Tourism officer: job description

Relevant work experience is usually essential for tourism officer roles.

Tourism officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Due to Covid-19, you may find it difficult to gain work or experience in the tourism industry. As we explain here , however, recruiters will not view time out of work due to the pandemic as a 'gap' in your CV. For guidance on searching for work during this difficult time, take a look at our advice for job hunting during a pandemic .

The role of a tourism officer is a combination of marketing, public relations and management. It also involves lots of planning and preparation.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• supervising staff
• preparing tourist or visitor information
• producing promotional material and displays
• managing budgets
• writing reports, business plans and press releases
• making presentations
• maintaining statistical and financial records
• undertaking day-to-day centre management and administration
• liaising with local businesses and the media
• market research.

Typical employers of tourism officers

• Local authorities
• Tourist information departments
• Commercial tourist attractions
• National parks
• Wildlife trusts
• The Forestry Commission
• The National Trust.

Competition is intense for the small number of jobs that occur each year. Most tourism officers enter the profession as assistants. Vacancies are advertised online, by careers services and in relevant publications such as Leisure Management and Marketing Week , as well as their online equivalents.

Qualifications and training required

Graduates with degrees in languages, travel, tourism, leisure, business studies, marketing, management or journalism are normally at an advantage. Relevant work experience is essential, and can be gained via seasonal or vacation employment, or by working as a volunteer or paid assistant in a tourist information centre. Experience gained in museums or information work or any commercial area (sales, marketing, retailing) can also be helpful.

Key skills for tourism officers

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Organisational skills
• IT skills
• Enthusiasm
• Adaptability
• Energy
• Resourcefulness
• Confidence.