Travel and Tourism Industry is growing day by day. With the help of Social Media, people are more exposed to different tourist places across the world. To help people achieve their dream of travelling, travel and tourism professionals come to the rescue.
Many universities/institutes in the country offer various courses at UG, PG, Certificate, Diploma, and PG Diploma courses. A person in this industry can work as a travel agent, tourism manager, travel coordinator, transport officer, travel counsellor, etc. The average salary after completing travel and tourism distance learning courses is between INR 2 lakhs to 4 lakhs per annum.
Get to know all about travel and tourism distance through this article and Top University that offers courses related to the travel and tourism sector.
What is Travel and Tourism Distance Education?
Travel and Tourism courses through distance education are the types of courses that include the study of travel and tourism industry through distance mode. Different courses are Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Postgraduate diploma. Candidates get to work for hotels, tourism departments, government tours, and travels, airlines, immigration, etc.
Career Options after Travel and Tourism Distance Learning Course
There are multiple career options and job opportunities in both public and private sectors for candidates pursuing travel and tourism courses distance learning. Some of the popular job prospects in India are:
- Travel Agent: Travel agents evaluate the requirements of the customers who want to travel to a destination and offer them well-defined packages which include hotel accommodation, train/bus/airplane tickets, foreign exchange, etc. Different travel agencies often create cheap and great packages for customers.
- Tourist Guides: Tourist Guide helps tourists provide information about different places and visit different places.
- Travel Coordinator: A travel coordinator finds the best hotel accommodation, trains/rental cars/flights/buses at best rates according to tourist expectations.
- Tourism Manager: A tourism manager has a big role in managing the tour and travel industry. His work is to promote different advertising campaigns along with offering assistance to tourists.
- Transport Officer: Transport Officer is appointed by the local transport body or state government to oversee activities such as certifying ground transportation budget, vehicle fleet, and vehicle establishment program.
- Airline Staff/Ground Staff: Airline staff works to inspect, store and transport luggage, overseeing commercial activities, airport operation, airline operation, and food and beverage management.
- Travel Counsellor: He/she provides complete guidance to tourists about the place and travel.
- Tour Operator: A tour operator who manages the complete travel and stay of the clients.
- Travel Writer: A writer who writes about different tourism places, historical places, adventure, hotel, etc.
- Hotel Supervisor: Face of the hotel that looks after the overall management of the hotel.
- Hotel Manager: A hotel manager works to manage hotel operations and staff.
Average Salary Offered to Travel and Tourism Professionals
| Job Profile | Average Salary (INR per year) |
| Travel Agent | 2 lakhs to 3 lakhs |
| Tourist Guides | |
| Travel Coordinator | 3 lakhs to 4 lakhs |
| Tourism Manager | |
| Transport Officer | 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs |
| Airline Staff | 40,000 to 3 lakhs per month |
| Travel Counsellor | 3 lakhs to 4 lakhs |
| Tour Operator | 2 lakhs to 3 lakhs |
| Travel Writer | 1 lakh to 3 lakhs |
| Hotel Supervisor | 1 lakh to 3 lakhs |
| Hotel Manager | 7 lakhs to 9 lakhs |
Best Universities offering Travel and Tourism Distance Education in India
There are hundreds of universities in India that offer Travel and Tourism courses through distance education. However, the top universities/institutes that offer travel and tourism courses through distance learning are as follows:
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi
- Annamalai University, Chennai
- Kakatiya University, Warangal
- Vinayaka Mission University, Salem, Tamil Nadu
- Nalanda Open University, Patna
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
- Yashwantrao Chavan Open University, Dnyangangotri
- Tamil Nadu Open University, Tamil Nadu
- Rajshri Tandon Open University, Allahabad
- MP Bhoj Open University, Bhopal
- Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu
- Madras University
- Kota Open University (Vardhman Mahaveer Open University)
- Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh
- Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad
- Nagarjuna University, Guntur
- Kuvempu University, Karnataka
- Manipal University, Manipal
List of travel and tourism courses distance learning in India
- IATA Courses
International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a world trade organization whose headquarters is in Montreal, Canada, and is for Air transport. IATA offers various Diploma and Certificate courses related to air transport. It was established in 1945.
