Travel and Tourism
Jobs in leisure, sport and tourism involve helping others to enjoy their time outside of work, but can also involve helping people to get from one place to another on business.
Employment in the industry is growing due to other types of work, such as farming and other land-based industries, diversifying into the leisure and tourist industries.
This is a sector with traditionally high labour turnover rates (one in five employees has been with their current employer for less than one year) and a young workforce (34% under 25) which creates good opportunities for those wanting to start working in this sector.
Surveys of employers show that skills such as customer service, communication, problem solving and the ability to demonstrate initiative are essential in the sector.
Apprenticeships are increasingly being used as a route into working in this sector. These enable people to earn while they learn the skills they will need within their chosen career.
How much could I earn?
Air Travel Assistant £22,897
Rail Travel Assistant £28,137
Travel Agency Manager £29,269
Travel Agent £17,328
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
Spending can be influenced by world events. The current economic downturn is likely to mean that more people holiday in this country than travel abroad.
The strongest growth in expected in education, visitor services, archaeologists, volunteer co-ordinators as well as marketing and fund raising roles.
A small growth in jobs in Cultural Heritage attractions is expected.
Diplomas at Foundation, Higher and Advanced level, are being introduced for learners aged 14-19. These will help people prepare for university, college and work. There will be a Diploma in Travel and Tourism from September 2010. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.