Tour Operations Courses: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Sep 24, 2024 03:46 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Tour Operations are a crucial part of the Hospitality and Travel industry. Tour operations generally involve setting together, arranging, and carrying out individual or group travel plans and under this specialization, students also get to learn about the same. This can involve setting up the means of transportation, lodging, activities, and other services required for a seamless travelling experience.

Tour Operations courses are offered at various levels including UG, PG, Diploma, Certification, MBA, and PGDM. Since these courses are offered at several levels, the eligibility criteria for admissions also vary depending on the levels. However, the minimum requirement every candidate has to fulfil is to pass Class 10 from a recognized board.

Diploma in Tour Operations, Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management, Master of Tourism and Travel Management, and Diploma in Tour Guiding and Escorting Skills are among the best Tour Operations programs. Some popular Tour Operations colleges in India include NSHM Institute, IIHM Delhi, UEI Global, MGU Kerala, and University of Technology Jaipur. The average course fee ranges between INR 6,600 to INR 2.25 Lakh.

After completing the course, the graduates can find employment as Tour Managers, Destination Managers, Travel Consultants, Product Development Managers, Event Coordinators, Tourism Marketing Specialists, etc. The average salary of a Tour Manager is INR 4.5 LPA in India. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more Tour Operations course details. 

Topics relevant to Tour Operations Courses:

Know about Travel and Tourism courses

Table of Contents
  1. Tour Operations Course Details: Highlights
  2. All About Tour Operations Course
    • 2.1 Why Study Tour Operations Course?
  3. Tour Operations Eligibility Criteria
  4. Tour Operations Course Syllabus
    • 4.1 Core Subjects of Tour Operations Courses
  5. Best Tour Operations Colleges in India
  6. Tour Operations Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 6.1 Job Profiles and Salary After Tour Operations
    • 6.2 Tour Operators Top Recruiters
  7. FAQs on Tour Operations Course

Tour Operations Course Details: Highlights

The purpose of a tour operations course is to give students the information and abilities they need to operate in the travel and tourism sector, particularly in the tour operations field. These courses are frequently offered as part of educational programmes in hospitality, travel, tourism, or tourist management. 

Parameters

Course Details

Tour Operations Course Level

UG, PG, Diploma, Certification, MBA, and PGDM

Tour Operations Course Duration

UG: 3 - 4 Years

PG/PGDM/MBA: 1 - 2 Years

Diploma/Certification: 1 Month to 1 Year

Tour Operations Eligibility Criteria

UG: Class 12 from a recognized board.

PG/PGDM/MBA: A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.

Diploma/Certification: Class 10 or 12 scores.

Tour Operations Course Fees

Between INR 6,600 to INR 2.25 Lakh

Tour Operations Top Colleges

NSHM Institute, IIHM Delhi, UEI Global, MGU Kerala, and University of Technology Jaipur

Tour Operations Course Average Salary INR 4.5 LPA
Tour Operations Course Job Profiles Travel Agent/ Consultant, Tourism Manager, Tour Operation Manager, Travel Coordinator
Tour Operations Top Recruiters MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip, Ixigo, Expedia, Thrillophilia, etc.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Quick Links Related to the Tour Operations Course:

Know everything about Travel and Tourism Management

Q:   What are Tour Operations?

A:

Tour operation is the process of creating and selling package holidays that combine various travel components, such as accommodations, transportation, and activities. Tour operators are responsible for delivering the services specified in the package tour which generally includes creating packages, selling them, connecting with suppliers, etc.

Q:   What is tour management?

A:

Hi, Tour management is the career that involves the overall arrangements of a tour or Event based tour. A Tour Manager sees to it that all aspects of a professional entertainment tour run smoothly. The duties overseen by a tour manager may include booking the performances, arranging for transportation and meals for both the artists and the crew, securing lodging, completing accounting tasks and hiring and firing personnel.

The tour manager may also mediate conflicts between personnel members involved in a tour. A bachelor's degree may be required by some employers, while others are looking for applicants with some internship experience. Organization, interpersonal skills, listening skills, problem-solving skills, business skills, creativity, etc,. are some of the skills required for this career. Hope it helps. Please feel free to revert. Click on the thumbs up if you found this useful. Wish You Luck!

