Career as a tour Operator
Tour operators deal in travel and destination management, unlike Travel agents who are primarily concerned with the marketing of travel and tourism. With the recent economic downturn, people might be traveling less to India. However, Indians making their trips abroad during times like these has seen a steady rise. Whatever may be the inflow or the outflow, expertise of a knowledgeable tour operator come a great deal handy! And because people are making more informed, exotic and highly customized choices there is a growing demand for specialized services of a tour operator.
Main area of work
Travel agents can be either self-employed or working for travel agencies. “The most important criterion to work in this field”
• Offering best travel plans: Tour operators or agents help tourist make the best travel arrangements. They offer advice on destinations, arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals and tours. “A successful tour operator is well equipped with knowledge like this. Even information like weather conditions and the paper work required for the tourist are well taken care off,” says Gurudas. “A regular interface with travel agencies, airlines and hotels, and in successfully dealing with people of diverse nationalities and cultures are all part of the job,” says Ram Mohan, self-employed Tour Operator in Bangalore.
• Accompany guests: “Some tour operators travel along with their guests. They do all the negotiations and arrangements with the local dealers on behalf of their traveling clients,”
• Subject matter expert: “Another kind of tour operator is the one who is amassed with specific knowledge,” says Fisq Ali, Anthropologist by profession, but takes tourist on specific tours. These guys serve a specific special interest group. For example tour operator specializing in bird watching or say architecture. She/he shares his knowledge with foreign students or travelers and makes their travel more meaningful. “This is usually a part-time profession for some otherwise qualified professionals. These guys usually enjoy meeting and interacting with various people and have a deep passion for travel,” .
Eligibility
A diploma or the equivalent is usually all that’s required to become a Tour Operator, but some agencies prefer those with a college degree. Bachelors in Travel and Tourism can help aspiring Tour Operators get hired and advance in the field. There also exists intensive but short term “Tour Managers Programmes” offered by many universities abroad and in India. The academically ambitions one can also pursue Masters of Tourism Administration (MTA).
Job prospects
Forgetting the present economic slump and lack of travel, this industry usually has very good job prospects. Travel agencies are found in every part of the country. “There is also a huge scope to be self-employed and being successful at the same. As people take more focused and highly customized trips, tour operators with special and diverse knowledge are a prized catch,” .Some of the well known recruiters are recruiters include: Cox & kings, Thomas Cook, le passage to India, Orbitz tours and trade fairs, make my trip.com, air Canada, travel corporation of India, trail blaze, India, Indian holidays private limited, etc.
Remuneration
The remuneration for a tour operator is good, which can also include free travel for themselves and their families. “A fairly new tour operator can earn between Rs 500 and Rs 1000 per day. However, a regional tour guide can expect to earn anywhere between Rs 30, 000 and Rs 1,00,000 in the peak season lasting three or four months. Remunerations in the private sector is much higher,”
Institute listing
• Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Delhi
• Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism, Noida
• Delhi Institute of Tourism and Travel Mgmt, Delhi
• Academy of Travel Management and Training, Delhi
• Kerala University
• Pondicherry University
• Cultural organizations of foreign countries
