Career as a Travel Consultant in India: Courses, Skills and How to Begin

At a glance

A travel consultant plans and books trips for clients, advising on destinations, flights, hotels and itineraries for domestic and international travel.

A travel consultant plans trips for clients, advising on destinations, flights, hotels, transfers and day-by-day itineraries for domestic and international travel. In India, they work with travel agencies, tour operators, online travel platforms and corporate travel teams.

Online platforms such as MakeMyTrip now let customers search and book flights, hotels and holiday packages themselves. A consultant adds value through personal planning, destination knowledge, visa and document guidance, and support when plans change.

Entry is possible with a Class 12 pass, and a travel or tourism course helps build the basics. The work suits people who enjoy planning and talking to people, and it often includes weekends, peak travel seasons and last-minute changes.

Minimum Qualification
Class 12 pass (typical; any stream)
Typical Degree
Travel and tourism diploma or BBA/BA (optional)
Expected Entry Salary
To be verified before publishing
Entry-level to Senior
To be verified before publishing
Job Demand Growth
Tied to travel demand; figures to be verified
Work Hours
Often includes weekends and travel days
Places of Work
Agencies, tour operators, online platforms, corporate desks

What Does a Travel Consultant Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Understand the client's budget, travel dates, interests and travel style through a detailed consultation.

  • Research destinations, routes, flights, hotels and transfers to suggest suitable options.

  • Build day-by-day itineraries for domestic and international trips, including sightseeing, activities and rest days.

  • Check passport, visa and entry requirements, and tell clients about deadlines and documents they need.

  • Compare fares and packages, make bookings and send confirmations and tickets.

  • Handle changes, cancellations and delays, and coordinate with airlines, hotels and local partners.

  • Keep clients updated during the trip and follow up afterwards for feedback and repeat bookings.

Where They Work

Travel consultants in India work in travel agencies, both large and local, and in tour operators that design group tours and inbound or outbound packages. Many also work for online travel companies such as MakeMyTrip, which sell flights, hotels and customised holiday packages to customers across the country.

Other employers include corporate travel management teams that book business trips for companies, hotel and resort reservation teams, and event and conference travel desks. Some consultants work independently, from home or from a small office, and build their own client base.

How to Become a Travel Consultant in India?

After Class 10

Choose your Class 11 stream with options open. Arts, Commerce and Science all lead to travel roles. Build English, geography and computer skills, and try a short trip-planning project to test your interest.

After Class 12

Complete Class 12 in any stream. Commerce or humanities subjects help with business and client work. Travel and tourism courses are offered after Class 12, and the course options are listed below.

Undergraduate or Diploma

Join a diploma in travel and tourism or a BBA or BA in tourism. Courses typically cover ticketing, destinations, tour operations and customer service. Choose one with practical training.

Short Courses and Practice

Learn ticketing and reservation tools, itinerary software, and basic visa and document rules. Internships or part-time work at a travel agency build confidence and a portfolio of trips you have planned.

First Job

Start as a travel executive, reservations executive or ticketing assistant at an agency, tour operator or online travel company. Learn bookings, client handling and supplier relationships.

Specialisation and Growth

Move into corporate travel, group and event travel, or a destination specialism. Experienced consultants may start their own agency or move into travel management roles.

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • Most entry-level travel consultant roles do not require a specific Class 12 stream, so Arts, Commerce and Science students can all apply.

  • Commerce or humanities subjects help with business, accounts and client work. Good English and a second language are useful for international trips.

  • No fixed minimum marks are confirmed for this role. Courses and employers set their own cut-offs, so check the requirements of each programme.


Minimum Qualification

  • Class 12 pass from a recognised board is typical for entry-level roles.

  • A diploma or degree in travel, tourism, hospitality or business is useful but not always compulsory.

  • Employers often look for English fluency, basic computer skills and a customer-service attitude.

Courses and Degrees for Travel Consultant

  • Undergraduate Degrees
    • BBA in Travel and Tourism (3 years)
    • BA in Tourism Studies (3 years)
    Postgraduate Degrees
    • MBA in Tourism Management (2 years)
    • MA in Tourism Management (2 years)
    Diplomas
    • Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (1 year)
    • Diploma in Travel and Airline Management (1 year)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Certificate in Ticketing and Reservations (3 months)
    • Short course in travel agency operations (3 to 6 months)
    • Destination and visa guidance course (a few weeks)

Skills Required to Become a Travel Consultant

Technical Skills

  • Itinerary planning and route mapping
  • Flight and hotel booking systems
  • Fare comparison and ticketing
  • Destination and visa requirement research
  • Basic accounting and invoicing
  • Travel insurance and document checks
  • Using CRM and online booking tools

Soft Skills

  • Client communication
  • Negotiation with suppliers
  • Problem-solving under pressure
  • Attention to detail
  • Patience and empathy
  • Relationship building and sales

