Tourist information manager

Tourist information centre manager job description: Typical Employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The work may include supervising staff, preparing publicity materials and displays, answering queries from the public, administering accommodation services, selling souvenirs and taking bookings.

Other tasks include:

• marketing services
• centre management and administration
• maintaining statistical and financial records
• investigating and publicising visitor attractions and ensuring information held is current.

Some evening, weekend and public holiday work may be required during peak tourist seasons. Promotional opportunities are available for employees who are willing to change job location or to move into related areas of employment.

Typical employers

• local authorities
• commercial landowners
• tourist attractions
• national parks
• wildlife trusts
• the Forestry Commission
• the National Trust
• English Heritage.

Vacancies are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers.

Qualifications and training required

Commercial experience and personality is often more important than relevant qualifications. A language, travel or tourism, business studies, marketing or geography degree may be helpful. Relevant work experience is essential, and can be gained via seasonal employment, or by working as a volunteer or paid assistant in a tourist information centre.

Key skills for tourist information centre managers

• fluency in a foreign language
• IT skills
• good local knowledge
• excellent interpersonal skills
• organisational skills
• energy
• resourcefulness
• confidence
• commercial awareness.