MBA Tourism and Hotel Management

• Updated on  13 Aug, 2025 by Akangsha Das

An MBA Tourism and Hotel Management is a postgraduate professional degree that combines core business management with hospitality, travel, and tourism industry-specialized learning. The course normally lasts two years with four semesters and deals with operational, marketing, human resource, finance, and customer relationship management, applied to the hospitality and tourism sectors. The program incorporates internships, project work for industries, and case studies from time to time to provide exposure to students in real-world and practical experience.

 

The applicants should have a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Admission is primarily done on the basis of scores in entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, or CMAT, but few universities also have their own entrance examinations. Career prospects range from a hotel manager, operations head in a resort, travel counselor, event manager, to tourism development officer. Freshers are offered between INR 3 and INR 6 LPA, whereas the seasoned warhorses are given more than INR 10 to INR 15 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Key Highlights
  2. What is MBA Tourism and Hotel Management?
  3. Why Study MBA Tourism and Hotel Management?
  4. Who should study MBA Tourism and Hotel Management?
  5. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Eligibility Criteria
  6. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Entrance Exams 2025
  7. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Course Top Colleges in India
  8. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Admission Process 2025
  9. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Syllabus
  10. MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management VS MBA in Hospitality Management
  11. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Job Opportunities in India
  12. MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Frequently Asked Questions

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Key Highlights

Given below are the highlights of the MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management course:

Key Highlight

Details

Course Name

MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Course Type

Full-time (some institutes offer part-time or executive options)

Admission Process

Entrance exams (CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT) + Group Discussion/Personal Interview

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks

Course Fees

INR 2 – INR 6 lakh (varies by institution)

Top Colleges

IHM Pusa, Christ University, Amity University, Banaras Hindu University

Job Profiles

Hotel Manager, Travel Consultant, Event Manager, Resort Operations Head

Top Recruiters

Taj Group, Marriott, MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, Oberoi Group, Hyatt

Average Salary in India

INR 3 – INR 6 LPA (entry-level); up to INR 15 LPA with experience

 

What is MBA Tourism and Hotel Management?

MBA in Hotel and Tourism Management is a two-year master's program to integrate general business management studies with specialized studies in hotel and tourism businesses. It hopes to enhance students' knowledge in operations, marketing, finance, human resources, and strategic planning with particular reference to the specific requirements of hotel and tourism businesses. Through classwork, internships, and business projects, students are theoretically exposed as well as attaining practical experience.

 

The MBA is most suitable for individuals seeking action-oriented, service-oriented careers in hotel operations, travel consulting, event management, and tourism development. With growing worldwide tourism trends and diversified hospitality needs, the course promises career opportunities in different avenues of careers in the hospitality industry, airlines, cruise ships, resorts, and national and state tourism authorities, worldwide and nationally.

 

Also Read: PGDM in Travel and Tourism

 

Why Study MBA Tourism and Hotel Management?

Master of Business Administration offers a myriad of career choices in hospitality and tourism, including hotels, airlines, cruise ships, travel agencies, event management companies, and tourist boards, to enable students to make a career choice on the basis of interest.

  • Being an international industry, hospitality and tourism expose the graduates to working overseas or with international customers, thus acclimatizing them to multiculturalism, global trends, and international business practices.
  • The industry is increasing steadily with rising travel needs and enhanced infrastructure, providing safe employment and demand for professional experts with efficient managerial abilities.
  • They are usually provided with decent salaries and opportunities for promotion to senior positions, especially in higher-end hospitality or better-paying foreign deputed postings.
  • It is suitable for ambitious entrepreneurs as it offers the training and hands-on exposure required to establish tourism, travel, or hospitality management businesses.
  • Choose recruiters such as Marriott, Taj, Hilton, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook to recruit batches of MBA graduates who receive structured career development, international experience, and professional enhancement.

 

Who should study MBA Tourism and Hotel Management?

An MBA Hotel Management and Tourism is ideal for individuals who aspire to build a career in the vibrant and fast-growing hospitality and travel industry. The program is designed for those who enjoy working with people, thrive in dynamic environments, and seek global career opportunities.

  • People who are interested in travel, hospitality, and making the customer experience exceptional.
  • Any stream graduates (commerce, management, or engineering) who are looking to pursue careers in the international tourism and hotel sector.
  • People who wish to change their technical jobs to people management, service-oriented career streams.
  • People with entrepreneurial aspirations to venture into travel, tourism, or hospitality businesses.
  • International hotel chains, airlines, or tourism board career aspirants.
  • Individuals who like vibrant work cultures, diversity of culture, and international mobility in their work lives.

