Travel & Tourism Careers
The travel and tourism field offers a wide range of career options on land, in the air and on the sea. With many major businesses spanning the globe, business travel supports a number of travel-related jobs. Recreational travel adds to the demand for flights, hotels, rental cars and entertainment services.
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Working Environment
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The diversity of the travel and tourism industry offers a variety of working environments depending on the specific position. The industry allows for both positions with direct contact with consumers and corporate positions that work more behind the scenes. Employees working with consumers might work in an airport, hotel or travel agency or on a cruise ship or airplane. Direct travel positions often involve long periods of time on your feet while handling the job requirements. Some positions require the ability to lift 50 lbs. of weight or more, especially if you are working with luggage. Corporate office employees are generally in an office environment and may work on the phone or at a computer.
Positions
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Airlines hire employees as reservation agents, pilots, flight attendants, ramp agents, ticketing agents, customer service and sales staff. The airport and shops inside the airport employ custodians, customer service and store clerks. The Transportation Security Administration hires security agents for the airport.
Cruise ship careers include the director position and her assistants who plan the entertainment. The captain, crew members and mechanics manage the sailing and maintenance of the ship itself. Other positions include cabin stewards, child care staff, entertainers, reservation agents, food service workers, sales, marketing and class instructors.
Hotels need staff to handle housekeeping, food, customer service, entertainment planners and front desk clerks. Travel agencies employ travel agents, sales agents and corporate travel planners. Convention centers also hire planners and coordinators to handle events.
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Considerations
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The travel industry offers access to your own travel opportunities. Flight and cruise ship staff members travel as part of the job, allowing them to see lots of destinations while working. Other company employees usually receive significant discounts on flights, hotels and other travel services depending on the employer. Unlike a traditional office job, most careers in the travel industry require long hours or work outside the traditional nine to five. Travel and tourism employees often work evenings, weekends and holidays. Some positions require you to stay overnight away from your family. Relocation is another possibility that could be considered a pro or con depending on your situation.
Job Requirements
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The requirements vary by specific position. The service nature of the job requires a person with the ability to relate to others and maintain a professional demeanor. Patience in dealing with customers is also a key skill to deal with difficult situations. Many positions working directly with customers are available on an entry-level basis. Some positions require previous experience or a related degree. Corporate and management jobs typically require some type of business degree.
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References
- Photo Credit waiting cruise ship image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
