Career in Hotel Management & Tourism: Courses, Exams, Salary & Scope.

 

Hotel management and tourism is a vibrant and growing field ideal for students passionate about hospitality, travel, events, and customer service. With increasing globalization and a booming travel industry in India and abroad, pursuing a career in hotel management and tourism after 12th can open doors to rewarding opportunities.

 

Eligibility & Entrance Exams for Hotel Management Courses

Students from any stream (science, commerce, or arts) are eligible to pursue hotel management and tourism courses after 12th. The primary entrance exams for admission to reputed institutions are

• NCHMCT JEE (National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology Joint Entrance Exam)
  – This is the most widely accepted entrance test for B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration across IHMs (Institutes of Hotel Management).
• AIMA UGAT (Under Graduate Aptitude Test)
  – Conducted by the All India Management Association, this exam offers entry into BHM and other hospitality-related programs.

Some private colleges also offer direct admission based on 12th marks or conduct their own entrance tests.

 

Popular Hotel Management & Tourism Courses

Depending on career goals, students can choose between full-time degree programs or shorter diploma/certificate courses:

• Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
  – A 3- or 4-year undergraduate course covering food production, housekeeping, front office, F&B service, tourism management, and hospitality operations.
• Diploma in Hotel Management or Tourism
  – 1–2-year programs offering focused skill training in specific areas like food & beverage service, front office operations, bakery, event management, or travel agency work.
• BBA in Hospitality Management / Travel & Tourism
  – A business-oriented approach ideal for those looking to move into hospitality marketing, entrepreneurship, or hotel operations management.

 

Top Career Opportunities in Hospitality & Tourism

The hotel and tourism industry is vast, offering a wide range of job roles across the globe:

Core Job Roles in Hotel Management:

• Front Office Executive
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Housekeeping Supervisor
• Chef or Kitchen Assistant
• Banquet Manager
• Hotel Sales and Marketing Executive
• Event Planner or Coordinator

Tourism Sector Opportunities:

• Travel Consultant
• Tour Guide
• Airline Ground Staff
• Cruise Staff
• Tourism Operations Manager

Many graduates also go on to work in luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, event management companies, and international hotel chains like Marriott, Taj, Oberoi, Hyatt, and Radisson.

 

Salary Expectations in Hotel Management

• Entry-Level Salary: ₹3–5 LPA is the average salary for freshers after completing BHM or tourism-related diplomas.
• Mid-Level with Experience: ₹5–7 LPA after 3–5 years of industry experience.
• High-End Roles or International Jobs: Experienced professionals or those working with top global brands can earn ₹10 LPA or more, especially in luxury hotels or management-level positions.

Those who specialize in event management, luxury hospitality, or tourism operations may also start freelance or consulting ventures, creating additional income streams.

 

Top Colleges Offering Hotel Management & Tourism Programs in India

• IHM Pusa (Delhi)—Among the top-ranked IHMs in India
• IHM Mumbai, IHM Bangalore, IHM HyderabadMCT-affiliated col colleges with excellent placement records
• Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD)—Corporate training with job assurance
• Amity School of Hospitality
• IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management)—Offers global internship opportunities

 

Why Choose a Career in Hotel Management & Tourism?

• Global Career Opportunities: Jobs in India and abroad
• Fast-Paced Work Environment: Ideal for people who enjoy people-facing roles
• Creative & Dynamic Field: Opportunities in food innovation, event planning, and luxury service
• Attractive Perks: Free travel, accommodation benefits, and service incentives

 

A career in hotel management and tourism offers a perfect blend of professionalism, excitement, and growth. With the right qualifications from top colleges and practical skills, students can build rewarding careers in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. From luxury hotels to cruise lines and event management firms, the possibilities are vast and ever-expanding.