As a 3rd-year B.Com student aspiring for a career in tourism, there are several courses and certifications that can help you secure a good salary and grow in the field. Here's a list of recommended options:
1. Diploma and Degree Programs- Postgraduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management
- Duration: 1 year
- This programme equips you with management and operational skills specific to the tourism industry.
2. MBA in Tourism and Hospitality
- Duration: 2 years
- If you want to aim for managerial roles, an MBA in Tourism and Hospitality can provide a competitive edge.
2. Short-Term Certifications: IATA Certification Courses
- Offered by the International Air Transport Association, these certifications focus on ticketing, travel operations, and airline management. Popular courses include:
- IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism
- IATA Managing the Travel Business
3. Certified Travel Counselor (CTC): This certification is ideal for professionals who want to gain advanced knowledge of the travel and tourism industry.
- Tourism & Hospitality Essentials by edX or Coursera
- These online platforms offer industry-relevant courses from universities like Cornell and UQ that can add value to your resume.
3. Language Courses: Learning a foreign language like Spanish, French, Mandarin, or German can open up global opportunities, especially in tourism-related roles.
4. Specializations in Tourism-Adventure Tourism Certification
- Focus on niche tourism markets like adventure or eco-tourism.
- Event and Wedding Planning Certification
- This is particularly lucrative for roles that blend tourism with event management.
5. Digital Marketing for Tourism
- A digital marketing certification (like Google Digital Marketing or HubSpot) can help you explore roles in promoting tourism online, which is a growing trend.
Salary Expectation: After completing these courses, you can aim for roles like:
- Travel Consultant: INR 3-6 LPA
- Tour Manager: INR 4-7 LPA
- Destination Manager: INR 5-8 LPA
- Event Planner (Tourism-specific): INR 5-10 LPA