Foreign Language skills open up plenty of specialist career paths, including Career in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality for language learners.
Still wondering, “Why to learn another language?” With the world becoming a single global village.
Foreign language proficiency is a significant value add to your CV as the career options in languages are infinite and ever-growing.
The hotel, leisure, entertainment, hospitality, travel, and tourism sector are among the largest and fastest-growing industries of the domestic and global economies.
The foreign language is explicit conduct and an advantage for all looking into this industry as a future career.
The career options in the tourism sector for language learners continue to be very robust and seamlessly increasing.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Career in Travel Sector?
The Indian tourism industry is growing at a phenomenal pace.
The travel industry in India is rich in culture, heritage, and geographical diversity.
Mountains, forest, beach, desert, historical monuments, religious sites, old towns, and modern cities — just name it — India has it all.
It is no wonder the travel industry contributes a more significant part to the Indian economy.
There is a high level of growth in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry in India.
And from all indications, it is clear that this trend will continue for many years to come.
By 2025, it is estimated that the broad spectrum of the tourism industry will produce more than 46 million job opportunities.
As per IBEF, The Government of India has set a target of 20 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) by 2020.
And this is likely to grow to $48 billion by then, according to BW.
The Indian government has also taken concrete steps, establishing sound initiatives to improve the structure and promote efficiency in the industry.
The sector ranks at number 7 globally regarding its contribution to the country’s GDP, based on a report released by WTTC.
It is noteworthy that India’s tourism sector will support about 37.316 million jobs, standing at 8.7% of the entire employment force.
There is a great career opportunity for language learners in the tourism, travel, hotel, leisure, entertainment, and hospitality industry.
Importance of Languages in Tourism
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism account for 8% of the world’s jobs and have the highest growth potential.
By 2028, travel & tourism is forecast to support 11.6% of total employment.
Millions of foreigners visit India as tourists every year.
Of many tourists who travel, they may likely not excel in the language of the foreign country they are going to.
Foreign language skills can be useful in the industry to assist the international traveler, interact with them and employees in those countries, and work abroad.
You can decide to work and act as a guide for these tourists.
With your knowledge in a foreign language, you might be the customer service staff they need.
Your multilingual credentials can get you hired just about anywhere that has to do with clients and foreign origin customers.
Proficiency is an essential prerequisite for successful communication in the tourism industry.
Most companies prefer employees who know at least one foreign language apart from English.
A career in Hospitality for Language Experts
The industry offers an array of different jobs to aspiring professionals. There is a wide range of foreign language jobs in India available in a variety of sectors.
It includes travel agencies, visitor information centers, support executives, airfare & ticketing staff, transport officer, logistics, flight attendants, immigration officers, hotels & resorts in private and government sectors.
You can also work on cruise ships or one of the many domestic and international airports.
As a freelancer, you can try as an event manager, tour operator, guide, adventure tourism expert, holiday consultant, travel writer, or photographer.
Where to find Jobs?
The government department of tourism, major MNCs, custom and immigration services, 5-star and mid-range hotels, resorts & suites, shopping malls, parks and recreation centers, spa, and wellness.
The jobs in airlines, cruises, and other transportation, leisure, recreation, travel agents, and sports management constitute the major employers in this sector.
You cannot afford to mix out on such vast career opportunities.
How to Become a Linguist Tour Guide in India?
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, grants licenses to guides on a regional basis after fulfilling required conditions.
The fourth category is Expert – Linguistic.
Apart from English, those fluent in French, German, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Japanese, Thai, Arabic, Hungarian, Polish, Hebrew, Chinese, etc., as identified by the Ministry from time to time, would be approved under this category.
The fluency shall be tested at the time of written examination, which shall be given in the foreign language selected by the candidate for which he or she aspires to become a linguistic guide.
Creative, Flexibility, Fun, and Opportunity to Travel
The jobs in this industry are fun, vibrant, and always exciting.
Not all posts are 9 to 5. You will find plenty of emerging professionals across the sector, namely travel blogger, interpreter, translator, head chef, photographer, adventure tour guide, and many more.
