Global Travel Tourism Careers

Global Travel-Tourism Career
Opportunities
TAKE OFF!
Let a 25 year expert be your guide into the travel-tourism industry
and help you map your career in travel-tourism
Learn “Inside Secrets” ~ Where the high paying jobs are

Turn your hopes into action!
Learn How to turn your avocation into vocation
Learn The Secrets of a good “Resume” for success
Learn How to start your own travel-tourism business
Find Career Peace and Satisfaction
Copyright 2005
Gerald E. Mitchell
A “How To” Guide for thousands of people who
Want to discover the world as a career
Global Travel Tourism Career Opportunities©

By
Global Travel Tourism Career Opportunities©

© Copyright 2006 by The GEM Institute of Tourism Career Development
www.tour-guiding.com
First Edition: March, 2006

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means; electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
Library of Congress Cataloging Publication Data

Mitchell, Gerald
The GEM Group
ISBN 0-945439-14-8
Inquires should be addressed to:
The GEM Group, Ltd.

P.O. Box 21199
Charleston SC 29413
Email: [email protected]
http://www.tour-guiding.com
The GEM Group, Ltd. Institute of Travel-Tourism
Career Development
The GEM Institute of Tourism and Career Development evolved from the travel
professional’s demand for unique and innovative material.
Overseen by Mitchell, these publications continue to surpass other competitive

literature and are setting higher standards for the travel market.
Mitchell’s works are currently in use in the United States, the Middle East, the
(former Soviet Union) New Independent States, the Caribbean Basin, Canada, Latin
America, Serbia, and Russia.
Continued international growth is imminent as the world’s hunger for Mitchell’s

consulting talents take him around the globe.
The mission of the Institute focuses on preserving the unique history, culture, and
ecology of the region that is being promoted to the traveling public.
The promotion of these countries natural resources helps to stimulate the economy
while preserving the ecological balance of nature and visitor.
The GEM Group, Ltd.
Established 1976
A company dedicated to helping countries develop

a successful and profitable tourism destination
A full service Tourism and Travel firm, the GEM Group Ltd. Was established in 1967 with
the initial purpose of operating as an International Tour Operator company.
Since its founding, the firm has expanded its services from specializing in high-adventure
tours to include Hospitality and Tourism Training, Tour Product Development, Marketing
and Tour Guiding throughout the world.
Specializing in Cross Cultural Transfer, Rural and Ecotourism product development and
marketing, The GEM Group, Ltd. provides the necessary training required for increasing
long-range productivity by meeting product demand delivery services while ensuring viable
and sustainable economic benefits to the client.
Mr. Mitchell, President of The GEM Group Ltd. and his staff of seasoned travel
professionals conduct lectures in t Mr. Mitchell also has authored numerous travel and
tourism texts currently in use throughout the world.
The GEM Group Ltd. established the first indigenously owned and operated outfitter and
guide service in the Canadian Arctic.
The GEM Group Ltd. Professional Affiliations
• Registered with Who’s Who National Registry

• Member of the Society of Travel and Hospitality Executives
• Organizations of American States (OAS)
• World Bank—IMF, DACON
• Lecturer for the Small Business Resource Center
• GEM Manuals registered with the Library of Congress
• GEM Publications are sold through Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Borders
• US Commerce Department (SABIT), Washington, DC
• Trainer for Russia and New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
• Unite States Agency for International Development
• Jordan—United States Business Partnership
• USAid-Booz, Allen, Hamilton, Belgrade, Serbia
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my gratitude to the many students around the world who
encouraged me to write this book. They provided important information, and made
hundreds of helpful and often candid comments. Too numerous to mention here, they
include over 23 countries, NGOs, United States Agency for International Development, the
Organization of American States, the Canadian Government, and other Ministries of
Tourism and observers.
Gerald E. Mitchell, President

The GEM Group, Ltd.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Welcome to the Travel-Tourism Industry ..................... 1

• What is Tourism
• New Jobs and Business Opportunities are Waiting for You
• Selling Tours for A Profit
• Competition for Tourist Dollars
• Eight Essential Pulling Powers
• The Tourists Are Coming! Are You Ready?
• Outbound Tourism
• In-Bound Tourism
• Five Stages of a Visitor’s Travel
Chapter 2: Your Career in Travel-Tourism ................................. 7

• Seven Great Reasons for a Travel-Tourism Career
• Unlimited Career Paths and Opportunities
• Getting Started: Overcoming a Lack of Experience
• Entering Travel-Tourism as a Front-Line Employee
• Experience
• Conditions
• Rewards
• Flexibility
• The Hours
• Salaries
• Never Traveled Abroad?
• Do You Have What it Takes to Work in Travel-Tourism?
Chapter 3: Where the Jobs Are: Travel Industry Sectors ............... 14

• Six Industry Sectors…Plus One More!
• Sector One: Retail and Wholesale Travel Companies
Industry Subsectors
Retail: Careers at Travel Agencies
Wholesale: In-Bound Destination Management
Lead an Exciting Career as an International Tour Director
• Sector Two: Tourism Providers
Special Events, Conferences, Convention Planning
Nature Guiding Careers
Outdoor Adventure Guides
Guides and Pro-Instructors for Ski Resorts
Fishing Lodge Guide and Instructor
Riverboat Rafting Tour Guide
Historical, Cultural Interpretative Guides
Museum Curator Tour Guides
• Sector Three: Working for Government, State & City Tourism Boards
Convention Sales Manager
Tourism Marketing Coordinator
Visitor Information Counselor
Working for the National & State Parks Service
State and Regional Park Ranger ~ “Smoky the Bear”
City Parks Recreational Programmer
• Sector Four: Welcome to the Transportation Field
Motor Coach, Rail, Cruise Lines, Airlines
Motor Coach Driver/Charter Local Sightseeing Conductor
Director of Sales & Marketing for Charter Motor Coach Companies
Rail Service, Amtrak, North America
Railroad Engineer
Railroad Conductor
Jobs in the Cruise Industry
Passenger Service Representative
• Sector Five: Airline Careers and Employment Opportunities
Airline Pilot
Flight Attendant
Airline Reservationists
Customer Service Representatives
• Sector 6: Theme Parks and Attraction Centers and Broadway
Attractions Ride Operator
• Sector 7: Alternative Paths to Your Dream Job
Travel Writer Photographer
Teacher/Trainer for the Hospitality-Tourism Industry
Yacht Crew-River Boats
Ski & Spa Industry
Career Opportunities and Resorts & Sopas
Choosing the Ski Industry as a career
Choosing the Spa Industry as a Career
New Age Retreats Careers
Become a Private Pilot or Start Your Own Business
E-Commerce Travel Careers
What Attracts You to the Travel Industry
Chapter 4: Owning Your Own Travel-Tourism Business .............. 63

• Are You an Entrepreneur at Heart?
• Life Changes
• Assuming the Role of a Self-Employed Owner/Manager
• First Business essential: Prepare a Comprehensive Plan
• When Can You Expect to Start Making Money?
• Prepare a To-Do List in Your Startup Planning Stage
• Seven Profitable Business Opportunities
• Owning a Boat Charter Company or Being a River Boat Captain
• Visitor Accommodations
• Hotels
• Bed and Breakfasts and Farm/Ranch Vacation Sites
• Cabins, Cottages, and Houseboats
• Campgrounds
• Catering to Travelers who Want to Shop
• Visitors Need to Be Fed!
• Providing a Tour Guide Service
• New Business Opportunities
• Heritage Interpreter
• Tour Guide Adventure Tours
• Starting an In-Bound Destination Management Company
• Designing and Escorting Tours for the Physically Challenged
• Career Opportunities for International Tour Directors
• Five Key Considerations in Tour Promotions
• Becoming a Dream merchant
• Questions and Answers About the Travel-Tourism Industry
Chapter 5: Your Road Map to Employment in Travel-Tourism....... 82
• Where the Jobs Are
• Let’s Get Started
• For High School and College Students ~ A Career Start Challenge
• For Adults
• Take a Career Step in the Right Direction
Chapter 6: Preparing a Resume that Works ............................... 87

• Your Resume Is Your Introduction
• Need Help in Making a Career Choice?
• Now…Start Marketing Yourself!
• Enhance Your Attraction Level
• Increase Your Visibility
Chapter 7: Resources Within The Tourism Industry .................... 94

• Launching Your Career
Chapter 8: Travel-Tourism Career Resource Guide ..................... 99

• A to Z Guide to Resources
• GEM Workshop on Becoming A Tour Guide
Appendix: Glossary of Travel Terms ..................................... 114

Message from the President of The GEM Group
Gerald E. Mitchell, CEO & Founder of the Institute of Travel-Tourism
My goal is to speak to you personally and share knowledge from my past and present
experiences as a travel-tourism professional for the past twenty-six years.
The information I’m sharing is intended to help launch your career in the Travel-Tourism
industry. Each section of this book will provide you with “inside secrets” to finding a career
or staring your own business in the Travel-Tourism industry. One of the great appeals of the
this industry that it is competitive, challenging and also fun!
Your opportunities for employment in travel-tourism are growing at impressive rate! By

2007, an additional 130 million new tourism jobs will be created around the world with over
400 different type of employment in careers that range from adventure tour guides to
caterers to hotel managers to travel agents. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries
in the world today. An exciting career awaits you if you enter travel-tourism now!
Chapter 1
Welcome to the Travel-Tourism Industry
What is Tourism?
Although many of us have been “tourists” at some point or another in our lives, we seem to
struggle for the words when asked to define what tourism actually is ...
Tourism /tüe(r)izm/ n. the temporary movement of people to places
other than work or home, the activities undertaken during their stay
and the facilities created to meet their needs
The World’s Fastest-Growing Profession!

