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How to prepare for careers in the travel industry

23rd August, 2024

In this article

Types of career paths in the travel industry

Is a career in the travel industry right for you, what are the benefits of a career in the travel industry, what skills do you need for a career in the travel industry, what are the benefits of a hospitality degree for a career in the travel industry, steps to prepare for a career in the travel industry.

The tourism sector has seen consistent growth and projections indicate it will become a $15.5 trillion economy by 2033 , so its expansion appears unstoppable. The travel industry offers a wide range of exciting and fulfilling career opportunities for those passionate about discovering new destinations and helping others experience the same.

This article is a handy guide to preparing for a career in travel, the different job opportunities available and the skills and qualifications you need to succeed.

Tourism offers various professional opportunities, each with unique responsibilities. From planning unforgettable vacations to guiding tourists through historic sites, there is a role suited for every interest and skill set. Some of the popular career paths are described below.

Travel agent

Assists clients with planning and booking vacations, including flights, accommodation and activities. Their responsibilities include researching destinations, advising clients and handling travel arrangements. Travel agents must stay up to date with travel trends and deals to provide the best options. The average salary for a travel agent ranges from $51,578 to $67,998 a year, with the potential for higher earnings based on experience and clientele.

Leads groups on excursions, providing information about cultural, historical and natural sites. Their responsibilities include planning itineraries, safety and engaging with tourists to improve their experience. Tour guides must have excellent communication skills and a deep knowledge of the areas they cover. Salaries typically range from $58,058 to $76,783 per year , with seasonal and location-based variations.

Corporate travel manager

Arranges efficient and cost-effective transport for business executives and employees. They are responsible for booking flights, accommodation and transport, negotiating with vendors and maintaining travel budgets. Strong organizational and negotiation skills are essential. The average annual salary for a corporate travel manager is between $93,468 and $129,508 .

Event coordinator

Organizes and oversees conferences, weddings and festivals, managing logistics from start to finish. Responsibilities include budget management, vendor coordination and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Event coordinators need excellent project management and communication skills. Salaries typically range from $66,317 to $84,119 a year , with the potential for higher earnings based on experience and event scale.

Cruise ship manager

Oversees daily operations, guest satisfaction and safety on board, manages staff, maintains facilities and coordinates activities and services for passengers. This role requires strong leadership and multitasking abilities. Salaries for cruise ship managers generally range from $37,303 to $46,431 per year , with additional benefits such as free travel and accommodation.

Travel writer

Produces content about global destinations for magazines, blogs and guides. They share experiences and advice, capturing the essence of places through their writing. Career growth involves building a personal brand, gaining followers or collaborating with major publications. Travel writers typically earn $48,712 to $61,039 per year , depending on available opportunities and reputation.

Travel photographer

Captures global destinations through a lens for magazines, blogs and guides. Photographers focus on visual storytelling, sharing the essence of places through their pictures. Career advancement can involve building a personal brand, gaining a significant following or collaborating with major publications. Photographers typically earn between $64,419 and $84,918 annually .

The right degree program will equip you with the hospitality skills you need to excel in one of these exciting tourism careers.

This degree combines academic content and practical experience to get your career in travel off to a flying start.

To determine if working in tourism is a good fit, consider your passion for exploring new places, meeting different people and providing excellent customer service. Reflect on whether you enjoy planning trips, solving logistical challenges and being flexible and adaptable. The travel industry might be a good fit if these excite you. Choosing the right career in travel depends on your interests and strengths, for example, becoming a travel agent or consultant could be ideal if you thrive on personal interactions and helping clients plan their trips.

Meanwhile, a career in hotel management might be suitable for those interested in managing accommodation and guest satisfaction. If you are passionate about writing and sharing travel experiences, consider taking it up as a career. Alternatively, if you have a knack for organizing things and creating memorable experiences, event planning in the travel sector could be the right career path for you.

Working in tourism offers numerous advantages, such as the opportunity to explore various cultures and destinations or enriching personal and professional experiences. This field often provides the chance to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills through constant interaction with clients and colleagues from different backgrounds. Working in travel also promotes creativity and problem-solving abilities, as professionals frequently need to design unique travel plans and address unforeseen challenges. The industry can also be quite lucrative, with various roles offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement.