IATA Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Foundation in Travel & Tourism – Diploma | Candidates must have passed 10+2 or Graduation examination from a recognized university. |
| Travel & Tourism Consultant Diploma | Candidates must have passed Certificate to Advanced Professional Diploma |
| Destination Geography | |
| Geography in Travel Planning | |
| Serving the Travel Customer | |
| Global Distribution Systems Fares & Ticketing Course | |
| Social Media in Travel Planning |
IATA Application Process
- Visit the IATA official website and select the country of application.
- Keeping the Application Guide of your country, submit the application.
- Pay the Accreditation fees and you will be contacted after application submission.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Foundation in Travel & Tourism – Diploma | INR 70,000 to INR 1,20,000 | 6 months |
| Travel & Tourism Consultant Diploma | 9 months | |
| Geography in Travel Planning | 3 months | |
| Destination Geography | ||
| Global Distribution Systems Fares & Ticketing Course – Amadeus | ||
| Serving the Travel Customer | ||
| Social Media in Travel Planning |
- IGNOU
About IGNOU
Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU was established in the year 1985. It offers various UG, PG, and Doctorate levels. It offers various certificate and diploma courses in travel and tourism.
Also, Read – List of IGNOU Courses
IGNOU Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Certificate in Food & Beverage Service Operation | Candidates must have passed 10+2 or BPP from IGNOU |
| Certificate in Front Office Operation | |
| Certificate in House Keeping Operation | |
| Diploma in Tourism Studies | |
| Certificate in Tourism Studies | |
| BA – Tourism Studies | |
| MA Tourism and Travel Management | Candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Ph.D. Tourism Studies | Candidate must have passed Master’s degree in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks |
IGNOU Application Process
- Visit the official website of IGNOU. Click on Register Online and then on Fresh Admission.
- Register online and then sign in.
- Fill the application form and then upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fees of INR 150.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Certificate in Food & Beverage Service Operation | INR 2,000 | 6 months – 2 years |
| Certificate in Front Office Operation | ||
| Certificate in Housekeeping Operation | ||
| Diploma in Tourism Studies | INR 4,500 | 1 year – 4 years |
| Certificate in Tourism Studies | INR 2,000 | 6 months – 2 years |
| BA – Tourism Studies | INR 10,200 | 3 years – 6 years |
| MA Tourism and Travel Management | INR 12,000 | 2 years – 5 years |
| Ph.D. Tourism Studies | – | 3 years – 5 years |
- Annamalai University, Chennai
About Annamalai University
Annamalai University offers distance learning courses through DDE (Directorate of Distance Education) which was formed in 1979 in Chennai. It offers various UG, PG, and doctorate level courses through distance learning, which includes various travel and tourism degree distance learning.
Annamalai University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) | Any Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. |
Annamalai University Application Process
- Candidates can download the application form from Annamalai University DDE Website or can by sending a request letter to the Director of DDE, Annamalai University.
- If through the post, send a Demand Draft after which Application form will be sent through the post.
- The downloaded application form will be submitted with application fees of INR 100 in person and INR 175 by post.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) | INR 6300 | 2 years |
4. Kakatiya University, Warangal
About Kakatiya University
Kakatiya University is a public university established in the year 1976. It has the School of Distance Learning and Continuing Education for distance learning courses. It offers UG, PG, and Ph.D. level courses. For travel and tourism, it offers a BA in Tourism and Travel Management.
Kakatiya University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| BA in Tourism and Travel Management | Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized school. |
Kakatiya University Application Process
- Download the Application form from the official website or purchase the prospectus.
- Fill the form and send it to the university or submit it in person along with application fees.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| BA in Tourism and Travel Management | INR 18,000 | 3 years |
- Vinayaka Mission University, Salem, Tamil Nadu
About Vinayaka Mission University
Vinayaka Mission University was formed in 1981 in Salem and the Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) was formed in 2001. It offers BA, MA, Certificate, PG Diploma, and Diploma courses in travel and tourism.
Vinayaka Mission University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Diploma in Tourist Guide | Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized school. |
| BA in Tourism Management | |
| MA in Tourism Management | Any Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. |
| Certificate Course in Tourism Studies | Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized school. |
| PG Diploma in Tourism Management | Any Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. |
Vinayaka Mission University Application Process
Candidates can apply through online mode or can be downloaded and sent along with DD of Application fees. The application form can also be obtained in person. Application fees are INR 500. Send the filled-in application form to the office of DDE, Vinayaka Mission University.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Diploma in Tourist Guide | INR 9,450 | 1 year |
| BA in Tourism Management | INR 10,950 | 3 years |
| MA in Tourism Management | INR 8,300 | 2 years |
| Certificate Course in Tourism Studies | – | 1 year |
| PG Diploma in Tourism Management | INR 5,250 | 1 year |
- Nalanda Open University, Patna
About Nalanda Open University
NOU Patna or Nalanda Open University was formed in 1987. NOU offers various UG, PG, and Ph.D. level courses. It offers BA (Hons) in Tourism.
