Top Hospitality & Tourism Management Courses in India (2025)

India’s hospitality and tourism sector is booming, fueled by a surge in domestic travel, international tourism, and evolving consumer preferences. With iconic destinations, luxury resorts, and a growing emphasis on experiential travel, the industry demands skilled professionals. If you’re passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences, here’s your ultimate guide to the best courses, colleges, and career pathways in 2024.

Why Choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?

  • Explosive Growth: India ranks among the top 10 in global travel & tourism GDP contribution (WTTC 2023). Post-pandemic recovery has seen a 58% YoY rise in international tourist arrivals.
  • Diverse Careers: From luxury hotel chains to eco-tourism startups, roles span event management, aviation, cruise lines, travel tech, and heritage conservation.
  • Global Opportunities: Multinational brands like Marriott, Taj, and Airbnb recruit from top Indian institutes, offering placements in India, Dubai, Europe, and beyond.
  • Dynamic Work Environment: Blend creativity with strategy—design tours, manage resorts, or lead digital marketing for travel brands.

Top Undergraduate (UG) Courses

  1. BSc in Hospitality & Hotel Administration
  • Duration: 3 years | Eligibility: 10+2 (50% aggregate)
  • Key Institutes: IHM Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad (NCHMCT-affiliated)
  • Highlights: Focus on food production, housekeeping, and front-office operations.
  1. BBA in Tourism & Travel Management
  • Duration: 3 years | Eligibility: 10+2 (Any stream)
  • Key Institutes: Christ University, Bangalore; Amity University
  • Highlights: Combines business analytics with tourism marketing and sustainable practices.
  1. BA in International Hospitality Management
  • Duration: 4 years | Eligibility: 10+2
  • Key Institutes: Manipal Academy of Higher Education
  • Highlights: Includes internships with global chains like Hyatt and Accor.
  1. BVoc in Travel & Tourism
  • Duration: 3 years | Eligibility: 10+2
  • Key Institutes: IGNOU, State Polytechnics
  • Highlights: Skill-based curriculum with NSDC certification.

Leading Postgraduate (PG) Programs

  1. MBA in Hospitality & Tourism
  • Duration: 2 years | Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (50%)
  • Top Colleges: Welcomgroup Graduate School (Manipal), IITTM Bhubaneswar
  • Specializations: Revenue Management, Digital Tourism, Event Planning.
  1. MSc in Tourism & Hospitality Management
  • Duration: 2 years | Key Institutes: Pondicherry University, LPU
  • Highlights: Research-driven program with modules on cultural tourism.
  1. PG Diploma in Hotel Management
  • Duration: 1–1.5 years | Eligibility: Graduation
  • Top Picks: Oberoi Centre of Learning (Delhi), IHM Pusa
  • Perks: Guaranteed placements with Oberoi Hotels.

Diploma & Certification Courses

  • Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality Management (Frankfinn Institute)
  • Certificate in Cruise Line Operations (CII Institute of Logistics)
  • Travel Technology Certifications: Amadeus, Galileo (IATA-recognized)
  • Culinary Arts Diplomas: Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad

Entrance Exams for 2025 Admissions

  1. NCHMCT JEE: For IHM colleges (Covers aptitude, English, and general awareness).
  2. Christ University Entrance Test: Includes micro-presentation and skill assessment.
  3. Oberoi STEP: For Oberoi Centre of Learning (Focus on case studies and interviews).
  4. IIHM eCHAT: Tests logical reasoning and hospitality aptitude.

Pro Tip: Prepare via mock tests from “Success Master” or “Arihant’s NCHMCT Guide.”

Top 10 Institutes in India (NIRF 2025 Rankings)

  1. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mumbai
  2. Welcomgroup Graduate School, Manipal
  3. IHM, Delhi
  4. Christ University, Bangalore
  5. Lovely Professional University (LPU)
  6. Amity School of Hospitality
  7. Oberoi Centre of Learning, Delhi
  8. IITTM Bhubaneswar (Under Ministry of Tourism)
  9. Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts, Pune
  10. Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management

Career Prospects & Salary Trends

  • Entry-Level Roles:
  • Hotel Operations: ₹3–6 LPA
  • Airline Cabin Crew: ₹4–8 LPA
  • Travel Consultant: ₹2.5–5 LPA
  • Mid-Career Roles:
  • Resort Manager: ₹8–15 LPA
  • Event Planner: ₹6–12 LPA
  • Tourism Marketing Manager: ₹10–18 LPA
  • Global Opportunities:
  • Cruise Directors: $35,000–$70,000 annually
  • Hospitality Consultants in UAE/Singapore: ₹15–30 LPA

Future Trends Shaping the Industry

  1. Sustainable Tourism: UNESCO-recognized projects like Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission.
  2. AI in Hospitality: Chatbots for bookings, predictive analytics for guest preferences.
  3. Experiential Travel: Demand for curated heritage walks, adventure tourism, and wellness retreats.