Master of Tourism Administration
Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) is a two-year postgraduate programme that prepares graduates for management and planning roles in the tourism and travel industry, open to candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline. It covers tourism planning and policy, destination management, travel agency and tour operations, tourism marketing, transport and aviation management, and sustainable tourism, combined with industry visits, internships and a research project. The programme takes a broader, policy and management view of tourism than a hotel-specific degree, covering government tourism bodies and destination-level planning as well as private travel businesses. MTA suits graduates who want a management career in tour operations, destination management, travel agencies or tourism administration.
About Master of Tourism Administration
Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) is a two-year postgraduate programme that prepares graduates for management and planning roles in the tourism and travel industry, open to candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline. It covers tourism planning and policy, destination management, travel agency and tour operations, tourism marketing, transport and aviation management, and sustainable tourism, combined with industry visits, internships and a research project. The programme takes a broader, policy and management view of tourism than a hotel-specific degree, covering government tourism bodies and destination-level planning as well as private travel businesses. MTA suits graduates who want a management career in tour operations, destination management, travel agencies or tourism administration.
Why Choose Master of Tourism Administration
Broader view of the tourism sector
MTA covers policy, planning and destination management alongside the business side of travel and tourism, unlike hotel-specific programmes.
Career paths in government and private sector
Graduates can work in state tourism departments and boards as well as private tour operators, travel agencies and airlines.
Growing sector
Domestic and international travel in India has been expanding, creating demand for trained tourism management professionals.
Research and planning skills
The dissertation and policy-focused subjects build analytical skills useful for planning and consulting roles.
Detailed Syllabus (4 semesters over 2 years)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university; most universities ask for 45–50% aggregate marks, though institutions may ask for more. |
| Mandatory Subjects | None mandatory; a background in tourism, hospitality, geography or management can help but is not required |
| Entrance Exams | No common national entrance exam; admission is usually through the university's or institute's own entrance test, group discussion and interview, or on graduation marks |
Admission Process
Complete a bachelor's degree
Complete a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, meeting the minimum percentage required.
Apply to universities/institutes
Fill the application form of the chosen university or institute and submit the required documents before the deadline.
Entrance test, group discussion or interview
Appear for the university's or institute's own written test, group discussion and personal interview, where it conducts one.
Merit list or selection
Check the selection list based on graduation marks or the entrance test and interview performance.
Admission confirmation
Complete document verification, pay the admission fee and complete enrolment formalities.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 per year (indicative) |
| Private Institutions | ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 per year (indicative) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹20,000 – ₹2 lakh over 2 years, depending on a government or private institution |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹2.2–3 LPA |
| Payback Period | 2–3 years |
Figures are indicative and vary by institution, city and individual career path; they are not a guarantee of placement or salary.
Scholarship Opportunities
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Regular full-time PG students above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exam, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year. | ₹12,000 per year (UG, first three years); ₹20,000 per year (PG, and years 4–5 of five-year courses) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students | SC, ST or OBC students within the applicable income limit, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal or the relevant state portal. | Fees and a maintenance allowance; amounts set by the Centre and states |
Career Opportunities
Top Recruiters
Typical Salary Packages
| Tour Operations Executive | Avg: ₹2.8 LPA | Range: ₹2.2–3.8 LPA |
| Destination Management Executive | Avg: ₹3 LPA | Range: ₹2.4–4 LPA |
| Travel Consultant | Avg: ₹2.5 LPA | Range: ₹2–3.5 LPA |
| Tourism Marketing Executive | Avg: ₹2.8 LPA | Range: ₹2.2–3.8 LPA |
* These are indicative figures based on industry patterns; actual packages vary by employer, city and individual performance.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsGraduates typically start as executives handling tour packages, bookings or destination coordination, under supervision.
Mid Level
2–5 yearsWith experience, professionals take on larger client accounts or manage a destination or product line.
Senior Level
5–10 yearsExperienced professionals manage a team or region, overseeing operations, marketing or destination strategy.
Advanced
10+ yearsAt a senior level, professionals may head a travel company's operations or a government tourism board or corporation.