Because the industry has been experiencing a boom time, we are in desperate need of
qualified tourism professionals. Tourism is one of the few industries that can offer exciting,
challenging and varied careers -- plus fast promotions!
The travel-tourism profession currently employs one in ten people worldwide.
Tourism benefits both developed western nations and emerging third-world countries.
Tourism creates jobs and boosts the local economy. Visitors support the economy by
spending money in shops, in local transportation, at hotels and restaurants. Tourism is a
key source of civic pride. It pays for regenerating old building sites and museums and helps
with local conservation and environmental improvements.
Special Note: By 2007, more than 100 million people worldwide will be employed in various
sectors of the travel-tourism industry. Because of this rapid growth, travel-tourism is now
seen to be of importance to countries around the world.
New Jobs and Business Opportunities Are Waiting for You!

Manufacturing exports have declined in the United States, while service industries such as
travel-tourism are contributing more and more to the world economy by means of “invisible
exports.” Travel-Tourism professionals gather components such as hotel accommodations,
dining, and transportation and put them all together to create a tour. The tour is then sold
to tourists either through the Internet, travel agents, or tour operators. As more and more
manufacturing jobs continue to be exported overseas, our tourism service is contributing
more and more to our country’s prosperity.
Selling Tours for Profit

A “tour” is an intangible product. The tourist cannot touch it, take it home and try it out for
a week, the send it back if it fails to please. Once purchased, the sale of a tour is final.
Therefore, the overall quality of each tour is vital to the continued success and development
of any travel destination – and to the tour operators and agents who sell them.
How Exporting Tourism Works

Each year, the Caribbean countries export tons of bananas – a tangible product -- to the U.S. and
Europe. If U.S. and European residents decide to visit the Caribbean as tourists, they are receiving
an “intangible” service during their visit as tourists. These services include transportation, hotel
rooms, admission fees to attractions, and other expenses. Now multiply the average spending per
tourist of $350 per day by the thousands of visitors each year, and you can see how tourism is a
thriving industry contributing to the world’s economic health. Today travel tourism earns more in
foreign currencies than any other industry.
Competition For Tourist Dollars

All countries compete for the tourist dollar! The majority of countries compete in a global
market to attract tourists from the United States, Japan, France, and many other countries.
2
With the aid of advertising and promotional firms, directors of tourism often implement
aggressive and creative marketing campaigns aimed at attracting travelers from other parts
of the world.
Eight Essential “Pulling Powers”

Traditionally, local resources are incorporated into visitors’ tour itineraries by airlines,
hotels, travel agents, tour guides, museums, and national parks. These resources become
tour features and highlights.
#1- Service: YOU can play an important role in the set of tourism resources by delivering
one or more of the tourism-travel services for transportation, accommodations (hotels
and resorts), tour guiding, tour operations, catering, bars/clubs, street vendors, ethnic
cuisine – plus the basic services all tourists may need, from working in currency
exchange offices to providing medical services to working in government tourism
offices.
#2- Local resources: A destination’s resources are what appeal to the visitor. The tour
features form the core of the visitor’s attractions, including accommodations, food,
shopping and entertainment. Tour features include natural and man-made attractions
at the travel destination.
#3- Cultural Resources

Religious: mosques, temples, churches, cathedrals, missions, pilgrimage sites, burial
grounds
#4- Natural Resources

Flora: Wild flowers, wilderness, coffee plantations, spices & herbs, vineyards, jungle
Landscape: beaches, caves, coral reef, volcanoes, gemstones, desert
Fauna: Birds, insects, wildlife, marine mammals, wild game
Climate: Four seasons, summer, fall, spring, and winter
Water: rivers, springs, oceans, ice, snow, waterfalls
3
#5- Heritage: castles, forts, historic birthplace, historic buildings, historic homes, cottage,
ghost towns, folklore, museums-monuments, battle sites, ancient roads or paths,
aboriginal, indigenous, landmarks
#6- Event Resources:

Festivals: music-jazz, folk, country, classical, ballet, national
Tournaments: sports-local, regional, athletics, racing, horses, dogs, camels
#7- Business: trade shows, agricultural, business, social clubs, conventions, carnivals,
fishing, and ethnic celebrations
#8- Activity Resources:

Ski Lodges- Scuba Centers-theme parks-Zoos, art & crafts courses-outdoor activities
which could include class at, golf courses and not to be overlooked Shopping!
The Tourists are coming! Are you ready?
There are two types of tourism: inbound and outbound. Each of these offers opportunities
for your career.
Outbound Tourism
Outbound tourism is the type with which you may be most familiar. It involves the business
of people going from their country to another -- for example, leaving one’s home and going
abroad is considered outbound tourism.
Inbound Tourism
When tourists from other places visit your country or community, this activity is referred to
as inbound tourism. Many people in work as travel-tourism professionals dedicated to
ensuring that inbound tourists enjoy their stay and will want to recommend your country
“as the place to visit” when they return home.
4
Five Stages of a Visitor’s Travel
Stage 1: Pre-Departure
Travelers have many concerns before they depart, and these concerns can affect their choice
of destinations. Typically, tourists ask:
• Is it safe to travel on my own?
• Is the destination and the tour package a good value?
• What if I don’t know the language?
• Will the trip meet my expectations?
The tour director is a primary resource for ensuring the travelers’ needs are met.
Stage 2: Arrival
Traveling to the destination, experiencing jet lag, facing culture shock with first impressions,
standing in line, being welcomed and greeted, having safe and reliable transportation
Stage 3: The Visit

The tour guide is the person to whom travelers look to see that the services that were agreed
on are provided, that they receive information, and that the tour runs smoothly. A
successful tour guide will have great people skills, and be able to satisfy complaints and
resolve misunderstandings. Tourists expect:
Lodging at clean locations with good service
Dining at interesting restaurants with international cuisine
Entertainment, learning experiences, and native culture
Shopping, unique gifts, arts and crafts
Recreation (eco-tours, heritage, cultural, special interest programs)
Stage 4: Departure:
At this stage, visitors will be forming final impressions and looking forward to the trip
home.
5
Stage 5: Post-Tour-Memories
Tourists will tell their friends how good or bad the experience was. Their word-of-mouth
recommendations will either sell others on travel or discourage them. This stage is the one
where they are most likely to register complaints for poor service.
6
Chapter 2
Your Career in Travel-Tourism
Seven great Reasons for a Travel-Tourism Career

#1. World’s largest employer
#2. World’s fastest growing industry
#3. With over 7 sectors of the industry, you’ll find a exciting job that suits your interests
#4. You can have fun while associating with people on vacation looking for a good time
#5. Global opportunities to travel and work around the world
#6. Be proud to be a host for your country or region, showing it off
#7. Each day is different, offering new opportunities and challenges
Unlimited Career Paths and Opportunities

The diverse career paths in travel-tourism show that your options are virtually unlimited.
Depending on your interests and skills, you can work indoors or out, nine to five or
midnight to noon. You can work in an office, an airport, or out of your home. You can
have one career in the winter and another in the summer. In short, you can make your
career fit the lifestyle you want!
7
One of the great appeals of careers within the travel-tourism industry is the opportunity
for motivated people of all ages and backgrounds to move up the career ladder rapidly or
even to own their own hotel or travel firm. Lack of experience is no barrier to employment
or advancement in many tourism and hospitality careers. Many company executives started
out as hourly workers and are now managing large hotels, transportation firms, or even
bringing their family members into their own company.
Special Note: The economics of the 21st century will be dominated by three industries:
telecommunications, information technology, and tourism. The travel and tourism industries
have grown by 500% in the last 25 years. By 2007, it is estimated that tourists will spend $884
billion in foreign countries and on tourism related activities.
Getting Started: Overcoming A Lack of Experience

