Summary
The tourism industry is known for its career opportunities and the lucrative benefits that come with it
Choosing a career in travel and tourism means being able to visit different places across the globe, having unforgettable experiences and meeting new people every day
The tourism industry is known for the career opportunities and lucrative benefits that come with it. Even after the outbreak of the pandemic, the industry is projected and looked upon as one of the fastest growing industries in the world today. Not only are there many job opportunities, but also interesting future prospects available in the industry - especially for those who like to travel and see new places.
Popular job opportunities
Choosing a career in travel and tourism, means being able to visit different places across the globe, have unforgettable experiences and meeting new people every day. In most professions, the journey starts with first getting basic instructions or studying to learn the ins and out and then engaging in professional practice. But in the case of tourism, it is somewhat different as practice tends to be a major part of the learning experience.
As a professional working in the tourism industry, you will be looked upon to respond to the needs of different tourists and travellers. Mentioned below are 3 popular job profiles in the travel and tourism industry:
Travel agent:
Travel agents are highly organised professionals passionate about travel and about assisting tourists. Their main job is to focus on creating the best possible experience for tourists. They usually work with hotels, airlines and other suppliers to create travel packages and experiences that tourists could be looking for. These agents can work with large groups, individuals, families or professional organisations and help to create memorable experiences.
Some of the day-to-day work duties of a travel agent includes:
- Meeting clients to discuss their upcoming travel plans and gather information on travel itineraries, transportation and budgets
- Making travel arrangements such as booking tickets, hotels, transportation, tickets, and also travel and permission documents (Visa and others) as and when required
- Advising on key aspects of travel planning. This may include providing information about passports, visas, customs, insurance, vaccinations and travel cancellation policies
- They are also responsible for maintaining accurate records of customer reservations, including payment, travel dates, flight numbers, and hotel check-in and check-out dates
Tour guide:
Tour guides accompany tourists to local attractions at the destination, such as popular city sights, parks and monuments. They are majorly responsible for introducing different tourists to the history, functions, and customs of important places. New age tour guides are also gettingmore and more involved in creating experiences for tourists, rather than just showing people around. As a tour guide you will be expected to know and understand several languages so that you can attend to visitors of different regions. Tour guides may also engage in planning itineraries and making travel arrangements.
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of a tour guide may include:
- Planning visits to areas of tourist interests other attractions
- Purchasing tickets to these places in advance, as and when the need arises
- Making arrangements for alternative and interesting activities in case of cancellation or postponement of the day’s itinerary
Guest relations officer:
A guest service agent handles hotel reception duties and thereafter coordinates with tourists to manage their check-in and check-out requests. They are further responsible for providing guests with various information such as the options for tourists, and how to get around at the place, in addition to services the hotel offers, including rooms and their price rates, and other leisure activities.
Some of the day-to-day opportunities of a guest relations officer may include:
- Welcoming guests in a professional manner and thereafter engaging in making their experience unforgettable
- Providing end to end information about different programs, facilities and other benefits provided by the hotel
- Assisting patrons staying at the hotel by giving information and booking tickets or providing transport in case they would like to travel and explore
- Handling the escalation of customer complaints as and when received
Courses to pursue after class 12
Some of the popular degree courses to pursue in travel and tourism soon after you finish your high school are:
- BA in Travel and Tourism Management
- BA in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management
- BSc in Travel and Tourism Management
- BSc in Hospitality and Travel Management
- BBA in Travel and Tourism Management
- BBA in Hospitality and Travel Management
- BBA in Air Travel Management
While a career in the tourism industry can be somewhat time consuming - especially since tourists are likely to reach out to you whenever they need assistance, irrespective of time and place, it can be an extremely rewarding experience for many. The industry is also constantly expanding, with the demand for travel and tourist experiences evolving and growing. So if this is what you feel your calling is in - start chalking out your journey today.
Last updated on 07 Oct 2022
