How does one get a job in leisure and tourism?

By Nigel Viegas

Wanderlust is an antiquity and not a by-product of the behemoth digital media platform that we usually assume. It’s been there for ages and has contributed to burgeoning discoveries that have transformed the world from time to time and has helped set perspectives within that period.

Sure, the advent of digital platforms and disrupting social networks have fuelled the desire to travel and discover places but the contribution of the hospitality industry should not be overlooked. It must be applauded for fine-tuning with the ever-diversifying leisure and tourism niche to carve out a beloved industry. An industry which comprises of not just travel and leisure but education and operation as well – all of which successfully help in engraving the art of wanderlust in the minds of people.

With Web 3.0, sharing has never been simpler. People consume content like never before. Blogs, reviews and videos on travel have taken the world by storm. A mind-boggling amount of data is consumed by a diversified audience which gets influenced and sets their life goals based on the same. These goals resonate with their lives and helps them instil the thrill which they assume would be missing otherwise.

With major tourism and hospitality giants encouraging this trend, it has become fairly easy to find a job in leisure and tourism industry. From health centres and hotels to international events and airports, the scope to explore this industry has grown innovatively.

Contrastingly, leisure and tourism aspirants still face dilemma when it comes to streamlining the ideal career path. Primarily, the wide range of options available is the reason why young aspirants are confused. Retail travel, currency exchange, tour operations, and tourist boards are just few of the many avenues available as the desired career paths.

Aspirants who are applying for a career in the leisure and tourism industry should have commercial awareness, soft skills and the ability to communicate. I’ve dealt with harsh event deadlines, bizarre customer requests, situations that require hands-on thinking, patience and an award-winning smile at all times. In my experience, the only thing that drives the spirit of hospitality is the initiative to make people as comfortable and happy as you can. If you are up for the task, then reading further will make sense to you.

What does Travel and Leisure industry deal with?

Travel and leisure industry deals with the logistics of hospitality, especially holiday planning, travel and accommodations. It takes an eye for detail to ensure that your client’s expectations are met, from lodging to guiding around the city. There are various jobs that come into play, like working as a hotel or transport staff to guiding and touring the client across their destination. Something as simple as aligning the bedsheets in the hotel room can ensure that the client feels pampered. No task is a small one if you aim to pamper your guests. Our very industry relies on this principle.

What about the jobs?

There are many well-known job profiles offered in this field. You can apply as a travel agent, trip manager, travel consultant, airline/hotel staff or even as an adventure sports guide.

1. Which countries are the focal points?

Now that you know what you need to do, the next step requires you to choose where you want to do it. It’s a weighted decision for some, but the choices are unlimited. The countries that make heavy revenue through tourism are USA, Spain, France, China and Italy. But the growth of the industry is not just restricted to these countries but regions such as Middle-East as well. The number of job opportunities being offered here is helping the aspirants to make a name of themselves in a cut-throat hospitality industry. Countries are taking measures beyond the line of duty to provide tourists with the time of their lives.

For an aspirant wanting to step foot in the hospitality industry, there are many alternatives available in the developing countries as well. Mongolia and Bahrain, for example are few of the hot destinations. These up and coming nations are experiencing ten-fold tourist footfalls driven by digital awareness of the attractions that they offer.

2. What about the education profile?

There are a number of courses offered at graduation and post-graduation level in this field. Also, there are a large number of diploma courses for the same. Though most of the jobs in this field do not require specific education, except for the fields of management, it is advisable to have basic background knowledge before diving into this stream.

Countries over the world have education courses relating to the same and the reason for that is the tremendous growth in the industry. Leisure and tourism can be pursued either as a full time course or as a diploma which can be anywhere between 6 to 12 months.
If you wish to pursue the same courses from abroad in search of better job opportunities, there are many countries such as Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Thailand, France and Bahrain that can help you gauge your career in the right direction. The colleges there conduct personal examinations and have a discrete process of selection.

3. Apt knowledge:

Applying for a job with prior experience in the travel industry proves to be commendatory. Apt knowledge can make a difference as you will be accustomed to the functioning of the industry beforehand. I’d recommend doing your research before you dive in. Just like any other industry, tourism comes with its own hardships.

4. Choose field of interest:

Leisure and tourism industry is huge in itself. It ingrains number of options like adventure tourism, food and service management, tour operators and many more. To choose a specific job of interest is crucial. Gain experience by working in the field through internships, or try out different diploma specializations to find your interest. This would help you decide the peculiar field you want to pursue.

5. How to apply?
As a student, you are provided placements by the institute you have studied in. If not so, then you can apply directly through various online portals or through interpersonal contacts. However, you must know that even as a fresh graduate, you have a strong profile to get a job, so do not lose hope.

Leisure and tourism industry offers splendid opportunities along with local and global exposure to the aspirants. For you to excel in this field, you need to have patience, perseverance and adaptability. Without which, any career option would lead towards the wrong road.

About the Author:

Nigel Viegas is the Executive Director at Bahrain Institute of Hospitality and Retail (BIHR).

Also Read:

Top 10 Qualities of a Great Hospitality Employee