Best Interview Questions for Travel and Tourism Students

Beginning a career in the travel and tourism field is exciting, but interviews often make students feel anxious. The positive part is that organisations across the industry, like airlines, travel agencies, tour companies, and travel BPOs, usually ask similar types of questions. When you understand these questions and prepare your answers well, you naturally stand out from other applicants.

This blog will walk you through the most common interview questions, the reason they are asked, and how you can respond in a clear and confident manner.

1. Tell me about yourself.
   

   This is usually the first question in any interview. The interviewer wants to know who you are, your background, and why you are interested in travel.

How to answer:

• Start with your education and skills

• Mention your interest in the travel industry

• Add what makes you a good fit, like communication, customer service, software skills, etc.

2. Why do you want to work in the travel and tourism industry?
   

   They want to check your motivation.

How to answer:
Talk about your passion for travel, meeting people, problem-solving, or helping customers plan better trips.

3. What do you know about our company?
   

   Interviewers ask this to see if you’re serious about the job.

How to answer:
Do a quick Google search before the interview. Mention their services (airline, agency, corporate travel, BPO, tours), reputation, or achievements.

4. What skills make you suitable for this role?
   

   The travel industry needs certain core skills.

Mention skills like:

• Communication

• Customer service

• Knowledge of GDS software (Amadeus/Galileo)

• Problem-solving

• Handling pressure

• Sales skills

• Basic geography

5. What is your knowledge of GDS systems?
   

   Many roles require Amadeus or Galileo.

How to answer:

Explain if you’ve learned or practised GDS, or mention you’re willing to learn. Highlight your understanding of PNR, fare search, and basic ticketing tasks.

6. What is PNR?
   

   A very common technical question.
   Answer:
   A PNR (Passenger Name Record) is the file created in the system that contains a passenger’s travel details like name, itinerary, contact, ticket status, etc.

7. The difference between a direct flight and a connecting flight.

Answer:

• Direct flight: Same flight number, may stop, but no aircraft change.

• Connecting flight: Passenger changes aircraft and sometimes terminal/airline.

8. What would you do if a passenger misses their flight?
   

   They want to check your problem-solving skills.

How to answer:

Explain possible solutions: checking the next available flight, rebooking options, fare difference, penalties, and calmly guiding the passenger.

9. Where do you see yourself in the next 3–5 years?
   

   Employers ask this to understand your goals and commitment.

How to answer:

Say that you want to grow in the travel industry, maybe as a senior consultant, team leader, or someone skilled in ticketing or tour planning.

10. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths to mention:

• Good communication

• Patience

• Learning attitude

• Teamwork

• Attention to detail

Weakness (be honest but smart):
Mention something like getting nervous sometimes, but improving through practice.

11. Why should we hire you?
    

    This is your chance to sell yourself.

How to answer:

Explain that you are dedicated, eager to learn, passionate about travel, and have the skills required, especially in customer handling and software knowledge.

12. Do you have any questions for us?
    

    Always ask something; it shows interest.

You can ask:

• What will my responsibilities be?

• What growth opportunities does the company provide?

• What training do you offer to new employees?

Final Tips for Students

• Practice common questions before the interview.

• Speak clearly and politely.

• Dress professionally.

• .Carry all documents neatly arranged.

• Show that you truly enjoy being part of the travel industry.

Conclusion

Interview preparation becomes much easier when you know what kinds of questions are likely to be asked. If you work on your communication skills, understand basic travel concepts, and stay confident, you can successfully clear interviews in airlines, travel agencies, tour firms, and travel BPOs. This blog gives you a clear direction to prepare well and improve your chances of getting selected.