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. The proficiency in the foreign language is a significant value add to your CV as the career options in foreign languages are infinite and ever-growing.
The Hotel, Leisure, Entertainment, Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism sector are one of the largest and fastest-growing industries of the domestic and global economies. The foreign language is explicit conduct and advantage for all looking into this industry as a future career. The career options in Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality for language learners continues to be very robust and seamlessly increasing.
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Why Choose Travel, Tourism & Hospitality as a Career?
The Indian tourism industry is growing at a phenomenal pace. The travel, tourism, and hospitality industry in India is one that’s 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. No wonder the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry contribute the 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 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.
There is a great career opportunity for language learners in the tourism, travel, hotel, leisure, entertainment, and hospitality industry. The sector ranks at number 7 in the world, regarding its contribution to the country’s GDP, based on a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). It is noteworthy that India’s Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality sector will support about 37.316 million jobs, standing at 8.7% of the entire employment force in India.
Importance of Languages in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism account for 8% of the world’s jobs and have the highest potential for growth of any industry. 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 that travel, likely they may not excel in the language of the foreign country that they are going to. Foreign language skills can be utilized in the industry to assist the international traveler, communicate with them and employees in those countries, and to 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 customers of foreign origin. 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.
Career in Travel industry for Language Experts
The industry offers an array of different jobs to aspiring professionals. There are a wide range of foreign language jobs in India available in a variety of sectors including Travel Agencies, Visitor Information Centres, Events and Tourism Services, guide, travel consultant, tour operator, customer service at domestic and international airports, customer ground handling at airports, airfare & ticketing officer, event manager, adventure tourism expert, holiday consultant, transport officer, Cruise Ship Jobs, logistics, Flight attendant, Travel writer, photographer, tourism departments, Immigration officers / specialist and hotels & resorts in private and government sectors.
Where to find Jobs?
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 management, airlines, cruises and other transportation, leisure, recreation and sports management, travel agents and more, constitute the major employers in this sector. You cannot afford to mix out on such vast career opportunities.
How to Become a Language 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, and you will also find a plethora 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 and tourism provide workers with an enjoyable atmosphere, flexible hours, and opportunities to meet new people all the time.
You will able to 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 who are on holiday?
Read — (i) Career in Translation and Interpretation (ii) Language Jobs in BPO, KPO and MNC (iii) Career Scope for Language Teachers (iv) Job Opportunities in Export and Import Industry (v) Foreign Language Jobs in Embassy (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, at least aim for Intermediate level in the corresponding languages. B1 or B2 in Zertifikat Deutsch (German), CILS or CELI (Italian language test), DELE (Spanish), or DELF/DALF French language proficiency test, Mandarin Chinese Level III or IV in HSK Exam in India, Japanese N3 or N2 in JLPT exam in India, TOPIK Level 3 or 4 in Korean Language Proficiency test.
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 Travel and Tourism
In the Travel, 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. After 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 all over the country. Thus mastering these language has become a priority for those who are associated with this sector. The demand for Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, etc. are also on rising since ten thousands of people from Russia, Israel, Middle-East, etc. visit India as tourists.
Read — (i) Benefits of Learning Spanish (ii) Advantages of Learning French (iii) Why Learn Japanese? (iv) Scope of German (v) Career in Chinese (vi) Why Learn Arabic (vii) Future of Russian (viii) Best Languages for Jobs (ix) Foreign Language Advantages
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, career in tourism, hospitality, and travel for language learners provides a tremendous opportunity for ambitious candidates who enjoy working with people.
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 licenced linguist guide, you need to appear for a test conducted by IITTM (Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management). It is supported by 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. You can read more HERE
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 12th standard. I have 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 most highest paid jobs in tourism industry in India?? also I would like to know if we are needed to have any great traveling experiences and wat 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 counselling!
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 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 to 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. Read — Job opportunities for foreign language teachers
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. Read – Which Language to Learn and Career Options in Foreign Languages.