You will need to focus on your objectives and convince a potential employer that even if
you do not actually have industry experience, you understand the fundamentals and are
motivated to learn and make the travel-tourism your career choice.
You will not only advance in your career based on seniority and day-to-day skills but
also based on a well-planned career blueprint that you can share with your employer.
Taking additional courses and attending workshops will improve your knowledge and skills
and enhance your opportunity to transfers these skills to other jobs where there will be
additional responsibilities and salaries. Remember, the lack of experience is no barrier to
employment or advancement in the travel-tourism industry.
Many fields do require specialized training and education beyond high school. Your
education within the travel-tourism industry can be enhanced by attending two-year and
four-year colleges, vocational/technical schools, and universities. Travel-tourism offers
year-round workshops, seminars, and site-inspection (FAM) tours to help you move into
higher management positions.
8
Entering Travel-Tourism as a Front-Line Employee
Many people in tourism careers start in front-line positions. These positions generally
involve direct contact with customers and often require people to work together as a team to
meet customers' needs and expectations.
Experience
Management and human resource executives seek individuals who have a professional
manner, attitude, and appearance. This is important because the business survives if
customers' needs and expectations are met, and one of those expectations is approachable,
congenial, helpful staff. In addition, each position always requires its own set of job skills --
those specific skills required to do the job you are hired to do.
In some tourism positions, it is possible to learn these skills on the job. For other
positions, such as Motor Coach driver or Interpretive Guide, employers may offer extensive
training before you begin to work on your own. Still other front line positions, such as
Travel Agents/Tour Operators-Tour Director (for incentive and special interest groups),
require prospective employees to have the necessary training and skills before they are hired.
Conditions
Many front line positions may require shift work. Some positions are seasonal, offering
more hours during peak season, and then perhaps changing employees’ positions or
temporarily reducing staff numbers as the low season approaches. For the right people,
these criteria make positions of this type perfect. A nine-to-five job does not appeal to
everyone. So if you like variety, the freedom to finish work early or start work late in the
day, and/or time off seasonally or periodically so that you can take courses or travel, front-
line positions may be ideal for you.
Rewards
Salaries for front line positions may start at minimum wage or at the lower end of the wage
scale. However, for many positions, salary is supplemented with gratuities, commissions
and/or discounts, or complimentary products or services. In addition, large businesses or
9
chains often have more opportunities for growth and advancement. Smaller companies,
however, generally offer more diversified job descriptions, enabling an employee to try a
variety of tasks and learn a variety of skills. Both situations can allow you to expand a
résumé or prepare for ownership of your own small business.
Flexibility
Career choices in the travel- tourism industry offer flexibility. You may start out as a travel
agent and change to hotel management or start your own adventure touring company. The
enormous scope for movement among the industry’s many and varied sectors is a vital
consideration in view of many jobs becoming obsolete or being shipped overseas.
The Hours
Very few jobs within the tourism industry are nine-to-five. There will be occasions when you
will be called upon to work weekends and holidays. Criticism has been that the travel-
tourism profession that it involves working long, often unsocial hours. The industry does
require a strong personal commitment for those very reasons. However, fast promotion,
financial remuneration, and job satisfaction outweigh the abnormal working hours.
Salaries
Salaries may differ from country to country. Moving up the ladder of success, you may start
out as a front-line worker, then move on to a be a supervisor or manager and then into an
executive position. The tourism industry moves fast; there is the constant turnover
(advancement, transfers) and retirement, leaving openings for ones who have demonstrated
a professional attitude and aspirations to make tourism their career choice.
Check travel web sites or talk to a person already in the tourism industry concerning what
you can expect the pay scale to be in your career choice. Also, attend travel/tourism
industry trade shows, and be sure to refer to contacts located in the resource section in this
book, which provides sample salary ranges in different professions. Please note that these
are averages and are subject to change. Many jobs in the tourism industry offer perks such as
accommodations, meals, and bonuses based on production and of course…TRAVEL!
10
There are many benefits beyond salary to starting as a front-line employee. You will gain:
• operational skills
• communication skills
• customer service skills
• product knowledge
• company knowledge
• interpersonal and teamwork skills
• and much more, depending on the sector and position that you have chosen.
Your immediate boss or manager will be on the lookout for those employees who are
motivated and show an interest in a company or a position. Turnover can be high in some
sectors, positions and regions, so your movement to another position or career path
category could be swift if you exhibit the necessary attitude and desire.
Here is a brief monthly overview of the OPPORTUNITIES NEWS & TRENDS in the Travel—
Tourism Industry!
What’s’ going on in the Travel-Tourism Industry Today?
By permission from the May 2005 Travel Career Connexxions Opportunities newsletter
WTTC Unveils 2005 Travel & Tourism Country Forecasts
So just how well is the global travel industry faring this year? The World Travel &
Tourism Council (WTTC) last week released its 2005 Travel & Tourism forecasts for 174
countries at the 5th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in New Delhi, India. Releasing
forecasts prepared on its behalf by Oxford Economic Forecasting, which follow the
United Nations standard for Tourism Satellite Accounting, the WTTC reported that the
record robust recovery started in 2004 should continue through 2005 at a healthy rate.
WTTC also reported that the December 2004 tsunami, which struck some tourism
destinations around the Indian Ocean, had a significant, but limited overall impact on the
tourism economies. Worldwide for 2005, WTTC is forecasting the following. Demand for
all components of Travel & Tourism consumption, investment, government spending and
exports is expected to grow 5.4 percent (in real terms) and total $6.2 trillion in 2005. The
10-year annualized growth (2006-2015) forecast is 4.6 percent per annum illustrating the
outlook for strong long-term growth. The continued strength of the pound and Euro
against the U.S. dollar is expected to push visitor exports to nearly $820 billion in 2005 or
real growth of 7.3 percent. Travel & Tourism's contribution to the world economy is
illustrated by the direct industry impact of 3.8 percent of total GDP and the combined
direct and indirect impact of the Travel & Tourism economy expected to total 10.6
percent in 2005.
The global Travel & Tourism industry is expected to produce 2.1 million new jobs in 2005
over its 2004 level to total 74.2 million jobs or 2.8 percent of total world employment. The
broader perspective of the Travel & Tourism economy (direct and indirect) is expected to
11
create more than 6.5 million new jobs for the world economy for a total of 221.6 million
jobs dependent on Travel & Tourism or 8.3 percent of total employment. Said WTTC
President, Jean-Claude Baumgarten: “We turned the corner in 2004 and it's full steam
ahead for Travel & Tourism in many countries and regions around the world.
The WTTC also released its 2005 Top Ten List of Travel & Tourism economies. For the
second year in a row Montenegro has placed first as the fastest growing Travel & Tourism
economy in the world. India and China placed second and third respectively illustrating
the impact of the emerging middle-classes has on Travel & Tourism growth. In order, the
top 10 are Montenegro, China, India, Croatia, Sudan, Vietnam, Laos, Czech Republic
and Guadeloupe. For more information, visit www.wttc.org.
Never Traveled Abroad?

There are great opportunities to expand your horizons waiting if you are willing to “test the
waters” by working in developing countries, especially where rural eco-tourism is growing.
Source for additional information:

• Global Routes: Globalroutes.org
• Global Works: globalworksinc.com
• Putney Student Travel: www.goputney.com
• Visions Service Adventures: visionserviceadventures.com
• Where there be dragons: www.wheretherebedragons.com
• World Horizon International: world-horizons.com
Do You Have What It Takes To Work in Travel Tourism?

Of course, the very best way to determine whether a career in travel tourism is right for you
is to work in the field for a few years and explore the many opportunities. However, there
are certain characteristics that help assure success. On the following page is a test of the
traits desired in travel-tourism workers that may help you decide.
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What You Need to Succeed In Travel-Tourism
How Is Your Attitude?
Essentially, tourism is a people-oriented business. Whether you work directly with
customers or behind the scenes, their satisfaction, safety and enjoyment is the number one
concern. Tourism is also dynamic and competitive. The ability to constantly adapt to
customers' changing needs and desires is important to successful tourism businesses.
Characteristics of a Successful Travel-Tourism Professional

Do you have the necessary characteristics? Comments:
Pleasant, “Can-Do” Attitude Ability to find solutions to problems
Good communication skills Articulate, able to talk easily in front
of a group
Education for at least entry-level job Start with a high school diploma
Ethical and honest Trustworthy
Reliable Can be counted on to do your job
without supervision
Friendly Outgoing, able to make new friends
easily
Patient Willing to tolerate difficult people
and situations
Tactful Can negotiate without antagonizing
others
Consistent Steady, dependable
Enthusiasm Real enjoyment of work
Pride Delivers the best work performance
under all conditions
Leadership/persuasion Can lead a group effectively
Good at helping /instructing other Enjoys teaching and helping others
to learn about new places
Problem-solving/creativity Can find solutions to complex
problems
Work as part of a team Able to work effectively with others
Frequent public contact Enjoys working with the public
Manual dexterity Can organize luggage, assist tourists
with physical problems
Physical stamina Able to work long hours at a stretch
Be willing to go out of your way to help visitors Most of all! Must be a good team player!
and your co-workers
13
Chapter 3
Where the Jobs Are: Travel Industry Sectors
Six Industry Sectors … Plus One More!

