Bachelor of science in tourism management jobs are widely sought after. These types of career opportunities are seen at major hotels, entertainment venues, cruise lines, convention planners, airlines, travel agencies, and the list goes on.

TOURISM MANAGEMENT JOBS

The tourism industry is growing fast, and tourism management jobs are highly sought after. Working in tourism management generally involves: a wide range of interesting tasks, meeting new people, and possibly being given the opportunity to travel. However, it also has its down sides – the working hours are long, and managers are often required to deal with complaints from unhappy guests.

The tourism industry is growing globally significantly, reaching $7 trillion in global annual expenditure in 2015, according to the UN World Tourism Organization, and accounting for over 10% of world GDP. The size of salary you can earn in this profession depends on the nature of your business/organization, the location and the level you are promoting.

POPULAR JOBS IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT INCLUDE:

• Events Manager
• Guest Relations Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Tour Group Operator
• Tourism Marketing Manager
• Tourist Information Centre Manager
• Travel Agency Manager

WHAT DOES A TOURISM MANAGEMENT JOB ENTAIL?

The duties and responsibilities associated with a position in tourism management will vary considerably from one job to the next. However, tourism management jobs are essentially focused on managing businesses, tourist attractions and other establishments within the tourism industry with three main aims:

• Promoting tourism
• Ensuring guest satisfaction
• Making a profit for the business

A tourism manager’s tasks, duties and responsibilities may therefore include:

• Managing the day-to-day functions of an establishment in the tourism industry
• Participating in strategic and financial planning
• Managing a budget
• Hiring, training and supervising staff
• Dealing with guest complaints
• Marketing the business and attracting interest from tourists
• Keeping up to date with industry trends (which may involve online research, site visits, and attending conferences or events)
• Finding ways to improve the environmental sustainability of their organisation’s tourism-related activities

WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE TO WORK IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY?

Read this article: A Day in the Life of a Travel Agent

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT?

If you want to work in tourism management, you will need to make sure that you have the necessary qualifications and experience. You will also need something that sets you apart from other candidates, as tourism management is a highly competitive industry to work in.

While you can generally enter the tourism industry without any formal qualifications, the situation changes if you want to work your way up into a managerial role. Some employers will be willing to provide in-house management training, but most employers prefer to employ qualified candidates in managerial positions.

YOU THEREFORE HAVE 2 OPTIONS:

1. Study your tourism or hospitality management qualification on a full-time basis, before looking for a job.

If you choose this option, you may fall behind other candidates in terms of gaining practical experience, but you may also be able to earn a slightly higher salary in your first job. Keep in mind that experience is essential in the tourism industry.

2. Start working in an entry-level job in the tourism industry to gain practical experience, and study your tourism or hospitality management qualification on a part-time basis from home.

If you choose this option, you may take slightly longer to finish your course, but it will be easier for you to pay for your studies, and you will have valuable practical experience to add to your CV.