THE EDUCAFÉ TIMES
From Backpack to Briefcase: Travel Your Way to a
Career
Prescribing Success: Interview with
Mr. Dharmendrra U
Career Queries
Hello Readers!
We bring another edition of The Educafé Times where we
talk about another sought-after career opportunity-
Travel and Tourism. Here we discuss the scope of the
career, the challenges, and the skill sets required.
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Have some new ideas for our newsletter? Share them at
educafestudentsolutions@gmail.com and get a shoutout.
Happy Reading!!
From Backpack to Briefcase: Travel Your
Way to a Career
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Message from the Editor
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Have you ever dreamed of turning travel into a career? Have you ever dreamed of working from a beach in
Bali, becoming a digital nomad, or turning your passion for travel into a career? Do you want a job that
breaks the traditional 9-to-5 routine, allows you to meet incredible people, and pays you to explore the world
If so, keep reading—this article is for you !
The travel and tourism industry today offers much more than just being a tour guide or working behind a
counter. It’s a fast-paced, creative, and global field filled with purpose-driven opportunities.
Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
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Your Career Passport Starts Here
Start by selecting a field of study—Commerce, Arts, or Science. While Commerce is often the preferred
option, other fields can also lead you into tourism, depending on your interests.
Consider earning a Bachelor’s degree in areas such as:
B.A. in Travel & Tourism
B.Com in Travel & Tourism
BBM with a tourism focus
Upskill with a Master’s Degree:
MBA in Tourism & Hospitality Management
MSc in Tourism Management
MA in Tourism Studies
(Note: Some universities may require entrance exams.)
Certifications like:
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
CHA (Certified Hospitality Administrator)
Gain Real-World Experience
Apply for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer gigs in the tourism sector
Start building your network—connections are everything in this industry
And apart from your passport, you don’t need to be a geography genius or speak five languages to get
started (though both help!). But you do need to be good at:
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Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
Registered office :Ajmera Nucleus, 7th floor, Shanthi Pura, Electronic City, Phase-2, Bengaluru - 560100
Branch Office :No 10, 2 Floor, Seshadripuram Main Road, Above Midas School of Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru -560020
nd
Phone: 080-4124 4184 , +91 9740583531 | query@educafe.com | www.educafe.com
Career Opportunities and Work Settings
Once you complete your education, here are just some of the exciting roles
you could explore:
Travel Consultant / Travel Agent
Tour Manager
Travel Operations Executive
Digital Travel Content Creator / Blogger / Vlogger
Airline Customer Service Agent
Hotel Manager
Adventure and Eco-Tourism Specialist
Travel Tech Innovator
Travel Educator or Trainer
Or even launch your travel agency, homestay, or travel app
Final Thoughts
Why This Field:
The travel and tourism industry is about more than just vacations; it’s about creating unforgettable
experiences and connecting cultures. If you seek new horizons and a career that combines creativity with
connection, this could be the perfect fit for you.
Pack your passion, plan your path, and take the first step toward a career that lets you explore the world. If
you're uncertain about this path, consider contacting a career counselling service for guidance.
Flexible: Say goodbye to rigid office hours
Digital: Work on travel tech, online platforms, and content
creation
Global: Ready to work anywhere and collaborate with
anyone.
Challenges:
Okay, not everything is sunshine and passport stamps. Be ready for:
Irregular work hours (think: night flights, early check-ins)
Seasonal ups and downs
Being away from home for extended periods
Strong communication and people skills
A sense of organization
Cultural awareness and curiosity
Adaptability and problem-solving
A willingness to work non-traditional hours
Social Media Savvy
Crisis Handling
Prescription to Success
Dharmendrra is the COO of Subhash Travelastic Pvt.Ltd Company. He is
a travel entrepreneur and author with 15+ years of experience.
Quick Tip
Start Now: Plan mock
tours, create travel reels, or
volunteer at events and
tourism fairs. Every small
step builds your path.
There are many vast career opportunities still available in our industry, but only those who are always
alert and ready to adapt can thrive. It is essential to have a genuine passion for learning, exploring new
places, and enjoying the fast-paced dynamics of the field.