Exciting career opportunities can be found in all six travel-tourism industry sectors:
Sector 1: Retail Travel Agency

Opportunities include working as a tour operator at an in-bound destination management
company. You can even travel the world FREE as an international tour director! For in-
depth information about this career, see Gerald Mitchell’s book, How to Travel FREE as an
International Tour Director.
Sector 2: Special Events, Conferences, and Convention Planing

You can be a tour guide for adventure tours or eco-tourism outdoors. Professional Tour
Guides work at showing tourists special heritage events and sites. Interpretative Guides
provide information on cultural sites and museums, even serving as museum curators.
14
Sector 3: Government and Local Tourism Boards
Convention Sales Managers, tourism marketing coordinators for state visitor information
bureaus, and Information Counselors at National and Sate Parks are popular career choices
in this sector. Some find careers as park rangers or City Parks and Recreation programmers.
Sector 4: Transportation
Railways, motor coaches, and other transportation lines provide career opportunities to
work in reservations, ticketing, conducting, and being the engineer/operator. Many rail
lines and coaches offer jobs as tour guides who accompany passengers on trips.
Sector 5: Airline Careers

You don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy the opportunities to travel and work with airlines.
Flight attendants, reservationists, security personnel, and baggage handlers are needed, too.
Sector 6: Theme Parks and Entertainment
Imagine a day at Disneyland without anyone to operate the rides, handle guest services, or
serve food – or to play the vital role of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. Theme
parks offer positions that require acting ability, marketing experience, and management to
keep the parks running smoothly and the guests happy.
15
Sector One
Retail and Wholesale Travel Companies
Industry Sub-Sectors
There are two subcategories in the travel trade sector. The first is the retail arm of the
industry, made up of travel agencies. The second is the wholesale side, made up of tour
operators, who sell packaged tours to travel agencies.
The travel-tourism trade sector supports the bookings and sales in other sectors. The
people that work in the travel trade make reservations for accommodations, tours,
transportation, food and beverage service, and/or for attractions. These bookings can be in
the form of an all-encompassing tour package or a single booking for a single traveler.
Stimulating career opportunities continue to grow to include working for airlines,
cruise ship companies, leisure or corporate travel agencies, tour operators, and Internet
travel companies. The employment picture is excellent for all those interested in acquiring
the necessary skills, including mature persons and those seeking re-entry or second careers.
As an entry-level employee you may start taking bookings on behalf of tour operators, sell
cruises, make hotel reservations, receive payments and give advice on travel destinations,
passports, visas, and foreign currency. You’ll need to have good knowledge of the tour
products and destinations offered by the tour operator.
Travelers seek out professional travel agents, tour operators, and tour guide services
to help with information gathering and planning their vacation or business trip. Budgeting,
special interests, transportation, and safety are some of their main concerns for these clients.
Today’s traveler may seek a traditional packaged tour, a program which can range from
several days to three weeks. The trip may cover North America or a number of countries in
Eastern Europe. Aside from offering traditional tour packages, cruises, hotel
accommodations, and transportation, the travel company will be required to supply
additional information regarding visas and medical requirements for travel abroad.
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Among the many employment opportunities in the retail sector are:
• Retail Travel Agent
• Tour Operator/Wholesaler
• In-Bound Destination Manager (IDM)
• Travel FREE as an International Tour Manager/Director
• Special Events and conference planner
• Professional Tour Guide for historic sites, nature tours, and adventure touring
• Incentive Travel specialist
• Sales and Marketing
• Tour Promotions manager
• Package Tour Coordinator
• Owner/Manager
The Retail SubSector ~ Careers at Retail Travel Agencies

Overview: Travel agencies sell travel packages as well as individual travel components,
such as airline tickets, car rentals, and hotel reservations. They sell directly to the public, to
both business and pleasure travelers. With the increase of ticketless travel, web marketing
pages, Internet Exchange and E-commerce (which allows for electronic billing and
payment), many small travel agencies are entering alliances with other agencies or with
large agency consortiums. This allows for increased buying power through shared purchases
of technology, management systems, and training.
On the Job Duties and Responsibilities: Typical responsibilities include selling vacation
packages; making reservations for business travelers; interpreting complex schedules and
brochures for the client; computing fares and issuing tickets; preparing invoices, vouchers
and other office forms; and providing travel information by researching resource materials.
The travel consultant must have a strong interest in various cultures and in world travel. He
or she should be able to function under pressure, pay attention to detail, and enjoy working
with people. Professional travel agents gain valuable information through tourist offices,
reference books, web sites, guidebooks, trade publications, brochures and through
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familiarization tours and cruises. Among the duties at travel agencies are:
• Sales and marketing
• Calling on fraternal, religious, or social organizations
• Participate in “FAM” tours- familiarization study trips
• Familiar with configurations of airplanes and cruise ships
• Ticketing procedures for planes, trains, cruise ships, tour programs, car rentals and
hotels
The Wholesale SubSector ~ Careers as Tour Operators

Overview: Tour operators are involved in planning, development, promotion,
administration, and implementation of tourism products. They oversee all the day-to-day
tasks and also supervise, motivate, and train staff. They are employed by tour or
transportation companies, resorts or attractions. They may travel to proposed tour sites,
check them out, and experience the services first-hand before assessing their tourism
potential.
Duties: Tour operators and wholesalers develop and package tours to sell to the retail trade;
i.e., travel agencies. Often these tours are all-inclusive (they include all travel,
accommodations, meals, and entertainment) and are marketed to encourage specific tourist
markets to buy. For example, they sell employee incentive travel; and convention-related or
special interest travel, such as theatre, sports or bird watching tours. Some tour operators
specialize in tours to international destinations; others focus on groups coming into North
America.
Tour operators work independently or are affiliated with an airline, motor coach
line, or other travel-related business. They respond to changes in the industry by developing
new and unique products that have a competitive edge in price, value, and variety. Both
retail and wholesale operations employ many people in a variety of positions. This is a
competitive industry, and new regulations (for example, airline deregulation), industry
consolidation and new packages to new destinations keep those who work in this sector
busy and challenged.
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Experience: Management and tourism experience, human resource management skills,
leadership and team-building skills, and financial management skills are all required. Good
communication and excellent customer service skills are also necessary. Knowledge of
relevant destinations, attractions and travel are important, as are research skills. Desired
experience and skills include a second language, risk management skills and time
management skills.
Wholesale SubSector ~ In-Bound Destination Management

“Dream Merchants” is the name sometimes applied to tour operators who manufacture
tours. Their duties include putting the different travel components together, researching and
developing tours, creating new ideas, and marketing the tour programs. Domestic tour
operators may be smaller scale and more narrowly focused than international tour
operators, but in many cases they offer greater growth and more career opportunities.
In many respects, domestic tour operations affords greater creativity because there
are so many more markets for domestic tour products than for international ones, and the
industry has really only begun to tap these resources. Indeed, domestic tour operations has
in a sense been reborn, and newcomers to the field have a chance to be in on the ground
floor. The Destination Management Company (DMO) Operator/Owner/Manager should
have strong management and tourism experience, human resource management skills,
leadership and team-building skills, and financial management skills. Good communication
and excellent customer service skills are also necessary. Knowledge of relevant destinations,
attractions, and travel are important, as are research skills. Desired experience and skills
include a second language, risk management capability, and time management skill.
Advertising-Marketing Manager: A specialized career niche in tour operation is that of

handling the promotions and advertising for scheduled tour programs. Following up on
emails, handling requests for information, and meeting with clients returning from a tour or
cruise who may be planning a new trip are all part of this manager’s day. The person placed
in charge of advertising and promotions must stay current with new trends in E-commerce
and other marketing opportunities.
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Special Note: A Tour Operator/Wholesaler is responsible for creating a quality trip and is
rewarded with the satisfaction of having planned and overseen the execution of a flawless tour.
Lead An Exciting Career as an International Tour Director

International tour directors lead and accompany passengers on multi-day tours. They
manage arrangements and services and provide relevant information and commentary.
Tour directors work for tour companies, resort chains, and transportation companies. The
International Tour Director should have an outgoing personality, an interest in travel,
geography, history and attractions, and good communication and presentation skills.
Customer service skills and knowledge of the tour area are also necessary. Research skills,
people and time management skills, and fluency in a second language are also desired.
Their on the job responsibilities include:
• Provide general knowledge of attractions and destinations
• Develop and maintain an information file
• Prepare and deliver commentary
• Prepare for tour by making arrangements and confirming reservations
• Conduct tours
• Complete tour reports, daily logs and expense reports
• Assist special needs clients
• Escort passengers
Additional information: www.thegemgroup.org
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Sector Two
Tourism Services Providers
Special Events, Conferences and Conventions Planner
Professional Tour Guide Services
Special Events, Conference and Convention Planner

