The career options in the tour and travel industry have increased in direct proportion to the growing domestic market, micro-economic stability, liberalisation and the growing presence of multinationals in India.

Until recently, the industry was banking on traditional themes like culture and heritage. Now, the focus has shifted to health and medical tourism, eco-tourism, steam engine tourism, cricket tourism, spiritual tourism and rural tourism.

In order to tap the growing demand of tourism professionals, the Institute of Vocational Studies, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, has started a five-year MTA (Master's in Tourism Administration) course from the present session. It's the only university in the country that is conducting this kind of comprehensive course.

Eligibility
For admission to the course, the candidate must be a plus two in any stream with at least 50 per cent marks. The admission is based on an entrance test and group discussion.

The first part of the five-year course comprises undergraduate study (six semesters), on the completion of which a bachelor's degree in tourism administration will be given. After this, the candidate has the option to go in for a master's course (four semesters).

The department is already conducting a two-year MTA (master of tourism administration) course for graduates.

The UGC has sanctioned Rs 38 lakh as grant-in-aid to the institute for starting the course. It has approved 25 seats for it.

Future scenario
The increasing influx of tourists, especially foreigners from Israel, Germany, the UK and several other European countries, has made tourism a booming sector. The demand of management executives in hotels and tour and cargo agencies is much more than their availability. This is going to increase in the near future. A qualified postgraduate or graduate can pursue his/her career as a management trainee.

• Course curriculum
  
• Money matters