Overview
Travel consultants and tour operators design and sell travel experiences — international leisure, domestic tourism, business travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), and specialised travel (adventure, wellness, religious, wildlife). India's outbound travel market is growing 12% annually with rising middle-class disposable income, while inbound tourism is recovering post-COVID. Major employers: MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook India, SOTC, Veena World, plus the corporate travel arms (CWT, BCD, FCM Travel Solutions). The role has consolidated post-COVID with stronger digital-first players.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Understand client travel preferences (purpose, budget, duration, group size); design itineraries and book flights, hotels, ground transport, activities; negotiate rates with hotels and DMCs (Destination Management Companies); manage visa documentation and travel insurance; handle on-trip emergencies (cancellations, medical, force majeure); coordinate with airlines and hotels on group bookings; build long-term relationships with corporate accounts; stay current on travel-industry rules (GDS, FX, visa requirements); upsell premium experiences (business class, luxury hotels, exclusive experiences).
Skills required
- Knowledge of global destinations and tourism products
- GDS systems (Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo)
- Visa documentation across jurisdictions
- Currency and foreign exchange basics
- Hotel and DMC negotiation
- Customer service in pressure situations
- Sales and consultative selling
- Knowledge of IATA / DGCA airline regulations
Education path
BBA / B.Com / BA — degree requirement is flexible. Specialised diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (6-18 months) from IITTM (Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management), GTII (Garware Institute), IATA Authorized Training Centre Indian Institute of Tourism, Trade Wings Institute, Welingkar. BBA / MBA in Tourism Management for managerial track at MICE companies and large agencies. IATA-UFTAA Foundation Diploma is the standard industry credential.
Career progression
- 1Junior Travel Consultant (0-2 yrs)
- 2Travel Consultant (2-5 yrs)
- 3Senior Travel Consultant / Team Lead (5-9 yrs)
- 4Branch Manager / Operations Manager (9-14 yrs)
- 5Regional Director / VP Operations (14+ yrs)
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- IATA-UFTAA Foundation Diploma
- IATA Travel & Tourism Consultant
- IITTM Diploma in Tourism
- GDS certifications (Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo)
- Destination specialist certifications (e.g. Australia, Thailand, Dubai)