Convention Planners create extravagant galas and regional expositions for trade shows and
corporate meetings, and they organize and execute events and gatherings for public and
business attendance.
Events and conferences contribute dollars to communities. Not only do travelers
spend money on the event or conference itself, but also “spin-off dollars” are spent on
everything from accommodations to souvenirs. Travelers need transportation to and from
an event. Attendees need to eat, which affects the food and beverage sector. Conferences
usually include social events and entertainment, so more dollars are spent on tickets,
admission, beverages, and tips.
A growing number of special events encourage travelers to visit areas to which they
may not otherwise go. Many of these events are so successful that they have become
national or international attractions. Special events often include formal or informal
meetings running in conjunction with the event, requiring space rentals, food and beverage
purchases. and local transportation. The planning and organizing of special events can be
complex and demanding. All facets must be precisely coordinated to ensure the event runs
efficiently and profitably. Many paid positions are often available as well as volunteer
opportunities to gain industry exposure and experience.
Business people frequently meet to share ideas and information, to solve problems or
to develop new strategies or products, and/or to be trained. Organizations send their staff
to sales meetings, professional development conferences, and networking conventions.
Companies exhibit their wares at specialized exhibitions and trade shows. Club or
association members, specialists in various fields, and special interest groups also gather at
conventions. They travel across the country or across the globe. People meet as members
of clubs, square dance associations, or Star Trek conventions.
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The planning and organizing of any special event, conference or trade show can be complex
and demanding. All facets need to be coordinated so that the event will run efficiently and
profitably!
The Coordinator will hone existing skills or develop new ones to take on the role of
the consummate party host and activities director, including:
• Conducting a full site survey
• Managing sponsorship branding of an event
• Assisting in sponsorship product deliveries
• Handling celebrity hospitality and transportation logistics
• Managing entertainment arrangements
• Conducting or supervising food preparation
• Ordering food from purveyors
• Handling shipping and receiving
• Doing food cost estimates
• Learning product timing (nothing should be cold unless it’s supposed to be!)
• Learning beverage controls
• Purchasing wine & liquor
• Managing bar inventory systems
• Taking reservations including point-of-service (POS) systems and phones, day-to-day
planning and seating, catering and special events
• Learning day-to-day receivables & payables
• Booking entertainment – bands, DJs, and promotional events
• Conducting public relations
• Learning how to build the right branding and marketing relationships
• Sitting in on an interview with possible job applicants to learn how to hire the right
staff for service and kitchen
• Obtaining permits and licenses (what they need to open the door)
Special events coordinators assist in the preparation, implementation, execution, and
evaluation of special events. They help with human resource coordination by recruiting,
training, and motivating staff and volunteers. It is a job that requires creativity and the use
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of many talents. Event coordinator positions may be short-term contracts, and many event
coordinators move from contract to contract and event to event.
On-the-Job Responsibilities: Administer financial controls and procedures; implement

event plans, including program, site development, equipment, staging, seating, and parking;
co-ordinate office administration; fulfill marketing plan including advertising, trade shows,
contests and volunteer/sponsor appreciation programs; recruit train, supervise, and evaluate
staff and volunteers; prepare/deliver written and verbal communications.
Special Note: Since conferences and special events are big business to communities, most cities
and regions have convention and visitor bureaus, with marketing and sales departments that
spend money and time (up to ten years to lure a new major convention) to attract tourism
business to their area.
Employment Resources:
• International Association of Conference Centers: www.iacconline.com
• b-there.com: www.b-there.com
• Society of Corporate Meeting Professionals: www.scmp.org
• Tradeshow Week: www.TradeshowWeek.com
Travel-Tourism Resources:
• Institute of Certified Travel Agents: www.icta.com
• International Airlines Travel Agent (IATAN) www.iacanorg
• The Boyd School: www.boydschool.com
• National Tour Association: www.ntaonline.com
• U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) www.ustoa.com
• www.thegemgroup.org “Start Your Own Travel-Tourism Business
• Association of Destination Management Executives: www.adme.org
• Tourism Offices Worldwide directory: www.towd.com
• International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus: www.iacvb.org
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Discount & FREE Travel & Cruises! Better know as “FAM TOURS” for members of the
travel-tourism industry, these educational site inspections are sponsored by airlines, tour
operators, hotels and government tourism offices to acquaint reservation agents and the sales
staff with what a cruise ship or destination has to offer. During the trip, the participants are kept
occupied morning, noon, and night visiting sites, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Through
these “FAM” trips, the agents get first-hand knowledge about the destination/cruise line. In the
evenings the agents attend a series of local performances, dinners, cocktail parties, and
receptions.
Adventure, Eco-Tourism, Outdoors Pro-Instructor Tour Guides
“If you like to be outdoors and active… discover a career in outdoor adventure!”
Eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and recreation are growing fast, thanks to changing trends
in travel and tourism. Driving this growth is the request by today's active clients for
recreation and travel adventures where experiencing nature and culture are part of the plan.
Special Note: Over the past four decades, the nature of tourism has developed in scope and
direction, away from traditional tourism, such as the “Three Ss” (sun, sand, sea) to a wide range of
activities including adventure, heritage and cultural tourism, special events and sporting
challenges.
Nature Guiding Careers

Nature guiding offers numerous courses and activities for the great outdoors! If you are
physically fit and have a taste for adventure and the great outdoors, you can choose to offer
guide services and lectures in a variety of fields:
• Bird watching
• Salmon fishing
• Horseback riding
• Whitewater rafting
• Golf
• Wilderness trekking
• Hiking
• Cycling
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• Mountaineering
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Sky diving
• Snow-mobiling
• Nature/wildlife viewing
Where do the clients come from?

Adventure tourism and recreation draws those who want to experience the country as a
place that is natural and unspoiled, and those seeking active, unusual vacations.
Duties of an Adventure, Recreational, and Instructor Tour Guide

Adventure tourism and recreation is growing fast. Changing trends in travel and tourism,
where clients request active recreational experiences or travel adventures where they can
learn about nature and/or culture, are driving the growth. This sector includes everything
from bird watching to salmon fishing, horseback riding to white water rafting, golf to
wilderness trekking. Adventure tourism and recreation draws those who want to experience
a place that is natural and unspoiled, and those who want active, unusual vacations.
Because activities often mean clients need transport, hotel rooms, and restaurants, other
tourism sectors also benefit.
Outdoor Adventure Guides

Overview: Organize and conduct expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists
or resort guests. You may work for adventure tourism companies, resorts, parks, lodges or
campgrounds, or operate your own small business. You might take clients white water
rafting, fishing, hunting, or mountain climbing.
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Duties & Responsibilities:
• Guide individuals or groups
• Create positive customer relations
• Assemble necessary equipment and supplies
• Set up and break camp
• Prepare and/or serve meals
• Instruct and demonstrate related skills and techniques
• Respect and maintain natural resources
Another popular summer sport is tennis. Many clubs and resorts offer tennis courts, tennis
lessons, and tennis gear. This is also an important part of the industry, with revenue earned
through the sale of clothing and gear, the rental of courts, the training of players and the
maintenance of equipment.
Golf and tennis pros, those who fix equipment and maintain courts and greens, those
who work in industries that support the golfers and tennis players - all work in this area of
the adventure tourism and recreation sector.
Additional skills and on the job experience: Physical ability and experience in the relevant
sport or activity are required. An ability to get along with and work well with others is
necessary, too. Excellent communication and instruction skills are required, as are
organizational and leadership skills. Knowledge of terrain, the environment, and the local
area in which the guide is to travel are all-important. Customer relations skills and
equipment maintenance and repair skills are desired for this position, as is knowledge of
outdoors cooking. It is also essential to know relevant laws and safety and emergency
procedures.
Outdoor adventure and eco-tourism businesses require staff who have a love and
knowledge of the outdoors. They often need technical proficiency and expertise in the
activity that the business focuses on. In addition, in order to ensure the long-term viability of
the business, they must respect the environment and help others to respect it as well.
Advanced training opportunities for the adventure tour guide: For High adventure –
skiing, mountain climbing, and other extreme adventures, the North American Tour Guides
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are now adopting the European standards. The International Federation of Mountain
Guides Association (IFMGA) has set the European standard for guiding, the most highly
regarded guiding certification in the world -- and you have to risk your life repeatedly to
obtain this certification! For starters, it takes three to five years of in-the-field training before
you’re even considered for IFMGA exams. Furthermore, IFMGA certification requires
mastery of rock climbing, alpine skiing, and ski mountaineering. Aspiring guides must lead
IFMGA examiners through whiteouts, belay them into technical couloirs, and otherwise get
them safely and efficiently up and down cliff-ridden and avalanche-prone slopes.
As an outdoor guide, your job is to safely take clients to places they can’t get to by
themselves, and to do this in a fun and educational way. A guide is a leader, but a good
guide listens to his clients and observes their abilities. It’s your responsibility to make clients
want to return by providing a trip that resembles what the company advertises. You want
the client to tell their friends, and you hope they give you a nice tip in appreciation of your
good service. As a freelance guide, you need to maintain good relations with several
companies, providing quality trips according to the company’s standards.
Guides & Pro-Instructors for Ski Resorts

Over six million North Americans regularly ski or snowboard. There are hundreds of alpine
ski areas in North America and hundreds of ski clubs to serve them. These resorts attract
skiers and snowboarders from across the country and large numbers of foreign travelers
from around the world, especially from Japan, Britain, and Germany. Ski-related jobs are
numerous. They are available at ski resorts, hills and clubs, and in those businesses that
support the industry, like lodges and ski shops.
Additional Job Opportunities:

• Property Management
• Director of Sales
• Ticket Sales Manager
• Special Events Manager
• Public Relations Director
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• Guest Services Director
• Mountain Manager
• Ski Patrol
• Rental Manager
• Snowmaking Director
Fishing Lodge Guide & Instructor

