‘In the next five years we will need five million people in tourism’

A K Bhatia, director of education, Kuoni Academy of Travel, was the former dy director general tourism, Govt. of India, and has three decades of academic experience in promotion and development of tourism, including training both in India and abroad. He speaks to Neeti Mehra of his perception on travel education and training in the country

A K Bhatia Director of Education Kuoni Academy of Travel

As an educator what skills do you feel are essential for a student of tourism?

Tourism is a service industry and disposition, attitude, personality, and commitment are required to be a successful tourism executive. One requires to be updated on the latest trends in travel and tourism. Attitude, personality and communication skills is also required. A doctorate in tourism cannot make up for the lack of these qualities. We give a lot of emphasis on life skills and communication skills in our training programme, because at the end of the day the customer is always at the forefront.

Is professional education imperative?

If you look at the education systems in Europe and USA, a very minuscule number of people go for higher education or graduation in tourism. In India, if after the 10+2 level, a student works and studies alongside, it is more important than completing three years of full time graduation. The working knowledge acquired by working for three years will give an edge over one who complete three years of full time graduation. Plus technology updating skills are also required.

How lucrative is this profession for a student?

It's projected that in the next five years we will need around five million people in tourism alone, largely due to the aviation boom and influx of 3.9 million tourists last year to India. In January '06 we witnessed an 18 per cent year-to-year growth. With the initiative of the government and the private sector in terms of infrastructure we shall see an impetus and growth in employment.

How does an employer counter attrition rates?

It is a question of demand and supply, an issue which will balance out when it is addressed. There are not enough qualified people as many jobs are available. From the employers’ point of view it is necessary that they provide a congenial work environment, perks, pay scales, promotional incentives and facilities.

Should the government look at enhancing their role in this sector?

I feel that the government should have no role in running hotels or airports - these should be left to the private sector. The government is working towards privatisation in the travel and tourism field, which is a welcome step. Basically their role should be that of a facilitator, and they should leave the operational part to the private sector.

Do you feel that the curriculum offered by universities needs to be upgraded?

I had initiated the travel and tourism course in Delhi University about 35 years ago and this very course has not been updated since then. They have realised this now and are updating the curriculum.