Tour manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like travel and tourism management, although this isn't essential.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course like a Level 4 Diploma in Tourism Management, which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could move into this job after getting experience in a related role like a travel agent, tour guide or tour rep.

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs directly if you have:

• experience of working with people
• a friendly and approachable manner
• a keen interest in the culture, geography and history of the locations covered by the tour
• a good working knowledge of foreign languages if touring overseas
• experience of working overseas if the job you're applying for is based abroad

Employers may ask for a good general standard of education, like some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to think clearly in a crisis
• knowledge of English language
• an interest and knowledge of history
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• physical fitness and endurance
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of psychology
• a good memory
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Tour managers manage the travel arrangements of holidaymakers and business clients to make sure their trips run smoothly.

You could offer services to the public or business clients and would typically:

• meet and greet people
• explain travel arrangements and give details of stopover points
• make sure accommodation, meals and services are satisfactory
• help with passport and immigration issues
• give talks about places of interest or find local tourist guides to do them
• promote and sell trips
• advise on sights, local restaurants and shops at each destination
• record issues that may require follow-up after the tour
• give advice, solve problems and deal with emergencies like loss of passports or money, illness or difficulties with accommodation

Location : You could work in a hotel or in holiday accomodation.
Environment : Your working environment may be crowded, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

28 - 30 hours seasonal

Working Pattern is on call as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could work freelance, become a tour operations manager or specialise in particular types of tour, like food and drink breaks, adventure holidays or business travel.

You could also set up your own tour business.