The opportunity to network is another significant advantage, as individuals build connections with other professionals, which can lead to further career openings. The travel industry is known for its flexibility, often allowing for non-traditional work hours and the possibility of remote working. Job satisfaction in this industry is typically high due to the nature of the work, which involves helping others create memorable experiences. The joy and gratitude from satisfied clients can be incredibly rewarding, making a career in the tourism industry fulfilling and enjoyable.

To be successful in tourism requires a range of attributes that suit the broad and varied nature of this field. Some of the skills you need to focus on developing include:

• Interpersonal skills : effective verbal and written communication is essential for interacting with clients, colleagues and international contacts
• Customer service expertise : a strong focus on satisfaction and the ability to anticipate needs, handle complaints diplomatically and provide exceptional service
• Organizational abilities : the ability to manage multiple bookings, itineraries and logistical details efficiently
• Adaptability : being able to pivot quickly to changing circumstances, such as flight delays or itinerary alterations, is necessary to provide seamless travel experiences
• Geographical knowledge : a solid understanding of global geography, including popular destinations and travel routes
• Technical proficiency : familiarity with travel booking systems, reservation software and online platforms
• Sales and negotiation skills : essential for securing deals with travel suppliers and offering competitive packages to clients
• Cultural awareness : sensitivity to and understanding of differences between people from different backgrounds
• Problem-solving abilities : quick thinking and resourcefulness to resolve issues

A qualification from a reputable school offers a structured foundation in management, customer service and tourism operations. Studying hospitality and tourism equips aspiring professionals with essential skills such as event planning, marketing strategies and financial management specific to the industry. Hospitality schools often organize internships and networking opportunities for students with industry leaders, providing valuable real-world experience and connections. These can significantly improve job prospects, as employers value candidates with a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training.

Gaining a hospitality degree demonstrates commitment and a solid understanding of the industry’s nuances, positioning graduates as capable professionals in various sectors of the travel and hospitality field.

Alongside developing your interpersonal skills and obtaining a relevant hospitality degree, several other key steps will stand you in good stead for working in this sector. For example:

Gain relevant experience

Begin with entry-level positions or internships in travel agencies, hotels or event planning companies. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the operational aspects of the industry and building foundational skills.

Build a network

Attend industry conferences, join professional associations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and connect with industry professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide support throughout your career.

Develop a niche

Specializing in a particular type of travel, such as adventure tourism, luxury travel or eco-tourism, can distinguish you from competitors. Focused expertise in a niche market can attract a specific clientele and establish you as an expert in that area.

Stay informed

The travel industry is always evolving, so it is essential to keep up with trends, new destinations and changes in travel regulations. To stay updated, subscribe to industry publications and follow travel blogs and news.

Additional language skills

Speaking a foreign language will help you communicate with a broader range of clients and demonstrate respect and understanding of different cultures, which is a significant asset.

Maximize technology

Familiarize yourself with travel planning software and apps to streamline processes. Learn about online booking systems, customer relationship management tools and social media platforms to improve your service offerings and efficiency.

Create a portfolio

Maintaining a record of your work is essential for roles such as travel writing or blogging. This can include published articles, blog posts and photographs showcasing your travel experiences and expertise.

Seek mentorship

Find someone in the industry who can provide guidance, share insights and help you navigate your career path. A mentor’s experience and advice can be invaluable for professional growth and development.

The travel industry offers a range of career opportunities for those passionate about exploring new destinations and creating memorable experiences for others. With the sector poised for substantial growth, now is an ideal time to enter this field. Whether you are drawn to roles such as a travel agent, tour guide, corporate travel manager, event coordinator or cruise ship manager, each path provides unique challenges, rewards and competitive salaries.

Preparing for a career in travel requires a combination of education, practical experience and personal development. Developing a niche, whether in adventure tourism, luxury travel or eco-tourism, can also help you stand out in a competitive market.