All About Tour Operations Course

The purpose of a tour operations course is to give students the information and abilities they need to operate in the travel and tourism sector, particularly in the tour operations field. These courses are frequently offered as part of educational programmes in hospitality, travel and tourism, or tourist management. 

These courses frequently incorporate real-world elements including field visits, internships, and case studies to give students firsthand knowledge of the tour operator industry. Graduates of programmes in tour operations can go on to work in the travel and tourism sector as destination managers, tour operators, travel advisors, or in other positions.

Links useful for Tour Operations:

Know more about Hospitality and Travel

Why Study Tour Operations Course?

Participating in a Tour Operations course is a wise decision for anyone looking to break into the fast-paced travel and tourism industry. This program prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including tour operators and travel advisors, by providing them with industry-relevant skills in Itinerary Planning, logistics, and customer service. With its emphasis on adaptability, practical experience components, and global perspective, the course gives students the tools they need to succeed in a changing industry.

For individuals who are enthusiastic about organising exceptional and ethical travel experiences, the Tour Operations course is a wise investment because it offers networking possibilities, fosters cultural awareness, and places a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Relevant Links Related to Tour Operations Courses:

All about Travel and Tourism Courses

Q:   What is the scope of a Tour Operations course?

A:

For those looking to work in the travel and tourism sector, the Tour Operations course provides a wide range of prospects in a dynamic and diverse format. The adaptability, worldwide applicability, and compatibility with the changing demands of the travel and tourist business define the breadth of a Tour Operations course.

Graduates are in a good position to pursue dynamic, rewarding professions in a field that is always growing and changing with the times. This course involves tour management, travel management, etc. It has endless job opportunities in India as a large number of heritage, cultural and other tourists visit the country every year.

Q:   What is a tour package?

A:

Hi, a package tour or package holiday comprises transport and accommodation advertised and sold together by a vendor known as a tour operator. Other services may be provided such as a rental car, activities or outings during the holiday. Transport can be via charter airline to a foreign country, and may also include travel between areas as part of the holiday. Package holidays are a form of product bundling.

Package holidays are organised by a tour operator and sold to a consumer by a travel agent. Some travel agents are employees of tour operators, others are independent. Packaged tours typically include:

All transfers between airports/harbours/stations and hotelsTwin-share tourist and first-class accommodation with private facilities
CruisesRental cars
Entrance fees to attractionsInsurance
Tickets for entry to events or attractions-

Note: The information is sourced from external sites.

Tour Operations Eligibility Criteria

There are many colleges and universities in India that offer undergraduate or postgraduate level degrees, diplomas, certificates, distance learning, and online courses in Tour Operations. Aspirants meet the eligibility criteria to pursue Tour Operations courses offered at the UG level if they have completed their 10+2 from a recognised board with passing marks in any subject.

Course Level Eligibility Criteria
UG Students who have completed their Class 12 from a recognised board with passing marks are eligible to apply. At the UG level, candidates can pursue a BBA in Travel and Tourism or a BSc. Candidates also have to complete almost one year of internship during the course
PG

To pursue a PG level Tour Operations course, candidates should clear graduation from a recognised institute/ university with a minimum percentage (usually 45% - 60%). Preference for admission is usually given to candidates who have proficiency in any of the foreign languages.

Diploma For most diploma courses in hotel management, candidates should have completed their secondary education (10+2) from a recognised board.
PG Diploma Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management or a related field from a recognised university or institution.

Note: This information is sourced from external sources and may vary.

Links relevant to Tour Operations courses:

What is Travel Journalism: History, Skills required, Salary, Scope and Future

Q:   What is the admission process for Tour Operations course?

A:

Hello, Tour Operations courses admission process can vary by college or university, but the basic steps include:

  • Eligibility: Make sure you meet the educational requirements, which are usually 10+2 or graduation.
  • Application: Fill out the application form either online or offline.
  • Documents: Submit the required documents.
  • Entrance Exam: Appear for the entrance exams if required.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the admission to secure your seat and complete other formalities.

