The service sector globally has witnessed remarkable growth, with tourism and hospitality emerging as pivotal drivers of economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainable progress. Tourism plays a crucial role in fostering employment, generating foreign exchange earnings, and boosting domestic revenue, particularly in developing economies. This significance was highlighted during various global summits, including India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, which emphasized the sector's potential for inclusive and sustainable growth. The interlinkage between tourism and hospitality is fundamental, with the hospitality sector providing the essential infrastructure and services that enhance travel experiences. This synergy not only promotes local economies but also enriches societal progress, from the ancient trade routes and pilgrimages that shaped civilizations to today's technology-driven, experience-oriented tourism. In India, this dynamic sector aligns with national aspirations, such as achieving a $1 trillion tourism economy by 2047, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. However, this growth also brings challenges for education systems to equip human resources with critical skills in quality management, customer care, and addressing the socio-economic impacts of these industries, making the role of Academics vital to this transformative journey.

The School of Tourism and Hospitality Service Management (SOTHSM) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a comprehensive range of programs catering to the dynamic needs of the tourism and hospitality sectors. These include certificate, diploma, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs delivered through online platforms and distance learning mode. With a focus on skill development, sustainability, and digital transformation, SOTHSM provides flexible and high-quality education, empowering learners to excel in the global tourism and hospitality industries.

SOTHSM-Training Cell was established at RC, IGNOU Bhopal considering the recommendations of the Academic Council made at its 53rd meeting held on 27/09/2010. These recommendations were further approved by Board of Management in its 106th meeting held at New Delhi on 19th November 2010.

The purpose of the cell was to design short term vocational programmes in Tourism and Hospitality. A formal MOU was signed on 14th December 2011 with the Tourism Department, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. Prof. Harkirat Bains was posted at Bhopal as an Incharge of this Training Cell. Initially three Certificate programmes (6 months) in Hospitality were launched by the Cell, namely- CFO, CHO and CFBO. Thereafter, in the year 2012, a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Operations (PGDHO) (1 year) was also launched by the Training Cell. All these Programmes were highly vocational in nature as they provided the students with the much required skills and training needed in this Industry. All these Programmes offer excellent job opportunities and placements for the students.

• Produce high quality research, emphasising on both societal as well as industrial needs and the inter-disciplinary nature of tourism studies.
• Develop and offer Post-Graduate, Bachelor Degree, Diploma and Certificate programmes independently as well as in collaboration with international and national institutions/organisations/industry.
• Offer capacity-building training programmes, on-the-job training programmes, entrepreneurial development programmes and management development programmes for various levels independently as well as in collaboration with international and national institutions/organisations/industry.
• Host visiting scholars/industry professionals/experts for specific durations facilitating them to produce quality research/courses and partially/fully fund such endeavours.
• Collaborate with other services industry sectors.
• Create a database in the subject areas and related sectors that can be used by both academic institutions as well as the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Organise and participate in international and national workshops and seminars.
• Undertake projects and consultancies and other related work.

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) pioneered distance mode tourism education globally by introducing modular Tourism Studies Programs tailored to the industry's evolving demands. Initially launched under the Faculty of History within the School of Social Sciences, the journey began in 1994 with a Certificate program in Tourism Studies, followed by the Diploma and Bachelor’s programs in 1995, a Master’s in 2000, and a Ph.D. in 2004. The University also spearheaded hospitality education in collaboration with the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offering B.Sc. Hospitality & Hotel Administration in (2002) and M.Sc. Hospitality Administration (2004). This collaboration was the first of its kind, blending open and conventional learning systems.

In response to growing industry needs, IGNOU established the School of Tourism and Hospitality Service Management (SOTHSM) in 2007. Subsequently, all tourism-related programs from the School of Social Sciences were transferred to SOTHSM. In 2009, the school further expanded its scope by collaborating with the MP Institute of Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Studies (MPIHTTS), Bhopal to offer specialized Certificate Programs in Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, and Food & Beverage Services.

In recent years, SOTHSM has launched new programs in response to changing industry dynamics and policy imperatives such as the National Education Policy 2020. Key additions include the Bachelor of Arts in Facility and Services Management (BAFSM/BAFFSM) in 2022 and the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies (BATS) in 2023. These programs are designed with a focus on skill development, sustainability, and employability to meet contemporary industry demands.

Welcome to the School of Tourism and Hospitality Services Management (SOTHSM) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

The tourism and hospitality industry continues to be a vital contributor to global economic growth and employment. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2023, the Travel & Tourism sector accounted for 9.1% of global GDP, reflecting a 23.2% rise from 2022 and nearing pre-pandemic levels. In India, the sector contributed over INR 19.13 trillion to the economy in 2023, exceeding 2019 levels by nearly 10%, and created close to 43 million jobs, marking an 8% increase compared to pre-pandemic times. These figures highlight the sector’s resilience and its significance in driving national and global progress.

As the industry grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can address emerging challenges such as sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and personalized travel experiences. SOTHSM is dedicated to meeting these needs by offering diverse academic programs, ranging from certificate to doctoral levels. Delivered through online platforms and distance learning modes, these programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in this dynamic field.

Notably, our B.A. in Facility and Services Management, launched in 2022, is India’s first program in facility management education. Alongside this, programs like the B.A. in Tourism Studies (BATS), B.A. in Vocational Tourism Management (BAFVTM) and Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Management (BFTTM) reflect our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

Our collaboration with institutions like the MP Institute of Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Studies (MPIHTTS) further enhances the learning experience, offering hands-on certificate programs in Front Office Operations (CFO), Housekeeping Operations (CHO), and Food & Beverage Service Operations (CFBO), as well as the Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Operations (PGDHO). These partnerships bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry needs, preparing our students for immediate employability.

In line with IGNOU’s mission of providing accessible and inclusive education, SOTHSM utilizes digital platforms like SWAYAM for online courses and SWAYAM Prabha to connect with students along with delivery of online programs such as the Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTSOL), Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTSOL), and Bachelor’s in Tourism Studies (BTSOL). These initiatives ensure that learners from all regions, including remote and underserved areas, can access high-quality education and training.

The post-pandemic era has brought a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and responsible tourism. At SOTHSM, these principles are deeply integrated into our curriculum, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to the future of this vibrant industry.

I warmly invite you to join us at SOTHSM, where a team of dedicated faculty and a forward-thinking curriculum will support you in achieving your professional aspirations. Together, we can shape the future of tourism and hospitality, driving sustainable growth and excellence in this ever-evolving sector.

Regards,
Dr. Sonia Sharma
Director, School of Tourism and Hospitality Services Management
Indira Gandhi National Open University,
New Delhi

2nd Floor, Swami Vivekananda Bhawan,
Block-15, IGNOU,
Maidan garhi, New Delhi - 110068
Phone: 011 - 29571751
Email: sothsm@ignou.ac.in; directorsothsm@ignou.ac.in