A degree in a relevant field from a reputable school can give you a strong foundation in hospitality management , customer service and tourism operations, which is essential for a successful career in this industry.

Main image: Justin Paget / DigitalVision via Getty Images

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Acquire essential knowledge and professional experience in hospitality and tourism on our degree program

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The Bears will travel to Houston to play the Texans on Sunday, marking the first matchup between second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud and this year’s No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

In his Wednesday press conference, Stroud was asked what he thinks about Williams’ game. While the Texans’ QB admitted he hasn’t been able to see too much from Williams, he figures Chicago’s newest quarterback is primed for big things.

“He’s definitely a playmaker, somebody who can expend plays and make all the cool throws, a tough player, takes hits,” Stroud said. “And [he’s] really just really talented, so I definitely do think that he has great things coming in his career and I definitely do think he’ll get his rhythm going.”

Williams’ debut wasn’t particularly impressive, as he completed 14-of-29 passes for 93 yards and tallied 15 yards rushing. He didn’t commit any turnovers, though he did fumble.

As Stroud found out last year, it’s not always easy for a quarterback in his first game of the season — rookie or veteran.

“It takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight,” Stroud said. “You can see in every quarterback this week, I think, except for probably Baker Mayfield who looked really good, everybody’s kind of rusty trying to just get those cleats out and get that rust away. And I think quarterback play will start picking up Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, just like every year. So, I definitely think he’ll get his rhythm.”

Even though he’s in his second year, Stroud has now become a quarterback that some can look up to. He said he doesn’t necessarily see it that way, though.

“I would just say we’re just peers. Those are my friends,” Stroud said. “I mean, Jayden [Daniels] is my friend for sure. We’re very competitive. I know he always is on my neck trying to catch me. I’m like, ‘Alright, bro, dang.’ But, no, that’s my brother. I’m proud of him. I think he plays solid too. He’ll start getting his rhythm going as well.

“But being a rookie quarterback is hard and something I don’t miss. But definitely something that I appreciated while I was in it. It’s definitely — it’s an honor to see those guys like try to catch me and try to do what I did last year and better because I think that’s what makes football so special is one year somebody will break those records, somebody will do something more special than I did my rookie year. And I’m chasing after guys’ second records and so forth. So, it’s a never-ending cycle of just competitive nature and I love it. That’s what football is all about.”

Stroud added that the best advice he can give to a young QB like Williams is just “be yourself.”

“Understand whatever got you here is just good enough,” Stroud said. “You don’t have to be a superhero. You don’t have to try to make all the plays. Sometimes, the boring plays are good. But yeah, that’s the advice I would give to him.”

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I visited Astrakhan, the Russian MELTING POT of religions and ETHNICITIES (PHOTOS)

When we entered the ATR-72 twin engine turboprop aircraft for our evening flight from Sochi to Astrakhan, my friend Olga and I were a bit surprised to see the ethnic mix of passengers on board. Nordic, Southern European, Caucasian, Central Asian, West Asian and “typical Russian” features were all visible on the two-hour flight to the city by the Volga. As we were to find out over the next three days, Astrakhan, which has a population of 526,000, is home to members of 104 of Russia’s 120 ethnicities. 

Ajay and his friend Olga on a cold morning

The small airport is just a 15-minute drive away from the city center and we were lucky to find an apartment in a well maintained Stalin-era building literally across the street from the Astrakhan kremlin.  

Walk around the city at night  

Our first task was to try out the much-hyped Caspian cuisine of the city.  Although it was only 9:30 pm on a Friday, the beautifully landscaped area that is near Lenin Square and borders the Kremlin was almost empty. Tastefully lit, the area had a distinct Mediterranean feel. With a bearable cold breeze and crystal clear air, I found the surroundings to be romantic, but my travel partner said she had an eerie feeling, since we hadn’t seen any others in the street. 

As we walked towards the riverside, we found our first Caspian-themed restaurant. Olga managed to calm down over a bottle of white wine and some local delicacies, such as sturgeon from the Volga Delta and ukha , which many restaurants label as the Tsar’s fish soup in their English menus.  

