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Each year, the United Kingdom receives about 40 million international tourists who spend approximately £34.1 billion on hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and much more. Additionally, there are 1.3 billion domestic day trips each year, generating £53 billion in spending.
Jobs in the sector are abundant. Around three million people work in the area, making this industry one of the most important in the country.
But far beyond the financial rewards, pursuing a career in tourism also provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, create memorable experiences for visitors, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of the UK’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
The Best Reasons to Join This Industry
There are myriad reasons to join the industry. Here are just a few of them:
Cultural Exchange
Working in this field means that every day you will travel the world without leaving your city. Travel agents are constantly in touch with people from all over the planet, exchanging experiences and learning more about cultures from around the globe.
Regular interaction with clients worldwide helps tourism professionals build a vast and diverse network. This network can include regular clients who travel often and share their latest adventures, as well as collaborations with tour operators, hotels, and travel agencies worldwide.
Flexibility
The flexibility within the tourism sector is another significant advantage. Many positions offer variable working hours, seasonal work, and opportunities for part-time or freelance roles. This freedom allows professionals to balance their careers with personal commitments and lifestyle choices. For example, someone might choose to work intensively during the peak tourist seasons and take time off during the off-season, or they might work as a consultant on a project-by-project basis.
Growth and Innovation
New positions are always opening up as the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global trends. For instance, the rise of eco, adventure, and wellness tourism has created new job opportunities and specialised roles that did not exist a few years ago. This continuous evolution ensures that there is always something new and exciting happening in the sector.
Making Dreams Come True
For most people, travelling for the first time to a place they’ve always dreamed of visiting is a unique and unforgettable experience. Being able to make these dreams come true is incredibly rewarding. And being there when the dream materialises, witnessing the enchantment and happiness on the clients’ faces, is simply priceless.
Travel the World
Some professionals are fortunate enough to always be on the move, discovering the best places in the best cities around the world or visiting exotic spots in unlikely tourist destinations. It’s as if, instead of having just one nationality, the worker is truly a citizen of the world, able to explore the planet in the same way that ordinary people explore their own neighbourhoods. It is truly a privilege.
Good Salaries
The tourism industry in the UK offers a range of rewarding and lucrative career opportunities. Various roles within this sector not only provide competitive salaries but also offer potential for growth and advancement.
Hotel managers, for example, have an average salary ranging between £30,000 and £40,000 per year; travel sales managers typically earn £45,000 per year; and event managers can expect to earn £37,000 annually.
Careers You Can Get in Leisure & Tourism
Not sure where to start? No problem. Here are some of the best careers in leisure and tourism.
- Holiday representative: Their primary responsibility is ensuring clients enjoy their vacation by providing excellent customer service. This includes handling complaints, offering local information, organising activities, and maintaining a positive image of the tour operator.
- Tour guide: A professional who provides assistance, information, and cultural, historical, and contemporary heritage interpretation to individuals or groups on organised tours. They are responsible for making the tour experience educational and enjoyable. For example, on the Beatles City Explorer tour in Liverpool, live tour guides on the buses provide fascinating and fun anecdotes to passengers as the vehicle passes through some of the most iconic locations for Beatles fans worldwide.
- Bus drivers: They have excellent driving skills, are familiar with the local area, routes, and tourist attractions, and possess clear and effective communication skills.
- Travel agents: Travel agents have in-depth knowledge of destinations, accommodations, transportation options, and activities. That’s why they are experts in helping customers find and book their perfect flights, accommodation, and package holidays.
- Tourist information centre personnel: Personnel at tourist information centres play a vital role in enhancing visitors’ experiences by providing valuable assistance. They have extensive knowledge of the local area, including attractions, accommodations, dining options, transportation, and events. These professionals are also known for being friendly, approachable, and patient. They listen carefully to tourists’ questions and needs, providing personalised recommendations and solutions.
- Visitor attraction workers: Can you imagine a museum without them? Whether it’s a theme park, historical site, or natural landmark, they are well-versed in its history, significance, and key features. The employee may also be responsible for ticket sales, managing queues, coordinating group visits, and maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the attraction.
Pursuing a career in tourism offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embrace the adventure and uncover the limitless possibilities that this dynamic industry can offer.