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Eligibility Criteria

In order to seek an MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management, applicants need to satisfy some academic and admission criteria adopted by universities or business schools. The criteria establish whether students possess the basic knowledge and aptitude required for effective performance in this management course. Although requirements might differ slightly from institution to institution, the overall eligibility is more or less the same in most of India's colleges.

  • The applicants need to have a BBA/BCom or any other relevant bachelor's degree in any field from any known university, usually with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
  • Third-year undergraduate students who are waiting for results are also qualified to apply, subject to presenting evidence of graduation within the given period.
  • The general pattern is that admission is made based on national or university-level entrance examination scores like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, or institute-specific tests.
  • Certain institutes also use work experience, group discussions, and personal interviews as criteria for selection.

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Entrance Exams 2025

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management admissions are generally taken through entrance exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, or GPAT. These tests evaluate various skills in candidates, such as quantitative ability and communication. Shortlisted candidates may also go through group discussions and interviews.

Exam Name

Conducting Authority

Application Dates (Tentative)

Exam Dates (Tentative)

Application Fee

Cut offs

CAT 2025

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

September 21, 2025

November 30, 2025

INR 2,500 (General/OBC), INR 1,250 (SC/ST/PwD)

94–99 percentile

MAT 2026

All India Management Association (AIMA)

March 2026

April 2026

INR 2,100

70-75 percentile

CMAT 2026

National Testing Agency (NTA)

December 2025

January 2026

INR 2,000 (General/EWS/OBC Male), INR 1,000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD)

70-75 percentile

GPAT 2026

National Testing Agency (NTA)

December 2025 – January 2026

February 2026

INR 1,800

Around 60-70

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Course Top Colleges in India

India is home to several reputed institutes offering an MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management, known for their academic excellence, industry tie-ups, and strong placement records. These colleges provide a well-rounded curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, internships, and exposure to real-world hospitality environments. Choosing a top college not only enhances learning but also opens doors to global career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

College Name

Location

Annual Fees (INR)

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sirmaur

Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh

INR 8,30,000

Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM)

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

INR 1,32,000

Chandigarh University

Mohali, Punjab

INR 2,50,000

Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management

Kolkata, West Bengal

INR 2,00,000

Jagran Lakecity University (JLU)

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

INR 80,000

Pondicherry University

Puducherry

INR 60,000

UEI Global

Chandigarh, Punjab

INR 2,00,000

Srinivas University

Mangaluru, Karnataka

INR 1,73,000

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Admission Process 2025

Given below is the admission process of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM)'s MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management program, a renowned institute belonging to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. IITTM has a two-year full-time MBA in hospitality and Tourism program, and admission is through a combination of academic credentials, performance in entrance tests, and personal interviews. The following are the typical steps in their admission process:

 

Step 1: The candidates must have a bachelor's degree (at least 50% for General and 45% for SC/ST) in any discipline from a recognized university.

 

Step 2: The candidates should appear in the IIAT (IITTM Admission Test) conducted by the institute or provide a valid CAT / MAT / CMAT / XAT / ATMA / GMAT score.

 

Step 3: The aspirants must fill in the online application form on the official website of IITTM and submit the application fee.

 

Step 4: Shortlisting is done based on entrance test scores or national-level test scores provided.

 

Step 5: The shortlisted candidates are called for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) at any one of the IITTM campuses.

 

Step 6: Final shortlisting is based on the aggregate of entrance test, GD, PI, and past academic performance.

 

Step 7: Shortlisted candidates have to go through document verification and admission fee deposit to confirm their place.