Astrakhan at night

The main activity at night in Astrakhan revolves around the streets leading to the Volga riverfront. This is where the youth of the city go clubbing or bar hopping. There were signs of nightlife in this stretch of the city, but we had seen far bigger crowds in much smaller Russian cities. Locals later told us that they took the pandemic more seriously than their counterparts in other parts of the country and, hence, there were so few people on the streets. 

Feel the diversity on display at the Kremlin 

On my first morning in the city, I set off on an exploratory run and was absolutely impressed with the city center. The square that was empty the previous night was a hub of exercise and sporting activity. Under clear blue skies and warm sun, I saw well-looked after flower beds and trees that had leaves of every fall color. The season of colors had come and gone from the northern parts of Russia in a hurry in 2021, but Astrakhan was still in mid-fall mode in November.  

Church in the Astrakhan kremlin

Later that morning, we decided to explore the impressive white Kremlin that towers over the city center. Standing on the Zayachy Hill, this massive fortress was originally built in the late 16th century and has been modified a few times since. Entry to the Kremlin, which opens at 7 am, is free and there are stalls where you can buy local handicrafts. I couldn’t resist buying a handcrafted wooden fridge magnet with an engraved image of this ancient fortress.  

The Kremlin is a great place to just roam around or sit on a bench and enjoy the great historical ambience, like many locals do, but we wanted to know more about this fascinating and well-preserved monument. So, we took a guided tour of the complex - in a golf cart! The modern-day Astrakhan Region was contested between various groups and empires until the middle of the 16th century, when it became a part of the southward-expanding Russian Empire. A knowledgeable guide shared many historical facts about the Kremlin and the city with us. 

After our tour, we were in for an unexpected audio visual treat. As the sun fought the grey fall clouds and warmed up the temperature to 18°C and the bells tolled from the Assumption Cathedral, a group of teenagers in various ethnic costumes came to the area near the church. Over the next 20 minutes, the colorful group performed a series of dances that reflected the cultures of various ethnic groups who call Astrakhan home.  

Astrakhan's Assumption Cathedral

We first saw a Russian folk dance, followed by a Tatar dance and then a performance of the indigenous peoples who inhabit Astrakhan Region. We were lucky to be in the Kremlin on the day the city was marking Russian National Unity Day . 

This ethnic diversity can be seen everywhere in Astrakhan, but nowhere it is more visible than in restaurants and bars, where you see groups of people from different backgrounds socialising and making merry.  

Ajay at the Astrakhan kremlin

Astrakhan is also known for its religious diversity. We went to two recently-renovated mosques that are just outside the historic city center. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit at non-prayer times. There seemed to be a strong Persian influence in the interior of these mosques, which is not surprising, given the fact that Iran is just across the Caspian Sea. The city also has an Iranian consulate and a Russian-Iranian banking joint venture. Some of the stores in the city sell imported Iranian candy. 

During our three-day stay in the city, we had a chance to get acquainted with people from Dagestan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. For those from other Caspian states, Astrakhan is seen as a logical entry point to Russia. In fact, several students from former Soviet countries study in the city.  

Enjoy the unique architecture  

The most interesting feature of Astrakhan is that no two streets in the historic center seem to resemble each other. A street full of early 1900s brownish-red brick structures is cut in half by a thoroughfare that has buildings that are a mix of Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Classicist architecture! Similarly, a walk by the outer walls of the 16th century Kremlin offers views of 19th century buildings that seem to have been transplanted from St. Petersburg.  

Tastefully restored building in Astrakhan

Long-term residents say many of the heritage structures in the city were in a state of disrepair, until a decade ago, when Russian President Vladimir Putin took a personal interest in reviving the city, given its strategic location close to the Caspian Sea.  

The victory of the Soviet Union in the Battle of Stalingrad and the resulting halt of German troops advances into southern Russia helped save the older buildings of Astrakhan during World War II. The radius around the Kremlin and riverfront are European in character, but once you cross the canal, a totally different side of the city opens up. These areas have ethnic Persian and Tatar localities, locally known as ‘sloboda’. One gets a feeling of crossing over into an altogether different century when strolling past these areas with their wooden cottages and cosy courtyards.  