Qualifications: A good tour guide is a “people person,” good with oral and written
communications, an entertainer, a problem solver with the ability to handle a crisis behind
the scenes. The fishing guide should have knowledge of map reading and be meticulous in
handling details of food preparation, first aid, and small engine repairs. Credibility is built
on their decision-making skills. Physically, outdoor guides must have excellent stamina in
order to work the long days required out fishing or guiding along brooks and river streams.
Their typical day includes:
• Camp setup (early part of the season only), includes cooking, dining and
shower/sauna tents
• Rising at 7am to review camp and make certain no critters have gotten into things
during the night
• Cooking and hosting buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Planning the day with the staff and guides
• Communicating with air operator via radio regarding any incoming or return flights
• Go fishing!
• Filet and vacuum pack the catches of the day
• Start the evening’s campfire….and relax after a wonderful day’s work!
River Rafting Tour Guide

During the season this job is considered a LOT of hard work and can be a bit scary at times!
It’s a tough business, weather can be difficult. Group trips can be a challenge and Tour
Guides must love their work, want to share their passion, history and provide a healthy
supply of fun!
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Typical responsibilities:
• Book and schedule guests
• Create staff schedule
• Conduct facility management
• Rig and launch rafts
• Assist in customer safety orientation
• Assess risk management
• “Read” the whitewater
• Assist in guiding raft
• Conduct equipment logistics
• Make common repairs
• Review state & federal guide requirements
• Natural & cultural history overview
• Overview of business start-up plan
• Business plan review
• Review Gantt (task flow diagram) charts for dual utilization of equipment
Heritage – Cultural- Historian - Interpretive Guide Careers

Should your interest be history, heritage, and culture, there will always be a need for your
skills as a Interpretive Tour Guide, helping others understand and appreciate cultural or
natural heritage. They work in many different settings - from parks, museums and
aquariums to industrial sites, interpretive centers and botanical gardens. Interpreters do not
simply lecture -- they have a complete understanding of their subject matter and share their
knowledge with others. Different audiences make this position interesting and stimulating.
On-The-Job-Responsibilities
• Develop and deliver educational or cultural programs
• Adapt to different learning styles and participant needs
• Operate presentation equipment (e.g. audiovisual, overheads, slide shows, etc.)
• Protect resources.
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The interpretive tour guide should exhibit good communication and public speaking skills,
as well as maintain a good attitude and have an interest in and knowledge of related natural
or cultural heritage. Experience in research is also necessary, as is customer service
experience. Interpretive experience may be requested, plus experience working with groups.
Desired skills and experience include leadership and problem-solving skills, and knowledge
of the area, its heritage, and tourism in general.
Employment & Resources

Institute of Certified Travel Agents: www.icta.com
International Airlines Travel Agent (IATAN) www.iacanorg
The Boyd School: www.boydschool.com
National Tour Association: www.ntaonline.com
U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) www.ustoa.com
The GEM Group Ltd. www.thegemgroup.org
Museum Curator-Interpretive Guide Careers

Where you can work: Museums, theatres, galleries, heritage & historical sites, parks,
gardens, interpretive centers, cultural tourism, industrial tourism, aboriginal tourism.
General Manager Curators are specialists in a particular academic discipline relevant to a
historic site/museum/gallery's collection. Museum Curators research and recommend
acquisition of artifacts and are responsible for the care of objects, materials and specimens.
They have highly specialized skills and knowledge in their areas of study.
An Interpretive Guide Skills: The guide should have excellent communication skills,
especially when working as a Museum Curator, plus experience in a museum, gallery or
related educational or research organization. A Curator also must have evidence of research
and writing, and specialized knowledge in the area relevant to museum collections. Desired
experience and skills include knowledge of other specialty areas, an ability to interpret
collections and to communicate that knowledge. Also, knowledge of the ethics of collecting,
the current market, as well as customs regulations is preferred. Many of these positions
require a college degree in such fields as anthropology, history, or art history.
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On-the-Job-Duties:
• Interpret materials or artifacts for the public and/or for other museum staff
• Recommend acquisitions, loans or sales research
• Authenticate history of artifacts
• Coordinate the storage of collections
• Use proper conversation methods
• Set up displays and exhibitions
• Supervise assistants
Career & Employment positions:

• Museum Guide
• Visitor Services Manager
• Ride Operator
• Concession Attendant
• Retail Shift Supervisor
• Interpretive Specialist
• Attractions Guide
• Retail Sales Clerk
• Maintenance/Grounds Supervisor
• Amusement Park Supervisor
Employment Opportunities & Travel-Tourism Resources:

• Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums
www.alhfam.org/alhfam.jobs.html
• International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureau www.iacvb.org
• National Tour Association- www.ntaonline.com
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For schools and additional training:
• www.mtnguide.net
• www.mountain-guiding.com
• www.alpineascents.com
• www.aai.cc
• www.thegemgroup.org
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Sector Three
Working for Government, State & City Tourism Boards
Convention Sales Manager

This manager opens new markets for meetings, conventions, and trade shows; develops
leads and assists in closing group business on behalf of a local convention center; organizes
the conventions and meetings that have been booked. The manager uses expertise in
keeping costs to a minimum; makes recommendations for amenities, unique venues, local
speakers, and themes; may be responsible for handling hotel and local touring and
transportation.
Tourism Marketing Coordinator

This staff member coordinates the bureau’s participation in domestic and international trade
shows; helps arrange familiarization tours to the destination by media and the travel trade;
and arranges seminars for travel press and members of the travel-tourism industry, and
prospective clients.
Other opportunities working for state or local convention boards:

• Special Events Coordinator
• Market Research Analyst
• Director of Advertising
• Convention Sales Manager
• Market Research analyst
• Director of Public Relations
• Manager of Information Technology
• Director of Membership Services
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Visitor Information Counselor
The Visitor Information Counselor is responsible for identifying tourism opportunities.
States, cities and local communities draw visitors to destinations for stays of varying lengths
and generates tourism revenue community-wide. Every country has major and minor
attractions to lure visitors and generate tourism revenue. Many attractions are educational
in nature, while others are solely for entertainment. From educational visits to entertaining
stops, attractions facilities offer unique, memory-making experiences that include activities
and venues that often form the beginning of travel plans.
Attractions and sites requiring entry level and management staff:

• historic sites
• heritage homes
• museums
• halls of fame
• art galleries
• botanical gardens
• aquariums, zoos
• water parks
• amusement parks
• casinos
• cultural attractions
Being a visitor information counselor plays an important part or “link” between the visitor
and the State/City tour office. You are in the front lines, providing answer to questions
about the area, history, attractions and weather. Much of the time is spent talking to the
visitor. One should have excellent communication skills and good customer service skills.
Knowledge of attractions, events and the local area is also required. Other useful abilities
are research and recording skills, sales and cash handling, inventory and administrative
skills. Knowledge of a second language can be helpful, especially when working in areas
where travelers may not speak the local language.
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On-The-Job Responsibilities:
• Answer questions and provide information specific to region or site
• Distribute promotional material
• Promote Tourism products
• Encourage new and return visits
• Gather information and develop new resources
• Perform administrative tasks
• Stock brochures, maps and sell merchandise and handle cash transactions
Other Career and Employment Opportunities:

• Director of Tourism
• Deputy Commissioner
• Sales and Marketing - Domestic
• Sales and Marketing - International
• Art, design manager
• Tour packaging
• Familiarization host
• Visitor Information Counselor
Working for the National and State Parks Service

The National Parks/State Parks job is to conserve natural scenery, protect wildlife and
historic sites and objects, and provide for the public enjoyment of these areas -- and under
the watchful eye of the park serve personnel, ensure the visitor leave the sites, trails and
waterways unimpaired.
Employment and career and employment Opportunities National & State Parks
• Park Warden,
• Park Interpreter,
• Marina Attendant,
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• Golf/Tennis Pro,
• Ski Lift Operator
• Golf Operations Manager,
• Public Relations Manager
• Sports Equipment Repair Person
The Parks supervisor and his/her assistant are responsible for:

• Development of historical features
• Guide interpretation
• Law enforcement and wildlife management
• Protection of the natural surroundings
• Daily administration of personnel duties and reports
• Assigning duties for park facilities maintenance
State/Regional Park Ranger “Smoky the Bear”

The Park Ranger’s duties involve patrolling the waters, lakes, and streams, ensuring that d
visitors follow all laws and regulations set forth by the National and State Parks system.
Additional duties include:
• Create programs for the parks
• Prepared to answer questions and manage information center
• Handle public relations
• Manage records and budgets
• Issue Park fishing and boating permits
• Control the visitor activities on paths, trails and roads
• Maintaining a ongoing count of visitors to avoid overcrowding space
• Check on camping and RV sites
• Monitor fishing, hunting limits
• Enforce “Fire Safety”
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City Parks Recreation Programmer
As a city parks manager or assistant, you will be responsible for setting up programs and
sporting events for youth, handicapped, and senior citizens. There will be occasions where
you will set up educational activities. Planing daily and extended tour programs are also
initiated at the City Parks level for youth and senior citizens. Additional programs include
special events, art, crafts and games.
Employment Opportunities & Travel-Tourism Resources