Available roles include:
Ticketing Executive
Destination Expert
Travel Consultant
Accounts Executive
Follow-Up Executive
Marketing Manager
PR Executive
And more
Snippets of an interview conducted with Dharmendrra U
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What inspired you to choose a career in travel and tourism, and how did you get started ?
What is the role you play in this industry?
It all began as a passion for the travel and tourism industry. What started as a part-time job eventually
grew into a full-time business, leading me to close my pharmacy.
The primary factor that motivated me to remain in this field is the continuous learning process it offers.
The dynamic nature of the travel industry keeps me on my toes, demanding constant awareness and
alertness. I understand that even a small mistake could jeopardise my career as a travel entrepreneur.
I truly love this aspect of the industry.
Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
Registered office :Ajmera Nucleus, 7th floor, Shanthi Pura, Electronic City, Phase-2, Bengaluru - 560100
Branch Office :No 10, 2 Floor, Seshadripuram Main Road, Above Midas School of Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru -560020
nd
Phone: 080-4124 4184 , +91 9740583531 | query@educafe.com | www.educafe.com
I have worked in this industry for 15 years, during which I have held various roles, starting as a ticketing
executive, then becoming a GDS Galileo expert, and later, a holiday consultant. I am currently the COO
of our company, overseeing corporate incentive trips both domestically and internationally. After the
COVID pandemic, we established a private limited company under the name Subhash Travelastic Pvt
Ltd.
What are the different career opportunities or roles available in the travel and tourism industry today?
What skills or qualifications are most important to succeed in this field?
Skills and Qualifications
Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Global Distribution System (GDS) Certificate
IATA Certified
Basic computer skills, particularly in MS Office application
Destination expert (training provided by the employing company)
Strong ability to learn and retain information
Flexibility is key in this business, as no other industry offers the same level of freedom to work from
anywhere. Potential clients can be anyone, even from overseas. This industry differs significantly
from traditional trade businesses.
To succeed in this field, one must excel in time management, financial management, and human
resources management. For those looking to grow monetarily in this industry, it's essential to collaborate
with like-minded individuals who are passionate about travel and tourism, rather than simply working
for financial gain or survival.
What are the biggest challenges in this industry, and how do you overcome them?
This industry is vast, but one of the biggest challenges is finding the right manpower—individuals who are
both passionate and meticulous planners. Every aspect of a tour must be planned according to the client's
needs and requirements. This attention to detail is essential as we cater to the specific needs of the company
and the particular demands of different regions.
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Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
Registered office :Ajmera Nucleus, 7th floor, Shanthi Pura, Electronic City, Phase-2, Bengaluru - 560100
Branch Office :No 10, 2 Floor, Seshadripuram Main Road, Above Midas School of Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru -560020
nd
Phone: 080-4124 4184 , +91 9740583531 | query@educafe.com | www.educafe.com
Can you describe a typical workday, and how flexible is the job in terms of location and timing?
This is something quite unusual for a workday. For me, it feels like an all-day vacation or an entire week of
work.I usually go to the office around 11 or 12 and return home between 6 and 7 PM. I have staff and
partners working with me, but there's a specific set of clients that only I, along with my team, manage.
My work schedule features a mix of days off and workdays.
I handle corporate incentive trips, typically for groups of 100 people or more, and I travel with them as a
tour manager. This role requires extensive planning concerning accommodations, food choices, airlines,
transportation, suppliers, and restaurants abroad.
I often receive calls at 3 AM and 3 PM, and I feel obliged to answer them. However, I never feel stressed
because I genuinely enjoy every moment of my work.
I meet a lot of new people, learn about them, and get to know them better.
Have the industry roles and requirements changed over the last few years, especially after COVID ?
The clients have now become fast decision-makers, with about 65% of them having a plan in place,
especially post-COVID. This shift means that our roles have changed significantly. We must remain
aggressive, attentive, and capable of responding quickly.
Before COVID, prospective clients would often wait for us to quote and engage with them. Today, our
response time has been reduced to just 24 hours—if you respond, you survive; if not, you risk being left
behind.
