Tourism specialists or managers oversee services that provide information and advice on what to see and do in a particular city, town, area or country. They are involved in booking accommodation, making reservations and selling related gifts and souvenirs. They are also responsible for running special events and generating marketing opportunities. Tourism specialists often work for local authorities, but may also work within other public sector agencies or private companies. The amount and type of work involved depends very much upon the size and location of the workplace.

Tasks:

1. Researching and visiting attractions and accommodation
2. Keeping up to date with changes in tourist activities and events
3. Gathering information about and working with local businesses and visitor attractions
4. Communicating information to members of the public
5. Operating accommodation and other booking services and selling tickets for travel and local events
6. Identifying, implementing and monitoring commercial opportunities and additional services to raise revenue
7. Devising and planning tours, and arranging itineraries
8. Organising special and seasonal events and festivals
9. Managing staff, budgets and staff training needs
10. Event planning and organisation
11. Dealing with enquiries in person and by post, email and phone

Key skills for:

• Excellent communication skills
• Good interpersonal and management skills
• A methodical, motivated and customer-focused approach to work
• An enthusiastic, friendly and confident manner
• Problem-solving ability
• Negotiating skills
• Business or commercial awareness

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: around £18,000 to £28,000 per year
United States of America: $37,300 per year
Australia: AU$36,347 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a qualification in one of the following subjects may increase your chances: travel, tourism or leisure studies; marketing; business or management studies; geography; archive and museum studies; modern languages. A range of undergraduate (and postgraduate) qualifications is available in tourism, tourism management and heritage management. It is important to contact individual institutions to identify your particular areas of interest.

Personal qualities and proven business skills are likely to carry just as much weight as academic qualifications and are seen as key for the development of the sector as a whole.