What to Travel and Tourism Advisers Do
Want to work in an industry where you help dreams come true and get to explore exotic destinations as part of your job? If so, a career in Travel and Tourism may be your perfect match.
What is Travel and Tourism?
Travel and Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, with revenue from global international tourism worth a staggering $1.25 Trillion in 2014. Australia’s Tourism industry is certainly no slouch either, having contributed approximately $47.5 Billion towards the Australian economy in 2014/15 and attracted over 7.4 million overseas visitors.
As of June last year there were approximately 273,500 Travel and Tourism related businesses in Australia who together employ roughly 580,800 people. The following are some of the many elements of this broad and diverse industry.
- Travel agencies
- Visitor information
- Cruising
- Events
- Wholesalers
- Tour operation
- Transport
To do well in this industry, you need to be customer-focused, love people and be someone who thrives off new experiences. Personal presentation is also extremely important, particularly in front-line positions, and regardless of your role you need to be good at problem-solving, communicating clearly and thinking quickly on your feet.
“As of June last year there were approximately 273,500 Travel and Tourism related businesses in Australia who together employ roughly 580,800 people.”
What Qualifications do I need?
Many roles in the Travel and Tourism industry can be entered without formal training or experience; however, if you plan on advancing in the industry and wish to fast-track your career the right qualifications will boost your prospects quickly. Below are three of the best travel-related courses available;
Certificate III in Travel
Those dreaming of a career as a Domestic or International Travel Consultant will be well on their way with this nationally recognised course. Learn how to use digital reservation systems (such as Galileo CRS), develop your skills at offering quality destination advice and become a master of preparing everything from travel quotes to in-depth itineraries.
Diploma of Events specialising in Travel and Tourism
Got a knack for organising awesome parties, events and adventures? If so, this course will help turn those natural talents into a lucrative career. You will learn about researching event spaces and coordinating budgets through to conducting business relationships effectively, making this the ideal preparation for careers such as Travel Agent, Travel Attendant or Tour Operator.
Bachelor of Business (Tourism)
This comprehensive program covers everything you could ever want or need to know about tourism management, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to advance their career or even start their own business. It focuses on developing your skills in business, management, accounting, and marketing, with graduates eligible to work in roles such as Tourism Research Officer, Events Co-ordinator or Ecotourism Project Manager.
Where Will my Career Take me?
Travel and Tourism qualifications can take you almost anywhere, especially considering that global international tourism revenue has almost doubled in the last ten years. There are also plenty of opportunities for graduates right here in Australia, with this thriving industry having grown by 17.8% or $7.2 Billion since 2010/11.
Experts predict that global tourism will continue to grow in coming years – in part due to emerging economies developing their tourist industries – and with millions of baby boomers set to retire in coming years expect an abundance of opportunities industry-wide. Recent investment in the Australian Travel and Tourism sector also points towards a bright future, with more than $59.8 Billion invested last year alone.
If you want a career that is fun, challenging and where you get to help people plan and enjoy some of life’s most precious and memorable moments, consider Travel and Tourism. Your perfect career just might be one big holiday!