Society of Government Travel Professionals www.government-travel.org
National Recreation and Park Association

2775 South Quincy Street
Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22206
U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service’1849 c Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
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Sector Four
Welcome to the Transportation Field
Motor Coach-Rail-Cruise Lines-Airlines

Tourism was earlier defined as an industry that provides for the movement, comfort and
enjoyment of people. The ‘movement’ in this definition is addressed by the transportation
sector. Air, railway, water, and ground transport provided 267,600 positions in 1997 and is
expected to generate 27,800 new jobs by 2006.
The sector is divided into four categories: Air, Rail, Ground, and Water.
Special Note: Escorted motor coach tours are growing! There is a need for tour planners,
reservation agents, and sales and marketing pros, as well as tour escorts.
Employment opportunities in the Motor Coach Industry:

• Owner/Manager
• Tour Planner/Designer
• Reservation Agent
• Tour Director/Tour Escort
• Advertising Executive
• E-commerce programmer
• Web Designer
• Dispatching
• Mechanic
• Motor coach driver
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Motor Coach Driver/Charter and Local Sightseeing Conductor
The motor coach charter business transports millions of visitors every day, providing tours
in deluxe coached with air conditioning, restrooms, kitchens, bar services, videos, viewing
decks. S a driver for a large tour company/charter operator, you will have the opportunity
to travel to popular tourist spots. Bus drivers may work nights, weekends, and holidays.
They often spend nights away from home, staying at hotels at company expense. The driver
must have an excellent driving record and be able to offer information about the locale.
Good health and physical fitness, tourism or customer service experience, and excellent
communication skills are also necessary. A good driver must have organizational, record-
keeping, destination knowledge, routes, and legislation and regulations skills. A second
language is also an asset.
On-The-Job-Responsibilities:
• Make routine checks of coach
• Greet customers,
• Confirm destination, tour itinerary and wok with tour director/tour escort
• Assist passengers on and off coach
• Practice defensive driving
• Be prepared to provide tour commentary
• Offer information on locale, attractions, and restaurants
• Maintain trip and maintenance log
Charter Motor Coach - Tour Director

The work is 24/7 while on the road.. It is emotionally and physically demanding. A good
escort must have patience and know how to deal with people. A good Tour Director/Tour
Escort must display leadership’s skills, be detail-oriented, well organized and highly
responsible and be prepared to mange emergencies and large amounts of money.
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• Meet and Greet tour members
• Conduct tour
• Explain tour itinerary, stops along the way, restaurants
• Care for special need passengers
• Organize activities on and off the motor coach
• Provide information on locale, attractions
• Respond to emergencies, accidents or medical problems
• Maintain records on all expenditures
• Keep notes on hotels, attractions, food service, step-on-guide service with
recommendations for their employer
Director of Sales and Marketing for Charter Motor Coach Companies

Sales and marketing directors are responsible for establishing and directing the marketing
and sales activities of the company. They may co-op the marketing efforts with the
attractions sector, such as zoos, museum, amusement parks, or heritage sites, hotels or
resorts. Sales and marketing directors direct the activities of staff involved in sales,
reservations, marketing, advertising and public relations; and in doing so, they impact the
direction and goals of a the motor coach company. A good sales director should have
experience in sales, marketing, public relations and/or the travel-tourism industry. Proof of
previous sales success will be required. Leadership and teambuilding skills, good
communications skills, human resource and financial management skills, and time
management skills are also necessary. This position requires strategic planning and business
skills and a strong network of contacts.
On-the-Job-Responsibilities:
• Assign sales territory, target groups and sales quotas
• Co-ordinate sales activities with other work units or departments
• Prepare and submit plans, budget, progress reports and annual sales reports
• Manage human resource functions, e.g. hiring, training, performance reviews
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• Research competitors’ products/tour programs
• Develop goals and objectives, projects and priorities, and assign them to sales
manages and staff
• Develop and conduct sales campaigns and marketing and promotional plans
Additional job opportunities:

• Mechanic
• Tour Planner
Career Resources:
• Greyhound Lines, Inc: www.greyhound.com
• National Tour Association: www.ntaonline.com
• American Bus Association: www.buses.org
• National Motor coach Marketing Network: www.motorcoach.com
• International Association of Tour Managers (IATM): London, England 071-703-
9154
Rail Service-Amtrak-North America

Amtrak & Via Rail, national passenger rail service carries approximately 8.3 million
passengers annually. There are also smaller regional railways that employ staff for positions
from selling tickets to operating the train. Rail travel is a relaxed, scenic way to travel, and is
becoming increasingly popular as a vacation, rather than only as a way to get to a vacation
spot.
Amtrak over the years has become innovative in attracting more passengers traveling for
vacations and business. New offerings of equipment include the Metroliners, superliners,
luxurious bi-level cars, sleepers, AmFleet cars, Heritage cars, Turboliners, Vista Dome
coaches all encouraging an increase in rider ship. New jobs and emphasis in training and
development is producing new career opportunities with Amtrak.
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Rail Engineer
Their hands are on the “throttle,” and they are responsible for passengers and freight. Being
a rail engineer is a dream job for many who want to ‘ride the rails.” They must keep their
eyes on the rails looking for obstructions, cars/trucks stuck on the rails, and be in constant
contact with dispatchers and conductors.
Railroad Conductor
Railroad conductors supervise service attendants and, as well, participate in providing guest
services to passengers on trains. They operate the public address system, updating travelers
on approaching stops. They offer information, answer inquiries, communicate with the
locomotive crew, and periodically check train systems and equipment. Being a railroad
conductor requires travel of one day or extended trips. Customer service experience,
supervisory or management experience, leadership qualities and team-building skills are all
required for this position. Good judgment, problem-solving skills and strong
communication skill are also necessary.
• Manage human resources, supervising staff in completion of their duties
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints
• Provide customer services, such as ensuring safety procedures are followed
• Supervise baggage and seating arrangements
Addition career and Employment Opportunities:

• Engineering
• Maintenance
• Dinning room service (bar tenders/chefs/wait staff)
• Station Personnel:
• Reservations
• Reservations-Ticket Agents
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Career Information:
Amtrak National Railroad Passenger Corporation: www.amtrak.com
Cruise Lines Industry: “A Global Community”

In the 1970s, the television show, The Love Boat, gave Americans a glimpse of what cruising
was like – and they began to realize that cruising was not a pastime for the super-rich but
affordable for the average vacationer. They saw the possibility of visiting exotic locales,
eating gourmet meals, and enjoying endless shipboard entertainment including shows,
movies, dancing, lectures, games, gambling, health spas, and sports. Cruises are now
carrying over 2,000 passengers offering many career opportunities
Jobs in the Cruise Industry

Traditionally cruise lines hired people from abroad for entry-level work. Times are
changing, and more North Americans are being recruited from hotel schools or starting out
in reservations.
It is important to remember that many ships are registered abroad and hire personnel
from their home ports to staff them. With the increase of North Americans cruising the
seven seas, opportunities such as purser, gift shop attendant, beautician, casino dealer,
social director, medical staff, and information system manger are opening up for North
Americans. Once you have reached mid-management positions, opportunities open up both
on-shore and aboard the cruise ship.
Ships vary in size and are staffed with employees from around the world. Cruise
lines will assign responsibilities to different departments and staff members, such as:
• Deck Department
• Engine Department
• Food and Beverage Department
• Hotel Department Purser’s Department
• Cruise Department
• Service Department
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• Passenger Service Representative (PSR)
• Port Lecturer
• Hostess
• Assistant Excursion Manager
Home Office employment opportunities: It is not necessary to work aboard a ship to be

associated with the cruise line industry. It’s possible to find work in administration, sales,
marketing, finance, management information systems, and operations. The cruise lines are
primarily located in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Los Angeles, Vancouver, New
York, San Juan and San Diego, offering positions in such fields as:
• Reservations
• Controller and Accounting
• Sales promotions and other executive positions
You may opt for self-employment by starting your own “Cruise Only Agency” as an
associate of the GEM Group Ltd. (www.thegemgroup.org)
Passenger Service Representative

Depending upon the assignment, you could be responsible for escorting clients to the cruise
ship and while en route, providing a brief overview of their itinerary , visas, passports, or
custom regulations pertaining to the embarking country. Most important – you must make
sure no luggage gets lost!
Additional On-The-Job responsibilities aboard ship:

