Nature of Work
A tour operator is a hospitality professional who organizes tours and provides support to customers during trips to have positive experiences. These professionals advise customers on different tour packages based on their budget and interests. They handle all logistical aspects of a tour, such as booking tickets, reserving accommodations, as well as planning the sightseeing if required. They often work for travel agencies or tour companies. They do not accompany tourists but handle all logistical aspects of a tour. They are available to answer all questions about itineraries and stay.
Travel Agents are similar to tour operators but with limited responsibilities of making travel and stay arrangements based on customer requirements / budgets. Clients may be individuals, groups, or corporates. Agents may work alone or with a travel company. Travel agents may advance to become tour planners.
Essential Skills and Qualities
- Latest information on travel logistics, the tourism business, popular tours, visas, etc.
- Ability to recognize what a client needs and make a pertinent plan / proposal
- Organized, ability to multitask
- Clarity of written as well as verbal communication, knowing multiple languages is helpful, knowledge of English is a must
- Patience, and attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills, listening skills
Work Opportunities
- Tour Manager
Arrange travel plans, co-ordinate with venues, manage money, facilitate media interactions, and scope out local services at each tour stop - Travel Guide
Plan and operate long-distance tours and expeditions, organize itineraries, research local attractions, make arrangements for accommodations, dining, and access to medical care. They often lead groups to tour site locations and describe them in depth. - Travel agent
Offer advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries, and make travel arrangements. - Travel specialist
Customize travel arrangements, including booking flights, hotels, sightseeing tours, and make dining recommendations. - Tourism Officer
Promote tourism and devise tourist development initiatives/campaigns to generate and increase revenue. - Travel Consultants
Advise on options for travel in accordance with stated objectives, facilitate travel arrangements and accommodations for individuals and groups, .and ensure the necessary documentation is in place to travel to their destinations.
Qualifying Path
The minimum education requirement for tour operators is 10+2 with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some common degrees for tour operators include tourism and travel services management or hospitality management. Many colleges and universities offer these UG programs.
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
- Amity University, Noida
- Christ University, Bangalore; St Josephs College of Commerce, Bangalore
- Institute of Advanced Management, Kolkata
- Parul University, Vadodara
Following are the popular courses to become a tour operator:
- Diploma in Travel and Tourism
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- BA Travel and Tourism Management
- MBA Tourism Administration
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