Hope this answer will help you take the right steps in your admission journey.

Q:   What is the eligibility for MBA in Tour Operations?

A:

Hi, An MBA in Tour Operations admission eligibility criteria in India is:

  • Education: A bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 50% for General and OBC categories and 45% for SC/ST categories.
  • Entrance Exams: Many colleges consider scores from national-level entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, or CMAT.
  • Cutoff Scores: Candidates must meet the minimum cutoff scores set by the college
  • Age: There is no age bar for admission.

This should help you in your admission process.

Tour Operations Course Syllabus

The Tour Operations syllabus may differ depending on the course type and level, however, the core subjects and objectives of the programs remain the same. Hence, in the table below, candidates can find the syllabus of the Basic Certificate in Travel Agency and Tour Operations, for reference:

Basic Certificate in Travel Agency and Tour Operations Subjects
Introduction to Tourism Industry Tour Package Formulation
Domestic and International Tour Packages Tour Package Sales 

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Links useful for Tour Operations courses:

Know all about Tour Management

Core Subjects of Tour Operations Courses

Here are some core subjects, generally included in the course curriculum of Tour Operations programs such as Bachelor of Arts in Tour Operations, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Tour Operations, MA in in Tour Operations, MBA in Tour Operations, etc.

  • Tourism Geography: This subject covers the geography, culture, climate, and ethnicity of different parts of the world. This helps to provide a holistic understanding of the tourism industry. 
  • Event Management: This subject involves organizing and managing events, conferences, festivals, and other gatherings for tourists. This includes logistical planning, coordination, and marketing. 
  • Tourism Marketing: This subject covers the various marketing strategies used within the tourism industry. This includes marketing for tour operators, travel agents, restaurants, airlines, car rentals, and accommodation. 
  • Resource Management: This subject focuses on the human resource department, which is key for the tour and activity business. 
  • Ecotourism: This subject analyzes the positive and negative impacts of tourism on local communities. It also develops more sustainable modes of travel. 
  • Financial Management: This subject involves preparing and interpreting financial statements and key performance indicators. This helps to maximize the profitability of operations. 

Q:   Which popular Tourism courses I can go for?

A:

Some of the popular Travel and Tourism courses are:

Popular Travel and Tourism Courses

Certificate course in Travel & Tourism

Cruise Line Operations and Management

Airfares & Ticketing

Computer Reservation System

Bachelor of Tourism Administration

BA (H) Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism

BBA (Tourism and Travel Management)

BCom Tourism and Travel Management

Executive MBA in Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Programme

Master of Tourism Administration

MBA Tourism and Travel

MBA Tourism and Leisure

MBA International Business (Tourism)

MBA Tourism and Cargo Management

PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism

MA in Travel and Tourism

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Tourism

PhD in Travel and Tourism

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Q:   What are the main topics covered in a Tour Operations course syllabus?

A:

Tour operations courses typically cover topics such as: 

  • Fundamentals of Tourism: This includes the history of tourism, business statistics, and Global Distribution Systems (GDS). 
  • International Hospitality: This includes building memorable experiences for guests and ensuring a sustainable flow of customers. 

Tour management courses may also include workshops, case studies, internships, and project work to provide practical experience. 

Best Tour Operations Colleges in India

There are around 11 Tour Operations colleges in India, of which only 2 colleges are government and 9 are private entities. These colleges, along with offering Tour Operations programs on various levels, provide great placement opportunities. Candidates can see the table below to find more details.

Best Tour Operations Colleges

Tuition Fee

NSHM Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management INR 2.25 Lakh
IIHM Delhi INR 1.25 Lakh
UEI Global, Thiruvananthapuram -
MGU Kerala - Mahatma Gandhi University INR 49,045
University of Technology Jaipur INR 1.50 Lakh
South Delhi Polytechnic for Women INR 57,000
Columbus Travel Academy, Mumbai -
TIES Group of Institutes -
Travel Pathshala INR 35,000
Grand Scholar Aviation Institute -

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

1 Course
2.25 L
5 LPA
1 Course
1.25 L
1 Course
49.05 K
6 LPA
1.5 L

Q:   Are there any distance colleges for Tour Operations courses?