Initially, Jobs are not high paying like other industries.
However, jobs in travel provide workers with an enjoyable atmosphere, flexible hours, and opportunities to meet new people all the time.
You will travel while you earn a living, whether locally, nationally, or internationally located. Besides, you also get plenty of opportunities to go and see the world.
What can be more exciting than coming to work every day and meeting people from all over the world on vacation?
Read → (i) Career in translation (ii) Language jobs in BPO (iii) Scope for language teachers (iv) Jobs in export-import (v) Embassy foreign language jobs (vi) Career in languages after 12th
Certificate Types and Requirements
If you want to make a career in the broad spectrum of travel and sector, aim for the corresponding languages’ Intermediate level.
B1 or B2 in Zertifikat Deutsch (German), CILS or CELI (Italian), DELE or SIELE (Spanish), or DELF/DALF French proficiency test.
In East Asia languages, you can aim for Mandarin level III or IV in the HSK Exam, Japanese N3 or N2 in the JLPT, or level 3/4 of the Korean TOPIK exam.
Advanced Diploma or higher proficiency in the same language are also accepted in most organizations.
Knowledge about historical sites, history, tourist destinations, culture, and customs are added advantages.
Salary Package and Remuneration
In the travel and tourism, and hospitality industry, the salaries for foreign language experts are pretty good.
It rises further if you are working in the International market.
Moreover, you get added perks such as free travel or reduced rates for you and your family. Peak seasons might bring bonuses, incentives, commission, and other perks.
Top Foreign Languages in the Tourism Industry
Multilingual services play an essential role in the field of travel and tourism.
English, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, and Japanese seem to be the most useful languages in the tourism industry.
Over the past few years, tourists from China and German-speaking countries have increasingly become active worldwide.
Thus mastering these languages has become a priority for those who are associated with this sector.
The demand for Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, etc., are also rising since ten thousand people from Russia, Israel, the Middle-East, etc., visit India as tourists.
Conclusion
Providing opportunities to showcase India and Indian culture, food, customs, history, traditions, and heritage on the world stage are all vital ingredients to the success of the tourism industry.
As a vast, dynamic, vibrant, lively, and growing industry, a language career in tourism, travel, and hospitality provide a tremendous opportunity for ambitious candidates who enjoy working with people.
Hello sir,
My name is Anes. I’m 16, and I’m already fluent in 4 languages: Macedonian, Serbian, English, and Turkish. Now I’m learning French and planning to master French by the time I finish middle school and be fluent in 5 languages until’ the age of 18. While I’m learning at University, I want to learn (Spanish or Arabic). I think learning Spanish is better because it’s almost the same as Italian and Portugal, so it’s better. What’s your opinion on this sir?
I also have some other questions:
1. How can I get a certificate (proof) that I’m fluent in these languages?
2. What are the chances of me getting a job in languages?
3. I’m interested in Travel, so what do you recommend me to learn at University? (I want to be a tour guide and if it’s possible getting other jobs with my knowledge in languages)
4. Do they pay higher for being multilingual?
Thank you for your time, sir. I’ll appreciate your help and response!
It is magnificent to know that you are passionate about learning multiple languages.
1. You have to appear for recognized language proficiency tests or university exams like DELF – French, DELE – Spanish, TYS – Turkish, etc. Knowing a language or speaking to some degree is not equivalent to passing a higher level of these exams. I’d suggest you choose 1-2 language and then enroll in some educational institutions or take those exams as an external student.
2. It is very high if you’re really good at that, but it depends on your engagement with the languages. A certification makes some difference.
3. You should consider UG and PG in Travel and Hospitality, whatever options are available in your country. Languages will positively help you stand out in the crowd in the long run.
4. Yes, but it depends.
Good luck!
Sir, my name is Akanksha, and I am in the first year of the BA program. And I want to do some job in abroad. Could you plz suggest to me which language I should learn? I am interested in Korean or Japanese.
The choice of language is pretty subjective, and only you can decide. It should be based on your interest, target country, and goal. Both languages are ok though the Japanese offer more career opportunities.
