A Career in Tourism

A Career in Tourism
As one of the fastest growing economic sectors, not only in the Bahamas, but in the region, there continues to be a need for talented, skilled professionals in a widely diverse number of areas.

In the region, one out of every four individuals is employed in the tourism industry which currently has the potential to expand by some 70 per cent over the next decade, a scenario that is mirrored in the Bahamian community. Regional data shows that by the year 2007, tourism will have added a total of 2.2 million jobs.

Recent statistics for the region, that likely reflect the economic position of the Bahamas, show that over 40 per cent of all capital investment can be attributed to the travel and trade industry and that the Gross Domestic Product of no other region in the world benefits more from tourism than the GDP in the Caribbean.

With such tremendous growth and economic benefit to be gained from an industry entrenched in the Bahamian way of life, and when considering a career in today?s environment, the range and enormous possibilities available tourism, which offers exposure and travel opportunities, cross training experiences and career advancement opportunities, means that students are able to follow their passions, whether in the sciences, literary field or business sector, and be confident that they will be able to use their skills to service the demands of an ever evolving industry, while fulfilling their own passions and meeting their own economic needs.

Are you considering a career in tourism? This is an exciting industry to be in and one which provides an excellent base. Not only can you work in New Zealand but it's a useful occupation if you travel overseas. With one in ten people working within the tourism industry in New Zealand, the range of job opportunities are wide and range from hospitality, events, tours through to tourism marketing roles.

Here are just a few of the employment options if you take tourism as a career.
Reservations
Tourism marketing
Tour guiding/drivers
Meet and greet services
Itinerary planning/group bookings
Tourism sales
Event/conference planning and organizing
Guest Services/housekeeping
Ground support
Accounts
Hotel reception/management
Front desk
Concierge
Food and beverage
Operations
Human Resources

Some of the areas you may work in include working in ski-fields, airports, tourism attractions...

Consumer Decision Making

Consumer Decision Making

The above diagram assists in understanding the process consumers work through in deciding about taking a holiday. It is important to understand this process because it influences all stages of the previously discussed model, especially the marketing/promotion element.

Needs :
Going on a holiday allows people to take a break from their normal life, whether it’s restful idleness in scenic spots or extreme sports in challenging terrain, on their own, with a partner or friends, or in a large group.

Awareness :
Consumers may have a recognised or unrecognised need for a holiday. Promoting a holiday destination, product or service can help consumers recognise they need a holiday, then raise their awareness of the choices available.

Motivation :
If the consumer is positively aware of a destination, product or service they are more likely to be motivated to visit.

Planning/Decision :
Promotional information helps the consumer decide how to get there, and what they want to do.

Satisfaction :
If a product delivers what has been promoted, the consumer is likely to be satisfied and have a quality holiday experience, and vice versa.

Word of Mouth :
Consumers share their holiday experiences with friends, family and colleagues. Their word of mouth raises awareness of the destination, product(s) and service(s) with potential future consumers.

Tourism Employment

Tourism Employment
As of May 2006, travel agents held about 101,000 jobs. Travel agencies are found in every part of the country. Two thirds of those employed in Tourism worked for travel agencies. Approximately 13% of travel agents were self-employed. Employment for travel agents should increase by one percent between 2006 and 2016. Because of the recent economic downturn, people are traveling abroad less and are taking vacations closer to home. The BLS reports that people are taking more exotic and highly customized trips. This increases the demand for specialized services.

Travelers Plan Their Own Vacations
The Internet has made it easy for travelers to plan their own vacations. Travel and airline websites provide unlimited opportunities to research and plan almost any type of vacation. These websites are very competitive and allow travelers to find lower prices.

Tourism Job Opportunities
The BLS reports that demand for travel agent jobs should be fair to good. Opportunities are best for agents that specialize in specific destinations, luxury travel and specific special interest groups. Many tourists prefer not traveling abroad because demand for travel is sensitive to economic downturns and political conditions in foreign countries. Positions in the Tourism market will open as travel agents retire or pursue other careers.

Types of jobs

Types of jobs:

Leisure services
Cinema manager
Leisure/social club manager
Outdoor pursuits manager
Recreation assistant
Theme park manager

Sports services
Fitness centre manager
Outdoor pursuits manager
Personal trainer
Pool attendant
Recreation assistant
Sport and exercise psychologist
Sports administrator
Sports coach/instructor
Sports development officer
Sportsperson

Tourism services
Childrens holiday representative
Holiday representative
Tour manager
Tourism consultant
Tourism officer
Tourist guide
Tourist information centre manager
Travel agency clerk/travel consultant
Travel agency manager

About The Tourism Industry

About The Tourism Industry

As the primary engine of growth for the nation?s economy, the tourism industry is a vital, dynamic and evolving industry. With a mature tourism infrastructure supporting approximately 1.5 million stopover visitors and 3.5 million cruise visitors per annum, and a progressive service industry, tourism has become the largest driver of the economic activity in The Bahamas.