A:

Hi, yes, a few colleges are offering Tour Operations courses in distance mode. Here are some top options among them:

Tour Operations Distance CollegesTuition Fee
Kazian School of Management-
Amazon Institute of Hotel Tourism and ManagementINr 6,600

Note: The information is sourced from the official body.

Q:   Which is the best Tour Operations college in Delhi?

A:

Here are some top Tour Operations college options in Delhi:

Tour Operations collegesTuition Fee
IIHM Travel Institute-
South Delhi Polytechnic for WomenINR 57,000
IIHM DelhiINR 1.25 Lakh

Note: The information is taken from the official body.

Popular Private Tour Operations Colleges in India

1 Course
2.25 L
5 LPA
1 Course
1.25 L
1 Course
49.05 K
6 LPA
1.5 L

Tour Operations Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

After completing a Tour Operations course, candidates can either work at a travel firm or set up their travel agency. A Tour Operator is allocated the task of planning as well as organizing holidays for individuals or groups of people within the country or even abroad. While planning a trip, a tour operator needs to take care of all the bookings (travel as well as accommodation) and also arrange tour guides.

Know more about Hotel Management Career

Job Profiles and Salary After Tour Operations

Apart from this candidates can also view other job profiles that one can pursue in the field of Travel and Tourism Management. 

Job Profiles Job Description Average Salary
Travel Agent/ Consultant A travel agent or consultant is expected to coordinate and book transport and other travel requirements for clients. Travel Agents provide their services to their clients who can be individuals or even groups. INR 5.3 LPA
Tourism Manager In this job profile, one is handed over the task of promoting tourism in their area or region. Tourism Managers also help create advertising campaigns to promote tourism.  INR 4.5 LPA
Tour Operation Manager In such a job profile one is allocated the task of planning as well as organising holidays with tourist groups from all over the country/ world, providing excellent service, arranging tour guides, etc. INR 7.4 LPA
Tourism Marketing Specialist  Their role is to create and implement marketing programs to attract customers to a tourism business.  INR 9.9 LPA
Travel Coordinator In this job profile, one is allocated the task of organising the travel arrangements of corporates or large organisations, which can be an office, college or university.  INR 5 LPA

Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Tour Operations topics that students may like:

Career Guidance for Travel Agent

Tour Operators Top Recruiters

Tour and Travel industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, and many reputable companies and organisations actively recruit professionals in this field. Here are some of the Hospitality and Travel Management top recruiters and types of employers within the industry.

Tour Operations Top Recruiters

MakeMyTrip Yatra
Cleartrip EaseMyTrip
Ixigo Expedia
Thrillophilia DNA entertainment networks
Wizcraft  Tafcon Group 

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   Is Tour Operations a good career choice?

A:

Yes, as it involves business, travel, and customer relations, then it can be the right option for you. People with great interpersonal and communication skills, a love of planning and organizing, and a passion for travel may find success in the field of tour operations.
The travel and tourism sector is dynamic and constantly evolving. A career in tour operations can offer an exciting and varied work environment if you appreciate adjusting to new trends, technology, and places. Working with foreign clients and arranging travel experiences across many cultures and nations are frequent tasks of tour operations.

Q:   What are the roles and responsibilities of a Tour Operator?

A:

Tour operators play a major role in planning holiday events and providing clients with facilities such as tour services, accommodation, vehicle rentals, etc. They are also helpful in providing detailed information about a tourist place.
Designing, planning, and overseeing travel packages and experiences for people or groups, a tour operator is a vital player in the travel and tourism sector.

FAQs on Tour Operations Course

Candidates can refer to this section for Tour Operations Course FAQs.

Q:   What is the difference between Tour Operations and Tour Management?

A:

Hi, the main difference the both is that:
Tour operations are putting together travel plans for individuals or groups, including transportation, lodging, activities, and other services. Tour Operators usually create packages, manage customer budgets, and keep up with market trends.
Meanwhile, Tour management is planning and coordinating travel-related activities, such as choosing destinations, booking tours, and arranging accommodations. Tour managers generally plan itineraries, book transportation and accommodations, and direct visa applications.
Hope this will help you in clearing your confusion.