I am 23 years old, studied Btech in IT stream, and passed out in 2018. Currently, I am working in Ahmedabad. I have zero knowledge of French, German, and Spanish languages, but I desire to learn them. I would like to know whether it is possible to learn languages online cause now, in this pandemic, I don’t see any chance of classroom experience.
Yes, you can learn at least basic or lower intermediate level online. These days, most of the institutes are offering online courses. Alternatively, you can also find any teacher. Later, at a higher level, you can join any offline classes.
Hello Sir
I have done B.A. (Hons.) in German language. I have MMB’s B2 Zertifikat. I am 22 and looking forward to starting my career in travel and tourism. I have done too much web browsing but still clueless on the right platform that could give me a job list in this sector that involves the German language as one of the requirements. Could you please help me with the right navigation to reach these jobs?
Thank you!
You just asked on my other blog. You can obtain a travel guide license by taking the linguist tour guide test conducted by IITTM. Currently, the tourism industry is going through a bad phase due to the spread of covid-19. Once things normalize, you can check with the top brand in this field. Also, it is good to build contacts on LinkedIn, especially with the HRs of various companies.
Sir, I was a flight attendant for a domestic airline for 4 years and a middle eastern international airline for a year. I lost my job due to the pandemic. I have started learning Spanish from Instituto Cervantes. Can you please suggest to me to what level should I study and what will be the best work field for me?
DELE B2 is usually considered a benchmark for a vast majority of jobs requiring Spanish. You can work in any MNC or Indian company that needs Spanish specialists. Also, content writing, teaching, and translation are evergreen sectors.
Greetings for the day sir!!
My name is pooja. And recently, I have done my graduation in Bschmct. I am fond of learning new languages and attractions to different types of peoples, languages, professions, morals, and ethical values. So, now I want to postgraduate masters in travel and tourism management. I also have basics knowledge of the French language. So before the masters, is any need to learning or test in any international language?
Language skills in the tourism industry is a great value add to your C.V. So you can certainly learn and take the DELF test now or later. But this depends on your goal and not compulsory.
Hello sir, I have completed b1 in French from Alliance Francaise de Delhi, and want to be a tour guide. So, how can I be a tour guide? Do I need to pursue any other course for this? And also from where I can get the jobs in travel industries like how to search for companies in this field? Waiting for your reply, sir!
If you want to work in this field, look for courses related to this sector. For example, a diploma or MBA in travel and Tourism. You can also take the linguistic tour guide exam conducted by IITTM or further learn till you achieve advanced ability like DALF C1.
I, Mr. Rabindra Nath Basu, retired Principal want to join as a tour guide in a reputed Travel agency. My qualification is BSC (HONS), MSC (NBU), B.Ed. I have sound knowledge and good proficiency in spoken English. Please do something for me. With warm regards
Sir, you can contact some major travel agencies in a nearby location and also check some job portals. I’m sure you will find something worthwhile post-retirement.
Hello sir
I have done my graduation in BA program, and I am doing Spanish from Instituto Cervantes, I want to be a Spanish teacher and also I want to work as a freelancer Spanish guide. Can you please suggest which field is better. Also, to be a Spanish guide if I do a diploma course in travel and tourism will it help?
Yes, it will help. Plus, you can also appear for the Spanish test conducted by IITTM in association with the Ministry of Tourism to gain the license for the linguist guide.
Hello sir, my name is Riya Palkar, and I reside in Mumbai. I am just done with my 12th std. I want to learn the Spanish language. So, can you please suggest some good institutes or classes from where I can learn Spanish and get the DELE or SIELE certificates?
Instituto Hispania, Academia De Español, and Hispanic Horizons are three excellent choices.
Hello sir,
I am willing to learn the German language. Will you please suggest me good and less costly classes?
Where you want to learn Akshata? I can suggest some options based on the city.
Sir, I am fond of foreign languages I want to do, but I am confused between French and Spanish. Sir, could you please guide me on which language is better and in how much time I’ll be able to learn a foreign. What would be the growth of my career after learning a foreign language?