Nalanda Open University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| BA (Hons) in Tourism | Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized school. |
Nalanda Open University Application Process
Candidates can obtain the Application form from the university office or from Prospectus along with Demand Draft of INR 400 (by registered post) or INR 450 (from sales office) to be sent to:
Registrar,
Nalanda Open University
3rd floor, Biscoumann Bhawan, Patna.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| BA (Hons) in Tourism | INR 2,400 | 3 years |
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
About Madurai Kamaraj University
Madurai Kamaraj University was established in 1965. The MKU DDE was formed in 1971. It offers various UG, PG, Diploma, PG Diploma, and Certificate courses. In travel and tourism courses distance learning, it offers B.Sc., M.Sc., MBA and PG Diploma course.
Madurai Kamaraj University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| B.Sc. Tourism & Hospitality Management | Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized school. |
| M.Sc. Tourism & Hotel Management | Candidates must pass in Graduation degree in any discipline or Diploma in Hotel Management or Catering Technology |
| MBA Tourism & Hotel Management | |
| PG Diploma in Tourism Management |
Madurai Kamaraj University Application Process
Download Prospectus and Application form from the official website of MKU. Fill the form and attach the required documents. Send the application along with application fees to the university.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| B.Sc. Tourism & Hospitality Management | INR 21,000 | 3 years |
| M.Sc. Tourism & Hotel Management | INR 20,000 | 2 years |
| MBA Tourism & Hotel Management | INR 30,000 | |
| PG Diploma in Tourism Management | INR 10,000 | 1 year |
- Yashwantrao Chavan Open University, Dnyangangotri
About Yashwantrao Chavan Open University
Yashwantrao Chavan Open University was established in 1989 by the Maharashtra State Legislature. It offers BBA and Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality and Travel and Tourism Management.
Yashwantrao Chavan Open University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| BBA Aviation, Hospitality and Travel and Tourism Management | Candidates must have passed 10+2 or H.Sc. from a recognized school. |
| Diploma Aviation, Hospitality and Travel and Tourism Management |
Yashwantrao Chavan Open University Application Process
Candidates can apply online for admission to the university.
- Visit the Digital University official website. Register online and then click on Apply Online.
- Login through User name and password received on mobile phone and then self-verify the profile.
- Fill the application form and pay the application fees through online mode or printed challan.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| BBA Aviation, Hospitality and Travel and Tourism Management | INR 1,20,300 | 3 years |
| Diploma Aviation, Hospitality and Travel and Tourism Management | INR 40,100 | 1 year |
- Tamilnadu Open University, Tamil Nadu
About Tamilnadu Open University
Tamilnadu Open University was formed in 2002. It offers various UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate courses.
Tamilnadu Open University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| BA Tourism and Travel Studies | Candidates must have passed 10+2 or HSC OR Diploma OR 11th class with 2 years TTC OR 10th with 2 years ITI OR TNOU BPP |
Tamilnadu Open University Application Process
- Candidates can apply through online mode. Visit the website of TNOU.
- Fill the application form and then submit the form.
- Pay the application fees of INR 100 through online mode or DD or Challan.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| BA Tourism and Travel Studies | INR 7,500 | 3 years |
- Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal
About Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University is a public university that was established in 1991. It offers UG, PG, PG Diploma courses.
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| PG Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management | Candidates must pass in Graduation in any discipline |
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University Application Process
- Visit the online portal of MP Bhoj University.
- Click on the link for Online Application.
- Fill the form and submit the form.
- Pay the application fees online.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| PG Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management | INR 9,960 | 1 year – 3 years |
- Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu
About Alagappa University
Alagappa University DDE was formed in 1992. It offers various UG, PG, and PG Diploma courses. It offers an MBA in Tourism.
Check out – Alagappa University Distance Education Admission 2020
Alagappa University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| MBA Tourism | Candidates must pass in Graduation in any discipline |
Alagappa University Application Process
- Visit the official website of Alagappa University.