Q:   Are there any categories of Tour Operators?

A:

There are five main categories of Tour Operators that you could fall into inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, domestic tour operators, receptive tour operators, and ground tour operators.

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Tour Operations courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Tour Operations.

Popular Tour Operations UG Courses

Following are the most popular Tour Operations UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Tour Operations PG Courses

Following are the most popular Tour Operations PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Tour Operations. Students interested in pursuing a career on Tour Operations, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

7 Dec ' 24

SAT Test December Date

26 Nov ' 24

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

To Be Notified:

NCHMCT JEE 2025 registration

TENTATIVE

To Be Notified:

NCHMCT JEE 2025 Application Correction Window

TENTATIVE

Jul '24

MAKAUT CET Choice Filling/ Counselling

TENTATIVE

12 Jul ' 24

Declaration of MAKAUT CET Results

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

There are five main categories of Tour Operators that you could fall into inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, domestic tour operators, receptive tour operators, and ground tour operators.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, the main difference the both is that:
Tour operations are putting together travel plans for individuals or groups, including transportation, lodging, activities, and other services. Tour Operators usually create packages, manage customer budgets, and keep up with market trends.
Meanwhile, Tour man

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, An MBA in Tour Operations admission eligibility criteria in India is:

  • Education: A bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 50% for General and OBC categories and 45% for SC/ST categories.
  • Entrance Exams: Many colleges consider sco

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Tour operations courses typically cover topics such as: 

  • Fundamentals of Tourism: This includes the history of tourism, business statistics, and Global Distribution Systems (GDS). 
  • International Hospitality: This includes building memorable experiences for guests and ensuring a sustainable flow of cus

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hello, Tour Operations courses admission process can vary by college or university, but the basic steps include:

  • Eligibility: Make sure you meet the educational requirements, which are usually 10+2 or graduation.
  • Application: Fill out the application form either online or offline.
  • Documents: Submit the

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top Tour Operations college options in Delhi:

Tour Operations collegesTuition Fee
IIHM Travel Institute-
South Delhi Polytechnic for WomenINR 57,000
IIHM DelhiINR 1.25 Lakh

Note: The information is taken from the official body.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, yes, a few colleges are offering Tour Operations courses in distance mode. Here are some top options among them:

Tour Operations Distance CollegesTuition Fee
Kazian School of Management-
Amazon Institute of Hotel Tourism and ManagementINr 6,600

Note: The information is sourced from the official body.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Tour operation is the process of creating and selling package holidays that combine various travel components, such as accommodations, transportation, and activities. Tour operators are responsible for delivering the services specified in the package tour which generally includes creating packages,

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For those looking to work in the travel and tourism sector, the Tour Operations course provides a wide range of prospects in a dynamic and diverse format. The adaptability, worldwide applicability, and compatibility with the changing demands of the travel and tourist business define the breadth of a

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some of the popular Travel and Tourism courses are:

Popular Travel and Tourism Courses

Certificate course in Travel & Tourism

Cruise Line Operations and Management

Airfares & Ticketing

Computer Reservation System

Bachelor of Tourism Administration

BA (H) Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism

BBA (Tourism and Travel Management)

BCom Tourism and Travel Management

Executive MBA in Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Programme

Master of Tourism Administration

MBA Tourism and Travel

MBA Tourism and Leisure

MBA International Business (Tourism)

MBA Tourism and Cargo Management

PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism

MA in Travel and Tourism

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Tourism

PhD in Travel and Tourism

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Tour operators play a major role in planning holiday events and providing clients with facilities such as tour services, accommodation, vehicle rentals, etc. They are also helpful in providing detailed information about a tourist place.
Designing, planning, and overseeing travel packages and experien

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, as it involves business, travel, and customer relations, then it can be the right option for you. People with great interpersonal and communication skills, a love of planning and organizing, and a passion for travel may find success in the field of tour operations.
The travel and tourism sector

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10