Moreover, with recent investments – the Atlantis Phase III, the Baha Mar Development Company in the Cable Beach strip, and any number of projects planned for the Family Islands – the tourism industry is poised for exponential growth and development, creating an untold range of opportunities not only for jobs within and related to the industry, but for entrepreneurial initiatives that will help create sustainable and lasting economic supports for the industry.

Why do visitors choose The Bahamas? In 2003, almost 70 percent of vacationers to Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Family Islands said their decision was based on the warm climate and the beauty and accessibility of our beaches first and foremost, followed by the diversity of hotel facilities.

In 2003, almost 50% of vacationers to The Bahamas booked an air and hotel inclusive package with best vacation value cited as being of increasing importance in the decision-making process.


Why Choose a Career in Tourism?



With an industry so diverse, tourism offers a long-term career fit for enthusiastic individuals wanting to put their education and skills to work in an exciting and varied environment.



From operational positions to management and executive level responsibilities, you'll find opportunities for solid training, knowledge and skill development along with unlimited career growth. The tourism industry also offers a unique environment for those that wish to start their own business.

For those interested in climbing the tourism ladder, here's a snapshot of career levels and opportunities:

Operational Positions
These usually involve direct contact with tourists and are often the first step in a lifetime career. Sample jobs include:

Ski Repair Technician
Bartender
Concierge
Adventure Tour Guide
Cook
Sales Coordinator
Supervisory Positions
These roles hire, manage, motivate and schedule operational positions as well as provide key functional expertise. Sample jobs include:

Guest Services Supervisor
Ski Patrol Supervisor
Event Planner
Restaurant Shift Supervisor
Team Leader Accounting
Maintenance Supervisor
Management Positions
These positions involve budgeting, analysis, planning and change management in order to help employees and the organization to grow and prosper. There may also be interaction with other tourism sectors and community involvement. Sample jobs include:

Director of Sales and Marketing
Head Chef
Ski Area Manager
Rooms Division Manager
Adventure Company Owner
Attractions Operations Manager
Executives
Executives are often responsible for several departments or divisions and usually work at a regional, national or international level. They are responsible for strategic planning and have significant budget responsibility. Sample jobs include:

Hotel General Manager
Regional Manager of Restaurant Chain
Vice President of Human Resources
Tour Company President
Convention Centre Executive Director
CEO of Destination Marketing Organization (e.g. Tourism British Columbia)
There are also plenty of opportunities within the tourism industry for the self-starter seeking entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you're looking to open a restaurant, tour company, an outdoor adventure operation or a bed and breakfast, the phenomenal growth of tourism in BC means bountiful business opportunities for the entrepreneurial spirit.

If you were to describe your dream job, it would probably have some, if not all of the following characteristics: limitless career opportunities in a growing and important industry, routine travel, and new challenges around every bend. Do we have your attention? You will find all of these qualities in a career in travel and tourism.
Travel and tourism is one of America's largest industries. The Travel Industry Association of America says that in 2004, the U.S. travel industry received more than $600 billion from domestic and international travelers, and that's not counting international passenger fares. These expenditures directly resulted in 7.3 million jobs and over $162 billion in payroll income for Americans, as well as $100 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue. Travel and tourism is an incredibly vital and exciting industry, and the career opportunities that exist within it are as varied as the destinations it serves.

What are my options?
While a large part of the travel and tourism industry is comprised of travel agencies, there are many other vital components. These include hotels, resorts, restaurants/food, bus/train/airline bookings, and tour operations. Among travel agents there is a great deal of variation. Some specialize in business travel, and are involved in planning, publicity and bookings for conferences or trade fairs. Some specialize in holiday/vacation planning.

What do I need to know?
A travel and tourism career requires a wide array of skills, and some formal study in travel and tourism is helpful. Your studies will include computer and technology training, marketing, business management, accounting and public relations. Have you traveled much? That's even better. Experienced travelers bring unique and desirable qualities to their positions, and those in travel and tourism careers often get free or discounted travel. See and experience the world everyday with a career in travel and tourism