 

Documents Required

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
  • Transfer and migration certificates
  • Entrance exam scorecard (if applicable)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Photo ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
  • Caste or category certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile and medical certificates (if required)

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Syllabus

MBA in Hotel and Tourism Management program offered by the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) is designed to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical exposure to the dynamic tourism and hospitality industry. The syllabus is structured to cover core management subjects along with specialized courses in tourism operations, destination planning, travel agency management, and hospitality services.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Management Concepts

Tourism Concepts and Linkages

Organizational Behaviour

Tourism Economics

Tourism Economics

Tourism Marketing

Tourism Marketing

Geography and International Tourism

Geography and International Tourism

Contemporary Issues in Tourism

Contemporary Issues in Tourism

Accounting & Finance for Managers

Accounting & Finance for Managers

Business Research Methods

Business Research Methods

Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management

Relationship Marketing

Semester 3

Semester 4

Tourism Marketing

Hospitality Management

Cultural Tourism Resources of India

Destination Planning and Development

Tourism Transportation

Dissertation and Viva-Voce

Computer and Management Information Systems

On-the-Job Training, Report & Viva-Voce

Itinerary Preparation and Tour Packaging

Elective Courses (Specializations)

Research Methodology

Study Tour, Report & Viva-Voce

Discipline-Specific Electives

Elective Courses (Specializations)

 

MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management VS MBA in Hospitality Management

Mentioned below is the comparison between MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management and MBA in Hospitality Management:

Aspect

MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management

MBA in Hospitality Management

Focus Area

Tourism industry, hotel operations, travel management

The broader hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, events, and food services

Scope

Travel agencies, tour operators, hotel chains, tourism boards

Hotels, restaurants, event planning, luxury services, cruise lines

Curriculum

Tourism planning, hotel operations, cultural tourism, and destination marketing

Service management, food & beverage, lodging, customer service, operations

Career Opportunities

Tourism officer, hotel manager, travel consultant, tour operator

Hotel manager, hospitality consultant, F&B manager, guest relations

Industry Orientation

More travel and tourism industry-specific

Covers diverse sectors in hospitality

Key Skills Developed

Destination marketing, travel logistics, and cultural sensitivity

Service excellence, operations management, and guest experience

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Job Opportunities in India

Given below are some job opportunities that professionals can pursue after completing the MBA Tourism and Hotel Management course:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Hotel Manager

3–5 years

Taj Group, Oberoi Hotels, Marriott, Hilton

INR 6–12 LPA

Travel Consultant

0–2 years

Thomas Cook, MakeMyTrip, SOTC, Yatra.com

INR 3–5 LPA

Event Manager

2–4 years

Wizcraft, Cox & Kings, Fountainhead, WOW Events

INR 4–7 LPA

Tourism Officer

1–3 years

Government Tourism Departments, IRCTC

INR 3–6 LPA

Resort Operations Head

4–6 years

Club Mahindra, Sterling Holidays, The Leela

INR 7–10 LPA

 

MBA Tourism and Hotel Management Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary of MBA in tourism management?

In India, the average salary of an MBA graduate in Tourism Management is INR 4-9 lacs per annum based on experience; however, it can increase in the case of experience and specialization. Salaries also depend on the type of employers, position held and the location and the highest paying employers and luxury hotels have the best packages. Experienced staff members are also likely to be provided with some sort of incentives on top of the basic salary.

Can I become a hotel manager after an MBA?

Yes, candidates can be a hotel manager after studying an MBA in hospitality and Tourism. The course prepares students with the necessary knowledge on hotel operations, management, and customer care, therefore adequate to act in leadership capacities within the hotel and resorts. Managers are required to have an MBA in many hospitality chains, since they have knowledge in the aspects of business and tourism.

What is the scope of MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management?

MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management holds different areas of work such as in hotels, airlines, travel agencies, event management firms, and tourism departments of government. There is a development of the industry, which is becoming more dependent on rising domestic and international travel and tourism. A degree in this field offers students with an opportunity to become hotel manager, travel consultant, event coordinator, and tourism marketer among others.

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National Testing Agency (NTA|
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Exam2 Apr, 2025 - 9 Apr, 2025
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IITs and IISc|
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Exam16 Feb, 2025
Result19 Mar, 2025
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PG|
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)|
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Exam30 Nov, 2025
Result19 Dec, 2025
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Xavier Labour Relations Institute|
Management
Exam5 Jan, 2025
Result17 Jan, 2025
ONLINE|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
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Exam18 May, 2025
Result2 Jun, 2025
Online|
UG|
Birla Institute of Technology and Science|
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Exam26 May, 2025 - 30 May, 2025
Result31 Jul, 2025
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Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies|
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Exam5 Nov, 2025 - 23 Dec, 2025
Result5 Nov, 2025 - 24 Dec, 2025
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UG|
National Testing Agency|
Design
Exam9 Feb, 2025
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National Board of Examinations|
Medical
Exam15 Jun, 2025
Result12 Dec, 2024
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