Tourism and travel education and skill courses from IITTM

“The tourism industry thrives on skilled professionals equipped with a blend of industry-relevant skills and soft skills, essential for success in this dynamic field”, says Mr. C K Sanjeev Reddy, Nodal Officer at Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Nellore.

To learn more about active industry-academia collaboration, incorporating technology, research and development, training programs, skill courses from IITTM, various job roles in the travel and tourism industry and more, we spoke with Mr. C K Sanjeev Reddy, Nodal Officer, IITTM, Nellore.

Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

Q. How does the IITTM cater to the need for highly educated and skilled professionals in the tourism industry?

A. The Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), established in 1983 under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is a premier institution known for its tourism academics and research in South Asia. Approximately 800 students graduate from IITTM each year, ready to meet the industry’s demands. The approach to developing skilled professionals involves a fivefold strategy:

• Comprehensive Curriculum and Pedagogy: The curriculum is advanced and contemporary, aligning with industry requirements. Partnerships with local, national, and global industry players ensure programs are relevant and up-to-date.
• Industry Interaction: The institution hosts rigorous workshops, seminars, and interactions with industry experts on campus. This allows students to engage with professionals, understand current trends, and explore cutting-edge technologies and areas of interest in tourism.
• Technological Integration: Recognizing the importance of digital advancements, technology is integrated into teaching methods. This ensures students are proficient with the latest digital tools and techniques, essential for their future careers.
• Soft Skills Development: Given that tourism is a people-centric industry, there is an emphasis on the development of soft skills. From the first semester, students receive training in communication and business skills to ensure they can effectively engage and interact with people.
• Research and Development: Students are involved in various research projects with the Ministry of Tourism and other governmental bodies. This hands-on experience in conducting surveys, analyzing data, and engaging with respondents provides valuable insights and practical skills.

Through this holistic approach, IITTM ensures that its graduates are well-rounded, industry-ready professionals equipped to thrive in the dynamic field of tourism.

Q. What is the entrance process for IITTM’s undergraduate courses, and how do students gain industry exposure and soft skills training?

A. The Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) offers two main academic programs in collaboration with Jain University: a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Tourism and Travel and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Tourism and Travel Management. The BBA is a three-year, six-semester program, while the MBA is a two-year, four-semester program.

The BBA program equips students with the necessary skills for entry-level jobs in the tourism industry. The curriculum is systematically designed to align with industry needs, incorporating inputs from industry experts to address real-world requirements. The MBA program prepares students for managerial roles, often starting as management trainees.

Industry Exposure and Internships:

• BBA Students: After the fourth semester, students undertake internships lasting 45 to 60 days. These internships often include stipends and provide practical experience in the industry.
• MBA Students: After the second semester, MBA students participate in internships. These internships are coordinated by the placements and training cell at various centers, ensuring students are well-prepared before joining the companies.

Soft Skills and Industry Interaction:

• Soft Skills Development: From the first semester, students receive training in communication and business skills, essential for the people-centric tourism industry.
• On-Campus Seminars and Webinars: Regular interactions with industry experts and participation in seminars and webinars help students stay updated on industry trends and technologies.
• Events and Volunteering: Students are encouraged to volunteer at travel marts, symposiums, and industry events, providing hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Placement and Employment:

• BBA Students: Most BBA graduates pursue further studies, while 20-30% take up jobs immediately after graduation. Leading companies in India conduct campus interviews and offer placements.
• MBA Students: Generally placed by the end of the third or beginning of the fourth semester, MBA students start as on-the-job trainees and are often absorbed based on their performance.

Overall, IITTM ensures students receive comprehensive industry exposure, practical training, and soft skills development, preparing them for successful careers in the tourism industry.

Q. What is the admission process for IITTM’s courses, and when does it typically start?

A. The admission process at IITTM begins in February, with the admission portal open for online applications. Applicants need to apply online and then undergo an entrance examination conducted by IITTM. For the 2024 intake, the entrance exam is scheduled for June 9th. Candidates who have applied through other centralized entrance tests, like MAT or CAT, can also opt for IITTM as a center within their application.

After the entrance exam, candidates may be invited for group discussions and personal interviews at different centers of IITTM across the country. IITTM has five operating centers: Gwalior, Noida, Bhubaneswar, Nellore, and Pune (NIWS). Additionally, there are camp offices in Shimla and Goa.

Following the entrance exam and selection process, a merit list is released, and students can choose their preferred center for admission. The academic year typically commences in the second or third week of July for the 2024 intake.

Q. What are the main job roles graduates typically secure after completing IITTM courses?

A. The landscape of job roles within the travel industry is incredibly diverse ranging from positions in travel agencies and tour operations to various roles in hospitality, aviation, airport management, and logistics. Here’s the list of the job roles within the travel industry:

• Operations: Working in travel agencies, tour operations, or tour operating companies.
• Travel Assistance: Providing assistance to travelers, facilitating their journey.
• Bookings and Reservations: Handling bookings, reservations, and logistics for travel arrangements.
• Marketing and Sales: Engaging in marketing activities, designing itineraries, packages, and sales strategies.
• Hospitality Management: Managing operations in the hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and accommodations.
• Aviation Management: Overseeing operations in the aviation sector, potentially including airport management.
• Logistics: Handling logistics operations related to travel and tourism.

These job roles offer a comprehensive range of opportunities for students graduating from IITTM programs. Over time, graduates can progress within the industry, moving into middle or top-level management positions. It’s worth noting that IITTM students have been making significant contributions to the industry for over 40 years.

At IITTM, we also boast an incubation center, the Information Cell, where we identify entrepreneurial skills among students. They are encouraged to develop their ideas, and we facilitate industry integration to refine and support their concepts. Experts from various fields, including financial support, assist in nurturing these entrepreneurial endeavors. This initiative has led to the emergence of numerous successful entrepreneurs across the country.

Q. Are there short-term courses at IITTM focused on placement, aligned with the National Skills Qualification curriculum for tourism and hospitality?

A. We offer the IITFC, a prestigious digital program recognized nationwide. It’s the Tourist Certification Facilitators course, endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism and exclusively crafted by IITTM. It comprises two levels: basic and advanced. Upon completion, participants receive Ministry of Tourism certification and licensing, enabling them to work as tourist facilitators, catering to travelers and tour operators. Additionally, we’re developing the Online Travel Education Academy within IITTM, slated to launch soon. This platform targets individuals seeking to enhance their skills in the travel industry through certified short-term programs offered directly by IITTM. It’s a comprehensive solution for professionals seeking specialized training aligned with industry demands, all under the reputable banner of IITTM. This platform aims to streamline the process for individuals to access short-term certified programs, ensuring they stay competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving travel sector.

Q. Is there any advice for students aspiring to enter the tourism industry?

A. Yes, many students may not realize the breadth of opportunities available to them, especially after completing their intermediate or 12th class. Often, they are nudged towards conventional career paths like engineering or medicine. However, there’s a growing trend of students from diverse backgrounds, including those with B.Tech degrees, pursuing MBA programs in travel management. These courses, once considered alternative, are now becoming mainstream due to the significant employment opportunities in the travel industry, which contributes around 10-12% of total employment.

Also read: Tourism and Hospitality Industry in India: Opportunities for Skills, Training, Jobs and Entrepreneurship

As travel becomes increasingly essential, these courses are likely to gain even more prominence in the future. My advice to students is to explore beyond conventional courses and consider their passion for travel and human networking. There’s a vast ocean of opportunities in the travel and tourism sector, and by pursuing relevant courses, they can carve out fulfilling careers.