You can read some of the articles on this blog. I have covered all the topics in detail.
I have completed a BA (hons) and Masters’s in the German language from Delhi university. I also have a B2 certificate from the Goethe Institute. Can you guide me on what kind of jobs I can apply for? Especially if I want a government job (ministry of external affairs or foreign affairs), what should I do now?
You can look for German language specialist jobs in MNC and export houses. You can try profiles for translators, interpreters, and teachers. Apply through various job portals or get in touch with many HRs on LinkedIn. Since there are limited government jobs, thus, it will be challenging to find one in that area.
I am 69 years old German returned person. I am looking for a job in part or full time in the tour guide. My language skill is German and few Indian language. I was working for BMW company in Berlin for 22years. So German language is not a problem for me.
Sir, It will be challenging to find a job as a tour guide at the age of 69.
Hello sir,
I am currently pursuing a B2 level in the German language. I want to know what kind of career opportunities does the tourism sector provides for linguists apart from a travel guide. Kindly, let me know if I can contact you to discuss further regarding the same.
There is a variety of language jobs like holiday or tour consultant, event manager, working in a cruise ship to the aviation industry, resorts and high-end hotels, customer services concerning foreign tourists, translator, and interpreter, to name a few.
I am interested in this job because I like traveling, but I do not speak English, Japanese and other languages. I can speak English but not sure and not better. So I am trying to speak English.
Language is just one of the many things you need. I wish you success in all your future endeavors.
Sir, I have done my diploma in German language and B.Com as well. Now I am pursuing b2 in German and M.com too. I want a suitable job in the german field, just like travel, tourism and hospitality. I want to know where should I apply. Which companies are hiring German learners?
After B2, You can try jobs in KPO, BPO and MNCs as a German specialist. There are plenty of companies like Amazon, Accenture, Convergys, IBM, TCS, HCL, Oracle, AE, WNS, iEnergizer, and hundreds of small and mid-size MNCs.
Hi sir,
Myself Sahil. I am pursuing my graduation and a student of arts. I have learned Spanish language & now i am working in an MNC company Ienergizer Noida. But sir i want to be a professional Spanish guide i have completed B2 level. I dont have any idea. How can i start my career in tourism?
To become an approved and licensed linguist guide, you need to appear for a test conducted by IITTM (Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management). It is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The University also provides the required training. Usually, the test is held once in two years. After completing the training and exam, you can work with any company or as a freelance Spanish tour guide.
Hello Sir,
I have done B.A.LL.B and am soon going to start to learn German. I aim to do a travel-related course in Germany and then look for a job. Can you suggest me some courses? Can I get placed in Germany only based on german knowledge?
For overseas studies, it is better to contact any study abroad consultancy. No, it is not possible to get a job in Germany solely based on German language skills.
Sir, I am doing my bachelor’s with Japanese from BHU, my subject combination is Japanese, English, tour, and travel management. What type of jobs can I get after my graduation and also after I have qualified my N3?
You can explore opportunities as a travel and holiday consultant, tour operator as a linguist guide, or jobs in hotels, resorts, airports, travel agency, and immigration departments.
Hello Sir,
I have learned the German language (b2 level). I want to do a job in the travel industry. Could you please tell me or could you please tell where I can apply for it.
For that, you need to contact some of the major companies in the field of Travel and Tourism industry. Besides, explore some possibilities on various job portals.
Hello sir, I have done b1 level in French. I want to choose guideline or want to go to the embassy, but i don’t know how to apply.
Sorry, I didn’t get you. Guideline for what?
Hello Sir,
I am currently learning the German language and pursuing bachelors of commerce. I do not like monotonous jobs. Which jobs are suitable for me in the travel and tourism sector? How much can I earn through such jobs? What qualifications are required for these jobs?
Travel and Hospitality are the largest service industries in India. It will be difficult to answer in a few lines. A master degree, along with language skills, are prefered. Earning depends on individual capability. 🙂
Sir, I have done diploma in Spanish from D.U. I went to Cervantes, but the fees are exorbitant. I want to study further. Could so please suggest me an institute which is good and affordable.
