Travel Planner Career

Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Travel Planner

To become a successful travel planner in India, a combination of formal education, specialized training, and practical experience is typically required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Educational Background:
- A high school diploma (10+2) is the basic requirement. Any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) is acceptable.
- A bachelor's degree in tourism management, hospitality management, or a related field is highly recommended. Some popular degree courses include:
  - BA in Tourism Management
  - BBA in Tourism and Hospitality
  - Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
Skills and Certifications:
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with clients and travel partners.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage itineraries, bookings, and travel documents efficiently.
- Customer Service: A customer-centric approach to understand and fulfill client needs.
- Geographical Knowledge: A good understanding of different destinations, cultures, and travel routes.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in using travel booking software, MS Office, and other relevant applications.
- Certification Courses: Consider certifications in travel planning or destination specialties to enhance your expertise.
Further Education:
- A master's degree in tourism or business administration can provide advanced knowledge and skills for career advancement.
- MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Experience:
- Internships with travel agencies or tourism companies can provide valuable practical experience.
- Entry-level positions in customer service or sales within the travel industry can help build a strong foundation.

Study Path

Top Colleges

Top Colleges in India for Aspiring Travel Planners

To pursue a successful career as a travel planner, choosing the right educational institution is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges in India offering relevant courses:

Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM):
- Locations: Various campuses across India.
- Courses Offered: BBA in Tourism and Travel Management, MBA in Tourism and Travel Management.
- Why Choose IITTM: Specialized programs focusing on tourism and travel, industry-oriented curriculum, and strong industry connections.
Amity Institute of Travel & Tourism:
- Locations: Noida, Delhi NCR.
- Courses Offered: BBA in Tourism Management, MBA in Tourism Management.
- Why Choose Amity: Modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and emphasis on practical training and industry exposure.
Christ University:
- Location: Bangalore.
- Courses Offered: BA in Tourism, BBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
- Why Choose Christ University: Reputed faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and focus on holistic development.
Lovely Professional University (LPU):
- Location: Punjab.
- Courses Offered: BBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management, MBA in Tourism and Hospitality.
- Why Choose LPU: Industry-aligned curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong placement record.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
- Location: Varanasi.
- Courses Offered: Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management (BTTM), Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM).
- Why Choose BHU: Well-established university, experienced faculty, and affordable fees.

Fees

The cost of courses to become a travel planner in India varies widely depending on the type of institution, course level, and location. Here’s a general overview of the fee structures:

Diploma Courses:
- Government Institutes: INR 10,000 - INR 30,000 per year.
- Private Institutes: INR 20,000 - INR 50,000 per year.
Bachelor's Degree Courses (e.g., BA in Tourism Management, BBA in Tourism and Hospitality):
- Government Colleges: INR 15,000 - INR 40,000 per year.
- Private Colleges: INR 50,000 - INR 2,00,000 per year.
Master's Degree Courses (e.g., MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management):
- Government Universities: INR 20,000 - INR 60,000 per year.
- Private Universities: INR 1,00,000 - INR 5,00,000 per year.
Certification Courses (e.g., IATA Courses):
- IATA Courses: INR 20,000 - INR 80,000 per course, depending on the level and duration.

Additional Costs:

Accommodation and Living Expenses: These can range from INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 per month, depending on the location and type of accommodation.
Study Materials and Books: Approximately INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 per year.
Exam Fees: Varies depending on the exam and institution.

To excel as a travel planner, focusing on specific exams isn't typically the direct route, as this career emphasizes skills and knowledge gained through relevant courses and practical experience. However, certain exams and entrance tests can help you get into the right educational programs:

Entrance Exams for Bachelor's Degrees:
- National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE):
  - This exam is for admission to hotel management and hospitality programs, which can be a stepping stone to travel planning.
  - It tests aptitude, reasoning, English language skills, and general knowledge.
- Common University Entrance Test (CUET):
  - Many universities now use CUET for admission to various undergraduate programs, including tourism and hospitality.
  - Check the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in.
Entrance Exams for Master's Degrees:
- Common Management Admission Test (CMAT):
  - A national-level entrance exam for MBA programs, including those specializing in tourism and hospitality.
  - Tests quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):
  - A globally recognized exam for MBA programs.
  - Useful if you plan to pursue a master's degree from a top international business school.
Other Relevant Certifications:
- IATA (International Air Transport Association) Courses:
  - IATA offers various courses and certifications related to travel and tourism, such as the Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma.
  - These certifications can enhance your knowledge and credibility in the industry.

Exam Name	Exam Date
NCHM JEE	May 11, 2025
MAH BHMCT CET	May 12, 2024
CAT	Nov 30, 2025
MAT	--
CMAT	Jan 15, 2026
MAH MBA CET	May 15, 2025
XAT	Jan 4, 2026
GMAT	May 8, 2024
NMAT by GMAC	Nov 5, 2025
SNAP	Dec 6, 2025

Course Name	Average Fee
BBA Tourism and Event Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Airline and Airport Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Airlines Tourism and Hospitality	₹80,000
B.Sc Critical Care Technology	₹1,20,000
B.Sc Culinary Art	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Culinary Art in Bakery and Pastry Art Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Culinary Arts with Specialization in Bakery and Pastry Art Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Hospitality Administration	₹3,00,000
B.Sc Hospitality Administration George Brown College Toronto, Canada	₹8,00,000
B.Sc Hospitality and Hotel Administration	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Hospitality and Hotel Administration Vegetarian Cuisine	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Hotel Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Hotel Management Lateral Entry	₹75,000
B.Sc Hotel and Catering Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Hotel and Hospitality Management	₹2,50,000
B.Sc Resort and Event Management	₹80,000
B.Sc Respiratory Care Technology	₹1,50,000
B.Sc Restaurant and Catering Management	₹2,50,000
MHM	₹3,00,000
BTTM Self Finance	₹60,000
Bachelor of Tourism	₹2,50,000
MTTM	₹3,00,000
MTTM Self Finance	₹80,000
B.Voc Food Production Self Finance	₹80,000
B.Voc Medical Electrophysiology	₹80,000
B.Voc Medical Laboratory Science	₹80,000
B.Voc Solar Energy Self Finance	₹70,000