The industry is undoubtedly vibrant and full of learning opportunities, but you cannot afford to be
complacent.
Do you use social media, apps, or digital platforms in your daily work?
What I believe is that this industry is unique and unusual. You can be transacting millions of rupees while
sitting in just 100 or 50 square meters of office space. Conversely, you could occupy a 3,000-square-foot
office in a prime location and still not complete a single transaction.
That's why you mainly see advertisements in print and on TV from companies like Thomas Cook,
MakeMyTrip, SOTC, and Veena. Since this industry is not yet regulated, practically anyone can start a
travel agency in a matter of days. If someone has contacts, a bit of enthusiasm for travel, and knowledge of
a few destinations, they can start earning from day one.
Social media serves another segment of clients, which accounts for about 38% to 43% of the market.
What is the earning potential in different roles, and how does one grow in this industry?
When it comes to earnings, success in the travel and tour industry hinges on your ability to meet client
needs. The industry can be divided into four categories:
a) Small Agency
These agencies cater to friends and family, earning between 25 lakhs and 1 crore annually while avoiding
client base expansion to minimise overhead costs.
b) Non-IATA Medium-Scale Agency
Employing around 2 to 4 staff, these agencies generate an annual turnover of 1 to 5 crores.
c) IATA Accredited Medium-Scale Agency
With 5 to 10 employees, these agencies earn between 5 and 30 crores a year and serve both individual
clients and corporate companies.
d) IATA Accredited Large-Scale Agency
These B2B agencies, including firms like Thomas Cook and MMT, have significant revenue potential and
high overhead costs, with airline earnings typically below 3%, averaging around 5%.
What advice would you give to a student who wants to turn their love for travel into a career?
I am a travel entrepreneur turned author, and back to being a travel entrepreneur. 15 years of learning
with a zeal and spirit of learning more. Every tour, which I accompany as a tour manager, seems fresh and
all new to me ....as the people in the group force you to learn a new thing or 2. It's all about learning from
your mistakes and mutual communication. In this industry, you can never actually be an expert.If you
keep your head down or remain still, you can earn a significant amount.
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First of all—breathe. You’re not late, and you’re not alone. Feeling unsure at
17 (or even 27!) is more common than you think. The idea that you need to
have your life mapped out before you finish school is a myth. Most people are
figuring it out as they go—and many change careers multiple times in their
lives. What matters now is that you start asking the right questions: What do I
enjoy? What am I good at? What kind of impact do I want to make? What
kind of lifestyle do I want in the future?
You don’t need all the answers right away, but exploring your interests,
abilities, and personality is a great first step. Career assessments, internships,
side projects, and conversations with mentors or counsellors can help give you
clarity—not pressure.
Remember, clarity comes through action. Start small, stay curious, and be
open to discovering a path that excites you—even if it’s not what everyone else
is doing. It’s your journey, not a race.
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Keen to know more
Contact :
Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
Registered office :Ajmera Nucleus, 7th floor, Shanthi Pura, Electronic City, Phase-2, Bengaluru - 560100
Branch Office :No 10, 2 Floor, Seshadripuram Main Road, Above Midas School of Entrepreneurship, Bengaluru -560020
nd
Phone: 080-4124 4184 , +91 9740583531 | query@educafe.com | www.educafe.com
Career Queries
by : Dr. Sudha Bhogle
I’m 17, and I still don’t know what I want to do with my life. Is that bad? Everyone
else seems so sure.
We will talk
about this in our
next Edition .
Can you guess?
Mail us your answers at
educafestudentsolutions
@gmail.com
Confused about your career?
What are the new trends in travel today... e.g. eco-friendly tourism, all-women groups, etc.
Yes, as you mentioned, there are many innovative tour options available,
including:
Women-only tours
Bike adventures
Self-driven SUVs
Trekking excursions
Temple tours
Eco-tourism experiences
·Green tourism initiatives
Student specials
Architecture-focused tours
Hotel management specials
Theme park-based adventures
Local kitchen tours
And many more!
+91 9448042424
enquiry@suubhashtravelastic.com
