cruiseline and ferry companies, travel wholesalers and other travel/tour related organisations. They quote fares and rates, make reservations, issue tickets, check baggage and perform other related customer service duties to assist travellers including: answer customer inquiries, assign or reserve seats using a computer aided reservation system and handle cash transactions.

Reservation Agent :

Travel agencies, retail and wholesale travel/tour related organisations. They handle computerised reservation system, deal with telephone enquiries and bookings from travel agents and the public, check available space and confirm bookings. Must be thoroughly familiar with tour programs in order to answer questions about hotels, meals, departure times, flight schedules and other tour components.

Cruise Specialist :

They are to be found in Cruise Lines, retail travel agencies, wholesale tour companies, transportation and tourism firms, hotel chains and department stores. As the title implies, a Cruise Specialist is usually an experienced Travel Counsellor who has additional training and experience in this field. Professionals in this field must have knowledge of maritime laws, international sea routes and regional weather conditions.

Tour Guides :

This is the most visible face of the tourism industry as tour guides operate at the basic level interacting with tourists and providing them detailed information about local sights and tales. They play a key role in generating tourists’ interest in the country and in their understanding of local traditions and customs. Sightseeing Tour Guides conduct local city tours, operate transportation vehicles and provide commentary about local sights while Establishment Tour Guides escort touirists on sightseeing and educational tours through particular sites and buildings of interest, describing features of interest, answering questions and passing out literature.

Hotel Management :

The hospitality sector is vitally important to the tourism industry. It not only provides accommodation for millions of tourists every year it is among the biggest foreign exchange earners in the country and provides employment to a sizeable number of trained professionals. With the growth in business and leisure travel hotels and restaurants have become lucrative ventures and the demand for trained manpower is increasing everyday. Jobs in this sector can occur in a wide variety of settings that range from deluxe hotels located in the downtown of a major metropolis to rustic fishing camps located alongside a remote lake.

While many jobs may share a similar title, the circumstances in which the job is done can vary significantly. There are different grades of hotels ranging from super luxurious through All-suite hotels, Resort hotels, Motels to Bed and Breakfast.

Showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of one’s country and presenting the facilities that are available for travelling and enjoying its myriad wonders is the primary objective of tourism. The popularity of a tourist destination depends as much on the variety and beauty of its sights as on the facilities it offers to tourists in terms of accommodation, transport, travel information, and friendliness of its people and officials.

Professionals in the travel industry therefore have a responsibility to represent their country in the best way possible and make a tourist’s stay in the country as enjoyable as possible. India has a lot to offer to the tourist as the country is blessed with the world's largest variety of natural attractions - mountains summits, snow, sand, beaches, lakes, forests, variety of flora and fauna, hiking and trekking routes, prospects of other adventure sports such as boating, surfing, swimming, skiing, etc. Its National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries exhibit a rich variety of wildlife while ancient Monuments provide glimpses of India's rich heritage.

Because of its importance as a travel destination India has a tremendous demand for people who are qualified and trained to promote the tourism infrastructure in the country. A job in this profession has a lot to offer in terms of variety, chance to work in some of the most exotic locations, meet diverse people and the opportunity to learn about different places in the world. What is more it is also monetarily satisfying. Government jobs would offer job security and promotions according to a time-bound schedule.

In the private sector, job security and promotions would be influenced more by commitment, innovation and a productivity-oriented attitude. But the Travel and Tourism industry is somewhat volatile in nature. Being intimately linked to the physical and economic well being of people, any perception of bodily harm or security risk can act as a deterrent to travel as has happened since September 11. 2001. In such circumstances the industry is helpless and can only wait patiently till people’s confidence return.