ADD ADVICE TO FAVTravel and tourism operator
Travel and tourism operator work for tour operators or travel providers (ie airlines, shipping companies, road and rail carriers).
What travel and tourism operators do
- devise and price all-inclusive tours and holidays
- plan which countries, resorts and hotels to use
- check on facilities and amenities in different resorts and countries
- visit hotels, inspect rooms and negotiate rates
- set prices, taking competitors’ prices into account
- organise special-interest tours and holidays
- buy or sell seats with different carriers
- market and promote their organisation’s services
- arrange promotional visits for travel agents and tourist-board staff.
Key skills for travel and tourism operators
- management skills
- verbal and written communication skills
- teamworking skills
- ability to work under pressure
- ability to multitask
- commercial awareness
- negotiating skills
- numeracy.
Training to be a travel and tourism operator
Some trainees have relevant qualifications or have taken postgraduate conversion courses. One entry route is to work for a company in a temporary capacity, perhaps as a resort representative, and after gaining appropriate experience, apply for promotion. Training thereafter is on the job.
Salaries for travel and tourism operators
Generally, starting salaries are between £14,000 and £17,000 but there is often the possibility of commission, perks and bonuses.
After three to five years in the industry, a salary around £25,000 to £40,000, plus perks, can be expected.