You can enroll in Instituto Hispania in Panchsheel Park. The centre offers quality Spanish teaching at an affordable price. Recently, I wrote Instituto Hispania Reviews.
Dear Mr Vikash Gupta,
I’m Santhosh (40 yrs) a polyglot can speak 9 Indian and 5 foreign languages Beginner. I’m working as a Technical trainer under training and development (International exposure). I have done my master in design, tool engineering background. My hobby is to be in hospitality with foreign and Indian language background. What do you suggest for people like me to start a new career in enhancing my hobby.
As a hobby, you can learn multiple languages, even if you speak only elementary level. Career-wise, it is better to have excellent command over one compares to 3 with only beginners or lower intermediate competencies. Maybe you can choose one language from your arsenal and continue beyond beginners level. You can do various things, such as freelance training, translation, interpretation, content writing, blogging, consultancy, and many more.
Sir, I am a graduate in political science but I am interested in learning a foreign language so planning to join a Chinese school in Kolkata. Will it be okay if I do so and what must I do after completing the study for finding a job in a foreign country.
Pursue some in-demand master programs like MBA in IB, Finance, etc. from a reputed University.
Hello sir, I’m 17 yrs old n currently in the 12th standard. I have a great passion for German and I’m learning German as an optional subject in my school but soon after completing my 12th standard I will be giving the levels… traveling around the world is my 2nd passion…may I know that which is one of the highest-paid jobs in the tourism industry in India??
Also, I would like to know if we are needed to have any great traveling experiences and what courses and exams are needed to be given??… lastly I wanted to know if we can work in any foreign tourism industry after completing courses and exams in India but not working in India?? Please do reply sir???
Already replied earlier in different article — Foreign Language Jobs. I believe you need a proper one-to-one career counseling!
hello i am Deepak from Delhi. I am only 12 pass out in 2009. I have 9 years gap. I am doing job with private firm. Actually i am looking job oriented language course. Give me some right direction.
There is no such thing as job oriented language course. Depending on the proficiency level, It will take anywhere between 2 to 5 years to learn a new language from scratch. In this competitive job market, one needs at least an upper-intermediate level to get a decent job as a language specialist.
A 6 or 12-month course won’t help in your career trajectory. I’d suggest you read more and take a few weeks to think it over. Once you’re convinced, then you can choose a language and finally join any learning centre as per affordability, requirement, and location. You can always ask me about that.
Hello,
I am learning german language. What type of jobs are there on cruise ships? Where will my german come to use in that job? What type of jobs are there on cruise ships? What qualifications do you need to get a cruise ship job?
There are various kinds of jobs on cruise ships like sailing and navigation, Medical, Health and wellness, Recreation Management, Hospitality, Maintenance and Logistics, administration, just to name a few. The cruise industry is a truly global industry and having good foreign language skills such as German are helpful to obtain a position on board a cruise ship. Qualification will depend upon the nature of the job.
I am an M.A in English and have had three years diploma in spanish language. Presently I have been teaching in a school but i want to work as a language trainer. What is the way and how will i do that?
Well, if your Spanish is good enough, you can apply to a new opening in any language institute or as a corporate trainer. Experience plays a more important role than academic qualification. You can also appear for DELE Exam to check your Spanish proficiency. B2/C1 is usually required in most cases.
Sir I am Sandipan Maity from West Bengal. I have completed B Tech in electronics telecommunication 2015 pass out. Till then I am jobless. Now I have take admission in alliance Francaise du bengale for b1 level. If i should completed b1 level from this institution i shall get a decent job without experience as a fresher candidate?
You should at least aim for DELF B2. It would be difficult to get a decent job after B1. It will take 2-3 years to complete B2.
Which language has better career option in India and which kinds of degree should I get. Can I get a job in travel and tourism sector after studying from IGNOU.
If you want to pursue a career in foreign languages, you should aim for a high level of proficiency. IGNOU offers only certificate courses which is not enough. Try 3-year Advanced Diploma or BA (Hons) from any University or study till Advanced level in a reputed institute. You can choose one from the top 5 languages.