While there is a strong sense of community here, the area is lower middle class and, unfortunately, did not seem to have any ethnic Tatar or Persian-style cafes. We were told that the best place to sample this kind of food was the Tatar Bazar, which we could not visit. Locals in these ethnic enclaves apparently preferred to either cook at home or eat at food courts in shopping malls.  

A wooden house outside the center (L); One of Astrakhan's older churches

The classical Russian neighbourhoods in Astrakhan have a wide array of dining options, including an elegant restaurant named ‘Onegin’ (named after Alexander Pushkin’s famous novel in verse ‘Eugene Onegin’), which has 19th century style interiors, chandeliers, paintings of the greats of Russian literature and plays the music of Russian composers Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. Plenty of other restaurants are themed around the Caspian Sea.  

Spend an evening by the Volga 

It goes without saying that the best place to spend an evening in the city is the riverside promenade. Runners, bicyclists, families, university students and pensioners all converge on this stretch in the early evening, as another day heads off into the night.  

The small islands that are visible from the promenade are home to a variety of birds that rush to find shelter in the trees before nightfall. As the river runs south towards the Caspian, nature is absolutely breathtaking. Visitors to Astrakhan in the warmer months often head to the Volga Delta, which is a biodiversity hotspot and home to various species of flora and fauna.   

We made it a point to catch the sunset by the Volga twice during our brief visit. Few experiences in Russia compare with seeing the red sun set behind the country’s most iconic river. The ensuing twilight paints the skies of Astrakhan with a unique shade of crimson.  

Astrakhan with Olga

Standing by the riverfront on my last evening in the city, my gaze went to the left, where some 100 kilometers south the great Volga empties into the Caspian Sea. This area has always been a major transit point connecting north and south, east and west. For several hundred years, it was the intersection of the east-west trade route north of the Caspian Sea and the north-south trade route down the Volga to Persia. I couldn’t help but think how the city had the potential to become a major business, logistics and tourism hub, if Russia, India, Iran and the Caspian littoral countries put a fresh impetus on developing the International North-South Corridor.   

Astrakhan, as it is, is still a special place where several cultures meet and blend. As a melting pot of religions and ethnicities, no city in Russia (outside of Moscow) represents the sheer diversity of this colossally large country as well as Astrakhan. The city’s communal harmony and amity set an example for many other parts of the world that are struggling to deal with the close interaction of various ethnic groups. 

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Other destinations

Astrakhan Oblast is a region steeped in the history of Central Asia. Before the arrival of Russian power, this area was at times ruled by the Jewish Khazar Khaganate, the Golden Horde , and the Astrakhan Khanate (centered on the present day city). In 1556 Ivan the Terrible conquered the region and annexed most of its territory at a time when Russian-allied Kalmyks were attacking and displacing the Muslim Tatars of the region. In 1580, having seen off Ottoman challenges to Russian rule, Russia constructed Astrakhan's magnificent Kremlin, which is a mix of traditional Russian and Baroque styles. Astrakhan's nature as a pivotal region for Central Asia continued when Peter the Great established a major shipbuilding yard on the Caspian Sea and established the region as the base for Russian expansion into the great Khanates of Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara, located in present day Kazakhstan , Turkmenistan , and Uzbekistan .

Today Astrakhan Oblast is a relatively sleepy, sparsely populated region near the confluence of the Volga River and the Caspian Sea, notable for its large gas reserves. The region retains sizeable Kazakh and Tatar minorities.

Despite its multicultural past, nearly everyone in Astrakhan Oblast speaks Russian as a first language.

Astrakhan Oblast is served by rail from Volgograd .

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The natural companion to an Astrakhan visit is its western neighbor Kalmykia . Probably the most convenient way to get there is to take a minibus (marshrutka) from Astrakhan to Elista .

It is also possible to relive your dreams of Russian conquest of Central Asia by taking the train west from Astrakhan to Atyrau , Kazakhstan .

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