Destination Growth

The travel and tourism industry is on a high and so are the job openings in the sector. While traditional players like Thomas Cook and Cox & Kings, among others, are hiring, travel portals have taken a lead in recruiting executives across all levels. Says Kris Lakshmikanth, Founder CEO & Managing Director, The Headhunters India: "There will be 50-100 per cent increase in the number of jobs created in this sector in the next 18 months-that is more than in the country's booming software and BPO industry." The industry is also upbeat on back-office jobs being outsourced to Indian companies by major foreign travel houses.

Simple facts

Who's hiring: Thomas Cook, Cox & Kings, Kuoni Travel, Club Mahindra, Raj Travels, Mercury Travels. Online players including makemytrip.com, yatra.com, travel.indiatimes.com, cleartrip.com, ezeego1.com

Who're they hiring: PG diploma or Masters degree holders in Hotel Management and fresh graduates at the entry level. Managers across retail, consumer goods and telecom sectors are sought after at the senior level

At what level: At all levels-entry level, middle level (5-10 years of experience), and senior level (10-15 years of experience)

At what salaries: From a pay packet Rs 2.5-3.5 lakh at the entry level, the salaries go up to Rs 25-45 lakh at the middle level. Senior executives can earn between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 1.2 crore in addition to stock options and benefits

What are the numbers like: Around 2,500-3,500 executives at the entry level; 350-400 executives at the middle level; and 250 executives at the senior level over the next 12-15 months