Travel and tourism jobs

Are you passionate about adventure and creating unforgettable experiences for others? The travel industry offers exciting career opportunities, whether you're interested in managing luxury resorts, guiding global tours, or shaping the future of sustainable travel

What jobs can I do in travel and tourism?

Holiday representative

As a holiday rep, you'll be the go-to person for clients on package holidays. Your mission is to ensure they have a good break, from when they arrive to their final departure. You'll be responsible for:

• hosting welcome meetings
• troubleshooting any issues
• managing activities
• helping guests find excursions and car rentals.

While a degree in childhood studies, hospitality/tourism management, modern languages, or leisure and tourism isn't required, it can be a bonus. This role requires long days - you should be prepared to work 12 or more hours a day, six days a week.

Discover what you could earn as a holiday representative.

Theme park manager

Responsible for every aspect of the day-to-day running of a park, managers' duties include:

• supervising the customer experience
• planning and development
• monitoring health and safety
• overseeing the park's finances and staff management.

You may also be known as a:

• attractions manager
• guest experience manager
• rides and operations manager.

Formal education isn't mandatory, but a business, management, engineering, facilities management, hospitality or tourism management, or marketing degree can provide a strong foundation.

Few graduates start in management roles. Theme park management careers offer a salary of £17,000 to £50,000, increasing with experience and park responsibility.

Gain a more in depth understanding of the role of a theme park manager.

Tour manager

You'll curate and guide groups on adventures across the UK and beyond, ensuring seamless travel and offering on-the-ground support throughout their journey.

Tour manager salaries range from £15,000 to £30,000 plus, with board and lodging provided while on tour.

Find out more about the role of a tour manager.

Tourism officer

Working with a variety of organisations like destination management companies, government agencies, and local authorities, your expertise will be in:

• marketing a destination
• managing visitor flow
• developing tourism products, services, and facilities.

While a degree isn't mandatory, studies in journalism, tourism management, business, or marketing will give you a competitive edge.

Salaries typically range from £16,000 for assistant roles to over £40,000 for senior management positions.

Learn more about the responsibilities of a tourism officer.

Tourist information centre manager

You'll be the ultimate visitor resource, overseeing a centre that provides information and recommendations for things to see and do in the area.

Your duties will be diverse - from booking accommodation and selling souvenirs to running events and creating marketing campaigns.

While a specific degree isn't required, some subjects can give you an edge. Consider studies in:

• archive and museum studies
• business or management
• geography
• information technology

librarianship/information management

Discover the skills you'll need to be a successful tourist information centre manager.

Travel agency manager

As a manager in this role, you'll craft personalised travel experiences for clients, promoting and selling holidays and travel products.

Whether you're a recent graduate or an industry veteran, your passion for travel and tourism is key. Success thrives on excellent attention to detail, strong organisation, and IT proficiency. 

Salaries typically range from £20,000 for starting roles to £50,000 for senior positions.

Gain an insight into the role of a travel agency manager.

Who are the main travel employers in the UK?

The travel and tourism sector encompasses a range of employers, from large multinational corporations to small, local businesses. Some of the top employers are:

• British Airways (BA)
• Camp America
• Carnival UK
• Center Parcs
• Expedia
• Flight Centre UK
• Hilton Worldwide
• InterContinental Hotels Group
• Marriott International
• P&O Cruises
• TUI.

It's important to note that a large portion of the industry consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a vital role in providing personalised services and unique experiences to travellers.

What skills do I need for a career in travel and tourism?

At its core, excellent customer service is vital. It requires strong communication, active listening, and the ability to handle diverse personalities and potential issues with patience and professionalism.

Other skills important for success in the sector include:

• Adaptability and problem-solving - the industry often requires quick responses to unexpected changes.
• Cultural awareness and language proficiency - an advantage in an increasingly globalised industry.
• Organisational and time-management - for efficiently handling bookings, itineraries, and logistical details.
• Sales and persuasion - as many roles involve promoting and selling travel packages or services.

Discover what skills employers want.

How much can I get paid working in travel and tourism?

Your job role will significantly impact your potential income; for instance, a travel agent's salary will differ from that of a tour guide or hotel manager, with management positions generally commanding higher salaries.

Geographical location also impacts earnings, with salaries varying across countries and regions, often higher in major cities or popular tourist destinations.

The size and type of employer also influence pay scales, with larger, established companies typically offering higher salaries than smaller enterprises.

While starting salaries for travel agents may sit at around £18,000 per year, experienced agents can earn up to £34,000, and tourist guides can expect roughly £19,000, potentially rising to £25,000 with experience. Management positions offer a broader range, from £20,000 for entry-level roles to over £50,000 for senior positions.

For precise salary information, see our leisure, sport and tourism job profiles.

How do I find a job in travel and tourism?

To find a job in the travel industry, explore the career pages of travel companies you admire. This will give you insights into their current job openings and company culture, helping you determine if your skills and experience align with their needs.

Additionally, set up LinkedIn alerts for these companies to stay informed about new opportunities and be among the first to apply. Consider contacting travel recruitment specialists, such as C&M Recruitment or Travel Trade Recruitment, and sending them your CV for a potential placement. Explore the role of recruitment agencies.

Stay updated on industry trends and job openings by registering with travel trade news sites like Travel Weekly and TTG Media.

Search graduate jobs in travel and tourism.

How can my career develop in the sector?

A career in travel opens doors to global opportunities. Companies in the travel industry are dedicated to their staff's growth, offering a range of development programmes. These include options like:

• marketing apprenticeships
• MBA courses
• personalised coaching and mentoring.

Specialising in a niche area, such as adventure tourism or sustainable travel, and engaging in continuing professional development (CPD) to stay on top of industry trends and technological advancements are vital for career progression.

What trends are emerging in travel and tourism?

Today's travellers are increasingly seeking experiences over material possessions, driving demand for unique destinations, cultural immersion, and sustainable travel options.

This trend extends to the 'staycation' market, with RSM UK's latest Consumer Outlook report indicating that 28% of consumers are planning extended UK holidays by 2025.

Furthermore, the desire for eco-conscious travel is growing, alongside a surge in interest for nighttime experiences like late-night museum visits and aurora viewing.

Finally, travel driven by specific events, such as concerts, sports tournaments, and movie location tours, is gaining significant traction, boosting roles in this field.

Find out more

• Read about what it's like to work on a cruise ship.
• Learn more about travel and tourism courses.