Tourist information manager: job description

The UK tourism industry is a multi-billion pound industry employing millions of members of staff.

What does a tourist information centre manager do? 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 work of a tourist information manager 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 information departments
• Commercial tourist attractions
• National parks
• Wildlife trusts
• The Forestry Commission
• The National Trust
• English Heritage.

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

There are routes into tourist information for both university graduates and school leavers.

A language, travel, tourism, business studies, marketing or geography degree may be helpful; however, commercial experience and the right soft skills are often more important than relevant qualifications.

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. Language skills may also be useful.

Key skills for tourist information centre managers

• IT skills
• Good local knowledge
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills
• Communication skills
• Energy
• Resourcefulness
• Confidence
• Commercial awareness
• Enthusiasm
• Adaptability.