Travel Consultant Salary in India

0 to 2 years

Entry Level

To be verified before publishing

  • Typical job titles: Travel Executive, Reservations Executive, Ticketing Assistant
  • Work: bookings, ticketing and draft itineraries under supervision

3 to 6 years

Mid Level

To be verified before publishing

  • Typical job titles: Travel Consultant, Tour Planner, Corporate Travel Coordinator
  • Work: designing custom itineraries, managing a client portfolio and handling supplier relationships

7 years and above

Senior Level

To be verified before publishing

  • Typical job titles: Senior Travel Consultant, Travel Manager, Agency Owner
  • Work: leading a team, negotiating supplier rates, and building a client base or own agency

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Leisure Travel Consultant

Plans domestic and international holidays for individuals and families.

Corporate Travel Coordinator

Books business travel and manages travel policies for companies.

Tour Planner

Designs group tours and packages for a tour operator.

Reservations or Ticketing Executive

Handles bookings, ticket issuing and changes for an agency or airline sales desk.

Destination Specialist

Focuses on one region, such as Ladakh, Kerala or Southeast Asia, and advises clients on it in depth.

Event and MICE Travel Planner

Organises travel for conferences, incentive trips and group events.

Online Travel Product Associate

Supports trip planning and customer queries at an online travel platform.

Independent Travel Agent or Agency Owner

Runs a small business advising clients and selling trips.

Scope and Future of Travel Consultant in India

Demand for travel consultants is linked to how much people and companies travel. Domestic tourism, international holidays and business trips all create work for people who can plan trips well. Online platforms have made booking easier, but customers with complex trips, family groups, special needs or tight budgets still value a personal adviser who can organise everything in one place.

Technology is changing the work. Travel apps are adding AI-based assistants; Ixigo, for example, launched an AI-native app with a conversational assistant called Tara in May 2026. Consultants who learn these tools, use data to compare options and focus on personal service are better placed, while routine ticket-only work faces more automation.

Government tourism policy also shapes the field. The Ladakh administration announced tourism reforms in April 2026 aimed at ease of doing business, which shows how regional policy can change local demand. Experienced consultants can also look at international travel roles, but visa, work rules and employer requirements differ by country and should be checked before planning a move abroad.

Is Travel Consultant
the Right Career for You?

Travel Consultant can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?


Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

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Travel Consultant: Frequently Asked Questions

What does a travel consultant do?

A travel consultant plans and books trips for clients. They first understand the client's budget, dates and interests, then research destinations, flights, hotels and activities and build a day-by-day itinerary. They also check travel documents, handle bookings and changes, and support the client during the trip. The role can cover domestic holidays, international tours, group travel or business travel.

Can I become a travel consultant after Class 12?

Yes. Entry-level travel roles usually accept a Class 12 pass in any stream, and many students start after Class 12 with a diploma or short course in travel and tourism. A degree such as a BBA or BA in tourism builds a wider base and can help with management roles later. Strong English, basic computer skills and good geography knowledge help from the start. Check each employer's requirements before applying.

Do I need a degree to be a travel consultant?

A degree is not always required for entry-level travel consultant jobs in India. Employers often look for a Class 12 pass, communication skills and some travel knowledge. A diploma or degree in travel, tourism or hospitality can strengthen your application and helps if you want to move into management or corporate travel. Experience with bookings and client handling also counts for a lot.

Is travel consultant a good career in India?

It can be, for people who enjoy planning and working with people. Demand follows domestic and international travel, and online booking platforms are growing, which means more people still need trusted advice on complex trips. Competition from self-service booking is real, so consultants who build specialist knowledge, strong client relationships and a clear service offer are better placed. Income depends on the employer, city and results.

What is the salary of a travel consultant in India?

Salary depends on the employer, city, experience and whether the role is salaried or commission-based. Verified salary figures for this role are not yet included on this page, so check current data before quoting a number. At interview, ask employers about fixed pay, incentives and the growth path so you can compare offers clearly.

How is a travel consultant different from a travel agent?

The two terms overlap, and many agencies use them for the same job. A travel agent often refers to someone who sells tickets and packages from an agency. A travel consultant usually puts more emphasis on planning and advice, designing a trip around the client's needs rather than selling a fixed package. Some consultants run their own agency, while others work as salaried staff.

Which courses are useful for a travel consultant?

Useful options include a diploma in travel and tourism management, a BBA or BA in tourism, and short certificate courses in ticketing and travel operations. A postgraduate degree in tourism management suits people who want to move into senior or management roles. Choose a course with practical training, such as booking practice, and check its recognition and placement support before paying fees.

Sources and Further Reading

Official and published pages this guide was researched from (facts last checked ). Fees, dates and cut-offs change every year, so confirm them on the official websites.

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