Tourism Work
Courier/Resort Representative
Couriers and resort reps work on behalf of travel operators. They look after holidaymakers and deal with any problems that arise.
Couriers take people on coach tour holidays. They welcome travellers onto the coach, check tickets and seating (and passports if travelling abroad) and explain the travel arrangements. Once the tour is under way, they provide a commentary on places of interest and what to see and do.
Resort reps welcome holidaymakers to the resort, help them to settle in, and give information about the resort. They are on hand to deal with any problems, such as serious illness or lost passports, money or luggage.
Both couriers and reps need to be good organisers with excellent communication skills. They also usually need to speak the language of the country they are based in.
Tourist Information Centre Assistant
Tourist information centre (TIC) assistants provide information about local facilities and tourist attractions for people visiting their area. They deal with enquiries by post, email, telephone, and from people who call in to the centre.
TIC assistants keep up-to-date information on bus and train schedules and on attractions such as theatres, nightclubs, restaurants, local sporting events and places of interest. They make bookings for local events and also for people who need accommodation.
They also display and sell goods, such as maps and souvenirs.
The ability to speak a foreign language is often useful, especially in large city tourist information centres.
Travel Agency Clerk
Travel agency clerks give customers advice on holidays and travel in the UK and abroad. They help people to choose the holiday that suits their needs.
Clerks use a computer to make reservations and check the availability of tour packages and flights. They make bookings with tour operators, airlines, shipping companies and car hire companies.
Travel agency clerks sell other travel services, such as insurance. They sometimes supply foreign currency and give the public advice about passports, vaccinations, visas and insurance costs.