BA Tourism Studies: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary

BA Tourism is a 3-year undergraduate course that deals with the study of the tourism industry, its management, development, marketing, and promotion. Those who have completed 10+2 from any stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks are eligible to apply.

The admission into BA Tourism Studies is based on entrance examinations. Some institutes consider CUET-UG for admission, whereas some universities like BHU conduct their own entrance examinations, BHU-UET. The course fees range between INR 8,960 to INR 1,67,000, depending on the institution. Some of the top universities that offer this course include Anna Adarsh College for Women andBanaras Hindu University.

The BA Tourism graduates can apply for jobs at travel agencies, tour operations, event management, hospitality, tourism marketing, and tourism research and policy. Some of the job roles available to them are Tourism Officer, Travel Consultant, Tour Operator, Tour Manager, etc. The freshers can expect an average salary of around INR 4-8 LPA.

BA Tourism Studies Highlights

The basic details of the BA in Tourism Studies are as follows:

What is BA Tourism Studies?

Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies is an undergraduate program focusing on the tourism and hospitality industry. The course provides students with both theoretical and practical knowledge and the learning in travel management, tour operations, tourism economics, geography, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural studies.

After completing a BA in Tourism Studies, one can design a travel itinerary or can organize tours and manage the transportation and accommodations to make travellers' trips enjoyable. Graduates can use their knowledge of geography to select the best locations and to ensure that tourism activities follow sustainable practices to preserve the environment and culture for future visitors.

Why Study BA Tourism Studies?

A Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies helps students learn the skills in tourism marketing, destination management, hospitality management, and business communication. The demand for tourism studies is rising as the global tourism industry is booming, and due to this, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can manage and promote travel and tourism.

Students with a background in tourism studies would have the skills to work in travel companies and handle customer service, strategic planning, and tourism development. As tourism continues to expand, many companies need experts who can navigate the complexities of hospitality and tourism management.

BA Tourism Studies Admission Process

Admission to the BA in Tourism Studiesis usually based on merit or entrance examinations. Candidates should follow the steps below:

• Apply online on the official website of the entrance exam, i.e., CUET (UG).
• Fill out the application form on the university/college's official website.
• Shortlisted candidates would be called for counseling and document verification.
• Selected candidates shall pay the course fee to confirm admission.

BA Tourism Studies Eligibility

The basic eligibility criteria for admission to the BA in Tourism Studies are as follows:

1. The candidate must have passed 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in any field.
2. Some colleges may require candidates to appear for entrance exams, such as CUET(UG) or BHU UET.

BA Tourism Studies Colleges in India

Some of the institutes that offer a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies are as follows:

BA Tourism Studies vs BA Hospitality Management

A BA in Tourism Studies provides the knowledge of Geography of Tourism, Tourism Marketing, Cultural Heritage, and International Tourism Policy. This courseis broader in scope than BA Hospitality Management, as thestudents are prepared to work in sectors such as tour operations, travel agencies, tourism boards, event management, and research organizations. After completion of this course, one can pursue a career as a tourism marketing executive, travel consultant, or destination manager.

Whereas, BA Hospitality Management focuses more on the operational and managerial aspects of hospitality businesses, such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants. The course provides students with the knowledge in customer service, hotel operations, food and beverage management, and event planning. After completion of this course, one can pursue a career as a hotel manager, food and beverage director, or event planner.

BA Tourism Studies Jobs

The basic details of jobs after a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies are as follows:

• Industry: The graduates are employable in a variety of sectors like travel agencies, hotels, airlines, tour operators, event management, and tourism boards.
• Employment Demand: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in travel demand.
• Average Salary: The average salary of tour guides varies based on experience, industry, and location. The average salary ranges between INR 3-4 LPA.

Here are some of the job roles available after a BA in Tourism Studies. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:

BA Tourism Studies FAQs