If you ask anyone who graduated in Hospitality or Tourism Management around 2020–21, most of them will tell you that life didn’t go as planned. The dream of wearing crisp uniforms, greeting guests with a smile, or managing luxury resorts suddenly vanished when the pandemic hit. Airports shut down, hotels turned empty, and the entire hospitality industry, once booming, came to a standstill.

But five years later, what’s the reality of hospitality and tourism degrees in India? Is the situation better now? Are graduates getting back on track, or has the charm of this industry faded forever?

Before COVID: The Golden Time of Hospitality Dreams

Before the pandemic, hospitality and tourism were among the most attractive professional degrees in India. Students from institutes like IHM, Amity, Christ University, and Lovely Professional University were easily placed in leading hotel chains, Taj, Marriott, Oberoi, ITC, or Hyatt.

Tourism was booming too. India was seeing record numbers of foreign visitors each year, and travel startups were everywhere, MakeMyTrip, OYO, GoIbibo, and Airbnb were growing aggressively. A degree in this field meant one thing: job security with glamour.

You could imagine yourself working in an international resort, wearing a badge that said “Guest Relations Executive,” and meeting people from all over the world. Then, COVID changed everything.

The Pandemic: A Silent Career Breaker

The impact of COVID-19 was brutal. It wasn’t just about losing jobs, it was about losing hope. Hotels, airlines, and travel agencies started layoffs. Fresh graduates didn’t even get a chance to step into the industry. Many students from 2019–2021 batches said they had to take unrelated jobs, some in call centers, others in sales or digital marketing, just to survive.

A hospitality graduate from IHM Mumbai shared in an interview,

“I completed my course in 2020, but there was no placement. I had to start working in an online food delivery startup because hotels weren’t hiring at all. It was emotionally exhausting after spending 3 years learning service management and food production.”

And that’s what defined the reality for many, the struggle to find relevance in a world where the hospitality industry itself was unsure of survival.

After COVID: The Slow Revival of Hope

By 2023–24, the Indian hospitality industry started breathing again. Domestic travel picked up first. People wanted to escape lockdown memories and explore new places. Hill stations, homestays, and short weekend getaways became popular again.

Tourism boards started promoting “Incredible India” more aggressively. International tourists slowly began returning. Airlines resumed full operations. And with this gradual recovery, hospitality graduates started getting calls again.

The New Reality: Adapt or Get Left Behind

Having a degree in hospitality or tourism no longer guarantees a stable career. The industry wants multi-skilled professionals who can adapt to tech-driven, post-COVID realities.

1. Digital Skills Are Now Essential

From online bookings to contactless check-ins, everything has gone digital.

Hotels expect staff to know how to manage online reputation, understand CRM tools, and even handle social media.

Many students who learned traditional hotel management are now taking courses in digital marketing, content creation, or online customer experience just to stay relevant.

2. Domestic Tourism Is the Real Winner

International tourism still fluctuates, but domestic tourism has exploded.

Young Indians prefer weekend trips, work-from-hills, or eco-stays.

This has created new opportunities in resorts, boutique hotels, local homestays, and travel startups, not necessarily in 5-star hotels.

3. Hospitality Is Merging With Other Industries

You’ll now find hospitality graduates working in corporate client servicing, event management, luxury retail, and even wellness and healthcare sectors.

4. Pay Scales Are Still Low

Let’s be honest: salaries remain one of the biggest disappointments. Entry-level pay in most hotels is still around ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month, depending on the city and brand.

Many graduates feel demotivated because, despite working long hours, financial growth is slow compared to other industries like IT or finance.

But those who stay, those who love the art of service, say that hospitality gives something other jobs don’t: a global mindset.

Real Stories From the Field

• Ritika, 26 (Goa) “I lost my hotel job in 2020. During the lockdown, I learned social media marketing and started promoting local homestays on Instagram. Today, I manage digital campaigns for 15+ boutique resorts across India. My hospitality degree still helps me understand what travelers really want.”

• Arjun, 29 (Bangalore) “I work as a front office manager now, but post-COVID, guest expectations have doubled. They want safety, hygiene, digital ease, and personal attention, all together. It’s stressful but satisfying when guests appreciate your effort.”

• Neha, 24 (Delhi) “I joined hospitality because I loved hotels. But after COVID, I realized I could use the same skills in event management. Now, I organize weddings and conferences. My degree gave me the foundation of discipline and service.”

These stories show that while the industry struggled, the spirit of hospitality, adaptability, warmth, and resilience, never died.

What Students Should Know Before Choosing This Field (2025 & Beyond)

If you’re planning to pursue a hospitality or tourism degree today, here’s the reality:

Be ready for a slow start.

The industry takes time to reward you, but it teaches you real-world professionalism like no other.

Focus on technology and communication.

Learn hotel software, social media, and basic analytics. They’ll make you stand out.

Explore entrepreneurship.

Many graduates now run their own cafés, travel agencies, and homestays. The degree gives you the foundation to serve people, and that’s a business skill too.

Network constantly.

The hospitality world runs on connections. Build relationships with mentors, alumni, and managers.

Stay patient and passionate.

This industry still values those who genuinely enjoy serving others.

Also Read:

• Is a Home Science Degree Worth It in India? Career Scope & Salary
• Should You Study Sociology, Philosophy, or Anthropology in India?

Final Thoughts: Hospitality Is Changing, Not Dying

COVID-19 did not kill hospitality, it redefined it. Today, it’s less about luxury hotels and more about meaningful experiences.

People want personal service, authenticity, and emotional connection, and that’s exactly what good hospitality stands for. Yes, the road is harder now. But if you’re someone who enjoys meeting people, managing chaos with a smile, and creating memorable moments for others, this field still has endless opportunities, especially in India’s growing travel economy.