- Download the application form and fill the form.
- Attach the required documents and Demand Draft of INR 100 favoring Director, DDE, Alagappa University, Karaikudi.
- Candidates can also pay the application fees through cash.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| MBA Tourism | INR 24,000 | 2 years |
- Madras University, Tamil Nadu
About Madras University
Madras University was established in 1857. It offers various courses. For distance learning, Madras University has an Institute of Distance Education.
Read More – Madras University Admission
Madras University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management | Candidates must pass in any degree OR 11+1+3 OR 11+2+2 pattern |
Madras University Application Process
Visit the official website of the university’s IDE website. Download the application form and fill-up the form. Send the form along with DD in favour of The Director, IDE, University of Madras.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management | MU: INR 6,000 | 1 year |
| Other University: INR 6,400 |
- Kota Open University- Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU)
About Vardhman Mahaveer Open University
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University is an open university established in 1987. It offers UG, PG, PG Diploma, and Diploma courses.
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Diploma Culture and Tourism | Candidate must have passed 10+2 examination |
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University Application Process
- Visit the official website of VMOU. Click on the link for Apply Online, register, and fill-up the form completely.
- Candidates can also download the form and fill the form.
- Send the form in case of the downloaded form along with DD of the application fees.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Diploma Culture and Tourism | INR 3,300 | 1 year – 4 years |
14. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
About Andhra University
Andhra University was formed in 1926. It has the School of Distance Education that offers various UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate programs. In travel and tourism, it offers PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management.
Andhra University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | Candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. |
Andhra University Application Process
Candidates can visit the official website of the university and download the admission form. Fill the form and send it along with a DD of INR 100.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | INR 5,000 | 1 year |
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad
About Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University was established in 1994. It offers various UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses.
Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| Certificate in Tourism Marketing | Candidate must have passed 12th OR 10th + ITI |
| Certificate in Tourism Management | |
| BBA in Hotel & Tourism Management | Candidate must have passed 12th OR BPP from IGNOU/BAOU OR 10th + ITI OR 10th + Diploma |
Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Application Process
Visit the official website of the university click on Apply Online. Register online and then sign in. Fill the form and pay the application fees through net banking/credit card or debit card.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| Certificate in Tourism Marketing | Male: INR 1,400 | 6 months |
| Female: INR 1,000 | ||
| Certificate in Tourism Management | Male: INR 1,100 | |
| Female: INR 800 | ||
| BBA in Hotel & Tourism Management | INR 66,000 | 3 years |
- Nagarjuna University, Guntur
About Nagarjuna University
Nagarjuna University was formed in 1976. It also offers admission through distance learning. The Centre for Distance Education offers various UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate courses.
Read More – Acharya Nagarjuna University Distance Education Courses
Nagarjuna University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| MBA in Tourism and Travel Management | Candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks as aggregate |
| PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | Candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree |
Nagarjuna University Application Process
Visit the official website of CDE of the university. Click on Student Admission and then on Student Admission Form. Click on the Online Application and fill the form. Send the form and pay the fees online.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| MBA in Tourism and Travel Management | INR 30,960 | 2 years |
| PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | INR 5,420 | 1 year |
- Kuvempu University, Karnataka
About Kuvempu University
Kuvempu University was established in 1987. The DDE which offers Distance courses was formed in 2002.
Kuvempu University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| PG Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management | Candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree |
Kuvempu University Application Process
Visit the official website of the university and get directed to the Distance Education portal. Click on Apply for Course link and fill the form. To pay the application fees, download the challan, and pay the fees at any branch of SBI.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| PG Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management | INR 11,610 | 1 year |
- Manipal University, Manipal
About Manipal University
Manipal University Distance Education was formed in 2001. Manipal University offers various UG, PG, Doctoral, Certificate, and Diploma programs in regular and distance mode.
It offers PG Diploma in Travel & Tourism Management in travel and tourism distance courses.
Read More – Sikkim Manipal University Distance Learning Admission 2020
Manipal University Eligibility
| Course | Eligibility |
| PG Diploma in Travel & Tourism Management | Candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree |
Manipal University Application Process
Visit the official website of Manipal University. Click on Apply and then register online. Login using username and password. Fill the form and pay the application of INR 600.
| Course | Fees Structure | Duration |
| PG Diploma in Travel & Tourism Management | INR 26,000 | 1 year |