Five fantastic jobs in travel and tourism

What kind of jobs let you:

a. experience new cultures

b. share a country’s heritage

c. meet different people from all over the globe

and d. help others enjoy holidays of a lifetime?   You guessed it – jobs in travel and tourism.

The industry is well known for employing 1 in 10 people worldwide.  This is something that’s unlikely to change, even as people are deciding in the short term to swap city breaks both in the UK and abroad for remote countryside retreats.  Camping holidays are popular too.

So what opportunities are out there?  Here’s our guide to five of the industry’s most popular jobs:

1.  Travel Agent

When it comes to booking time away, it always helps when there’s somebody around to share their expertise and point us in the right direction. That’s where travel agents come in.  They will find you the best deals and simplify the planning process.  You get receive advice on everything from journeys and hotel bookings, to excursions and rental cars.

As a Personal Travel Advisor for Mid-Counties Co-operative Travel, former student, Jade Ashworth deals with customer inquiries over the telephone and through live chat on the company website.

“When a customer comes back and thanks you for the work you put in, this is really rewarding,” she says.

2. Holiday Rep

From the moment you set off and/or the minute you arrive at your holiday destination or resort, the holiday rep is there to make your trip the very best that it can be.  Responsibilities may vary, from being a tour guide, to events organiser to customer liaison.

Although she’s primarily a travel consultant at Parrys International Tours Ltd, Holly Bickley also steps into a holiday rep role at weekends, giving her the opportunity to take care of passengers during their journeys, serving drinks etc .  She also helps customers check into on arrival and navigate their way around their holiday area. “I’ve repped during London Theatre Weekends and a nine-day trip to Spain,” she said.  “It means I get to go ‘on the road’, experiencing the things our customers enjoy and then share this with our future travellers.”

3. Hotel manager

The smooth operation of a hotel is a role for the organised and diplomatic. From boutique bed and breakfasts to the most luxurious five star resorts, you’ll be responsible for the management of employees, along with co-ordinating catering, events and marketing. If you’re dedicated and pride yourself on your attention to detail, this could be the career for you.

4. Tourist information centre assistant

As a tourist information centre assistant, you’ll be the go to person for tourists needing location information to make their travels effortless. You’ll advise on attractions, restaurants and everything in between. If you’re the person to ask about the best new places to eat, or where to find hidden beaches, you may have found your calling.

5. Visitor Attraction or Resort Manager

Theme parks, country estates and other tourist attractions all need someone to manage staff and resources and make sure their visitors’ trip is enjoyable.

Working at Birmingham’s Sea Life Centre has provided student, Lucy Moseley with an opportunity to build on her confidence, gain experience of talking to different people and be in an environment which is a constant source of fun.  “My ultimate goal is working in a theme park,” said Lucy who is starting a degree in visitor attractions and resorts management at Staffordshire University.  “I want to be in a role where I’m always on the go and something is happening everywhere I look.  I get an adrenalin rush from these surroundings.”

If any of these options make you even more excited about the industry then take a look at our Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism.  These courses will ensure you develop all the skills needed for a successful career in the industry.

Find out more here.