The Department

Inception and Growth:

The Master of Tourism Administration Degree was started as an Independent course in Himachal Pradesh University in the year 1992 under the Institute of Vocational Studies, Faculty of Commerce and Management. The programme was initiated keeping in view the growing importance of the Tourism Industry to the country. The flourishing of Tourism in the country created a sudden demand for Tourism Professionals to serve in the Industry. Realizing the dearth of educated Tourism Professionals and the vast avenues of employment opportunities available in this field , it was decide to introduce a post graduate degree in Tourism. Himachal University was one of the earliest Universities in the country and second in the Northern Region to start a Master of Tourism Administration Degree. The Degree included papers on Tourism and Management along with foreign Language instruction, field trip to some known tourist destination within India and hands-on-work experience in Tourism provided through a 2 month on- the- job training with any tourism related organization. To deliver lectures on Tourism, faculty from the University and Tourism Scholars and professional were invited.

The Course Curriculum was revised from time to time as per the requirements of the Tourism Industry. This helped to include the latest emerging concepts in Tourism and the Travel trade and orient the students in accordance with the contemporary tricks of the trade. The latest syllabus of MTA is now strictly according to UGC NET tourism management curriculum.

In the year 1999, after some regular teaching appointments, the MTA course was  assigned a separate status as an Independent Department under the Institute of Vocational Studies. This helped in according due importance and attention to the MTA department and further facilitated in better placements of the MTA graduates in the Tourism Industry.

Ever since 1999, the MTA Department has been on a steady path of growth and enrichment and has become very popular within and outside the country.

Present Status:

Presently the MTA Department functions as an Independent Department under the Institute of Vocational Studies. The department has a Faculty comprising Chairman and three Lecturers.

An advisory board consisting of eminent personalities from the trade has been constituted under the Honorary President, Mr. Inder Sharma from Sita Travels and two Vice Presidents, Mr. O.P. Ahuja of Holiday Makers and Director, Dept. of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. . It includes other members from organizations like TCI, Indo Asia Travels, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, H.P. Hotel and restaurant Association and H.P.T.D.C. From time to time the Advisory Board guides the MTA Department on course curriculum amendments and practical orientation of students. The members of the Board are frequently invited for Seminars and guest faculty lectures to promote interaction with the students.

The department has its own Placement Cell for the students under the Placement Officer Mr. Chander Mohan Parsheera, Lecturer, MTA. The placement cell is in continuous collaboration with the Key industry organizations in order to ensure 100 per cent placement of its students on completion of their Degree. The MTA department has been providing 100% placement to its students over the past few years and this has become a drawing factor for many prospective students to seek admission in MTA.

Other than placements the MTA has now become one of the most popular and most happening Departments of the University on account of constantly enriching and engaging itself both in Academic and Outdoor activities like organizing Seminars, Workshops, National and International Conferences, Tourism Quiz events, trekking, Mountaineering expeditions and Adventure and Leadership Development Camps. Through such regular activities the Department has gained good recognition and carved a niche for itself.

The main objective of MTA programme remains to strive for total professionalization of human resources engaged in the business of tourism. Its research programme is oriented towards developing knowledge and expertise through practical application and theoretical knowledge shared in close cooperation between the students and the Industry.

Future Plans