Sector Outlook
The UK is the 8th largest international tourist destination by visitor numbers. The
sector that includes domestic travel and tourism is 9% of all UK revenue, a colossal
£129 Billion. But travel and tourism is not just about inbound visitors. UK citizens
made 56 million trips abroad with a staggering 1.4 billion day trips made to
destinations in England in 2013. Although tourism and travel is booming it has been
a challenging time for companies offering travel services as more of us are booking
online. In 2014 ABTA recorded that 75% of all UK holidays were booked either with
a comparison website or directly with the operator.
This changing pattern of consumers buying online and at cheaper prices has affected
travel industry services. One large company closed more than 149 stores in 2013 in
efforts to reduce its administrative costs and be more competitive. However there are
still around 6,600 travel and tour operators in the UK employing around 100,000 staff
in travel services. Around 40,000 are travel agents working for various companies
in high street, at home or in call centres. Others are involved in a variety of services
such as tour guides, tour operators, administrative staff or coach drivers.
The industry is youthful, with 39% of staff in the travel and tourism sector being
under the age of 30. A good standard of education is important for entry into careers
in travel services. There are also a number of qualifications beneficial to the industry
including: NVQ in travel & tourism, Diplomas and HNC’s in travel & tourism, GCSE,
A Level and Degree courses in International Tourism and Travel Management.
An interest in travel or tourism, enthusiasm, and an aptitude for planning and
organising is desirable. Additionally, the five most common skills are: technical,
practical or job specific skills, customer service skills, oral communication skills,
problem solving skills and team working skills. Foreign language skills may also
be useful for a job role in travel services, depending on the type of work. You can
aid your chances by building a portfolio of volunteering, travelling, getting part time
work at a tourist destination or obtaining work experience. Jobs in the industry can
be found in common places such as job websites, local newspapers or direct with
travel and tour operators such as Thomas Cook, TUI or smaller companies such as
Cosmos and Trailfinders. Visitor services roles may exist at country parks, zoos,
local authorities, museums, heritage centres, organisations such as the national trust
or with large leisure companies such as Merlin Entertainments which operates 105
attractions globally.
Travel & Tourism Services