• Reconfirm all flight departures for the passengers return home
• Process disembarkation
• Oversee tagging off all passenger luggage and assist in airport transfers and check-in
• After seeing passengers off, the PSR is responsible in collecting passengers comments
cards and discuss with management the grading and comments made by the guest
regarding food service, shore excursions, entertainment and interest in ports of call.
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Special Note: The phenomenal growth in the cruise line industry and mega ocean liners offering
ice skating, rock-climbing walls, multiple themed restaurants, and world class spas has yet to
reach its full potential.
Activities Director
The cruise line activities directors serve as hosts on cruise ships. They organize activities
and ensure that passengers enjoy themselves. In this exciting position, recreation/activity
directors are on call 24 hours a day while cruising. When they are away from home, they
have opportunities to explore new destinations and see new sites. A professional attitude
and appearance are required, as are special event/group activity planning skills and good
communication and presentation skills. Tourism or customer service experience is an asset,
as is knowledge of ships, navigation, destinations, and attractions. Also useful are
organizational and record-keeping skills and time management skills. A second language
can often be helpful.
On-the-Job responsibilities:
• Meet and greet passengers
• Conduct tours of ship, introducing passengers to the captain and crew
• Demonstrate and explain safety procedures
• Care for special-needs passengers
• Organize activities, such as sports, entertainment and tours
• Provide information on locale, attractions, fares, etc.
• Respond to emergencies, accidents or medical problems
• Keep records and logs
Employment Opportunities & Travel-tourism Resources:

• How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship, Author-Don Kennedy, Career South Publications
• Cruise Lines International association (CLIA) www.crusising.org
• International Council of Cruise Lines www.iccl.org
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Sector Five
Airline Career and Employment Opportunities
Airline transportation remains the primary mode of domestic travel after private vehicles.
The 'Open Skies Agreement' reached in February 1995 allows airlines (instead of
governments) to decide which trans-border routes they want to fly. Since then, trans-border
traffic has increased by 31%. With increased traffic comes the benefit of more jobs in the
industry.
As passenger traffic continues to increase, airports are undergoing major renovations,
and are expanding retail operations and marketing efforts. This also means new positions
are created. There were more than 65,000 people employed in air transport services in 1997.
Airline Pilot
Overview: Pilots are skilled individuals who fly or assist in the flight of the aircraft, either
fixed-wing (airplanes) or rotary-wing (helicopters). They may fly passengers from one place
to another on commercial flights, transport government or business personnel on private
jets, or be employed to offer search and rescue services. Pilots may also be self-employed,
and offer flights in and out of remote locations to hikers or hunters. This position is exciting
and varied and requires steady, focused concentration and an ability to convert learning into
skills at a moment’s notice. Today most pilots have college degrees and have already had
experience flying when they are hired by commercial airlines.
Duties: prepare flight plans, monitor weather conditions and plane requirements operate
aircraft controls, communication and navigation systems direct activities of flight crew
during flight monitor operation of engines and functioning of aircraft systems during flight
are prepared to handle emergency situations.
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Experience: Technical aptitude, good judgment and problem-solving skills, and strong
communication skills are all required of a pilot. In addition, leadership qualities, the ability
to work as a team member, and technological and navigational skills are necessary. Good
health, hearing and vision, and height and weight that conform to safety standards are also
essential. Desired experience and skills include time management skills, leadership and
team building skills and emergency and disaster management skills.
Flight Attendant
The flight attendant’s first priority is to make sure the passengers are safe, comfortable, and
experience an enjoyable flight to their destination. Typically they will be home based in a
major city or hub. Flight attendants are friendly, service-oriented professionals who work on
planes and in airports. They are trained to help ensure the safety and comfort of passengers
during airplane flights. They enjoy working as part of a team to ensure that customer
service expectations are met. They are often away from home, and have an opportunity to
see different parts of the world. Attendants must be well groomed, physically fit and in
good health and must also conform to safety standards for height and weight. Good
communication and interpersonal skills are required, as are excellent customer service skills.
A second language may be a requirement, as a willingness to relocate and a willingness to
attend approved airline training program. Experience in food and beverage service,
knowledge of policies, procedures, and knowledge of tour-related geography and
information, and time management skills are required.
Sample list of On-The Job-responsibilities:

• Prepare the cabin for the passengers arrival
• Check out the food and beverage supplies and carts
• Make sure all first aid kits and other emergency equipment is in working condition
• “Meet & Greet” the passengers and help them find their seats
• Prepare passengers for take off identifying exits and other emergency measures
• Check seat belts, store trays and store any loose luggage
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While in flight:
• Serve passengers beverages and meals
• Distribute headphones for movies
• Sell duty-free items on some international flights
• Advise passengers how to fill out immigration, custom forms
• Prepare necessary forms and reports for their supervisors
• Advise passengers of connecting flights and their destination
Airline Reservationists
Qualified reservation and customer service agents are always in demand. They play an
essential role in the airline industry by booking clients for flights. A reservationist must be a
good typist with a sales background and be able to use the airline’s computerized
reservation system -- and be able to handle complaints when the weather turns bad and
flights are cancelled.
Typical duties include:

• Receive and process reservations
• Book hotel and auto rentals and other travel reservations
• Maintain and record all reservations and confirmations
• Offer advice on destinations and destination activities
• Be trained on fare changes, schedules
• Collect payment for groups and individuals
Customer Service Representatives

New entry employees often start out working as ramp agents where baggage is sorted,
marshalling the plane in with wands, and connecting power service to planes that have
landed. The next career step is generally that of a customer service representative.
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On-The-Job Responsibilities:
• Reissuing airline tickets
• Upgrading clients to first class based on frequent flyer points
• Handling seat assignments
• Becoming familiar with the departure gate operations
• Assisting in lost and found luggage
• Becoming trained in national and FAA security operations and procedures
• Aviation Employee Placement Service: www.aeps.com
• College of Aeronautics, La Guardia Airport: www.aero.edu
• Aviation Information Resources: www.jet-jobs.com
• Airline Pilots Association, International: www.alpa.gov
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Sector Six
Theme Parks-Attraction Centers and Broadway
Regardless of size, attractions venues need people to sell food and souvenirs, promote the
attraction, maintain the facility, and manage the operation. This sector offers a wide variety
of employment opportunities, ranging from seasonal part-time to permanent full-time
positions.
Special Note: Education and a degree in art can lead to positions as filmmakers, set builders and
designers, production designers, and audio/video systems designers.
In the entertainment arena, tourist attractions on Broadway include Radio City Music Hall,
the Metropolitan Museum or Art, and Lincoln Center. Theater goers come from around
the world, and when productions take to the “road,” they hire the services of travel
professionals from all seven sectors of the travel-tourism industry.
Employment opportunities:
• International Sales Manger/Director
• Financial Planner
• Training and Recruitment Manager
• Public Relations
• Computer and graphics artists and designer
Attractions Ride Operator

Ride operators are charged with the safe operation of rides at amusements parks, fairs and
festivals. As a ride operator, one must be constantly alert in order to monitor both the ride’s
operation and patrons’ behaviors. Ride operators also maintain the upbeat, fun environment
of the attraction, which adds to the enjoyment of the participants.
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A ride operator must have good communication skills and be tactful and diplomatic.
It is also desirable for the operator to have mechanical ability, customer service experience,
knowledge of general safety procedures, and knowledge of the attractions and local area.
On-the-Job-Responsibilities:
• Perform routine maintenance and safety inspections on rides
• Maintain a clean and safe space in and around rides
• Collect tickets and operate ride
• Ensure the safety and enjoyment of all ride passengers
• Offer on-board narration when necessary
Special Employment Opportunities: Many attractions offer exciting opportunities that include
acting, food service, management, and major chances for a rewarding career. Colonial
Williamsburg (804.220.7129) is open 24 hours daily. Walt Disney Corporation
(www.disneycareers.com) operates Disney World, Epcot, Disneyland, EuroDisney, and other
attractions. Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, and
Dollywood (in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) all need employees in may fields.
• International Association of Amusements Parks and Attractions: www.iaapa.org
• www.alhfam.org/alhfam.jobs.htmal
• Association for Living History, Farms and Museums
www.alhfam.orgalhfam.jobs.html
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Sector Seven
Alternative Paths to Your Dream Job
Not all jobs in the travel-tourism industry fit neatly into traditional categories of
providing or arranging guest services. You can be independent and pursue your dream
in your own way instead of working for a travel bureau or airline or agency.
Travel Writer-Photographer
Travel writers and photographers travel the world to develop stories and take photos for
travel-tourism sites. They are often contracted or employed by the travel-tourism
industry newspapers and magazines, tourism boards and other government agencies.
Experience as a travel writer requires creative ability as well as the technical skill to take
photographs. Physical stamina for travel and interviewing skill to create stories is
valuable to a travel writer-photographer.
On-the-Job responsibilities:
• Research subject
• Travel to and explore destinations
• Conduct interviews
• Write and edit articles prior to editorial review (writer only)
• Take photographs, identify/gain consent of subject (photographer only)
• Develop and enhance photographs (photographer only)
• Deliver work, often by electronic means
Employment Opportunities & Travel-tourism Resources:

• Society of American Travel Writers www.satw.org
• Travelwriters.com www.travelwriters.com
• PhotoSecrets Travel Photography www.photosecrets.com/links.html
• Inkspot (Travel Writers Spot) www.inkspot.com/genres/travel/markets.html
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Teacher-Trainer for the Hospitality-Tourism Industry
The demand for good educators with a strong background in the travel-tourism industry has
grown tremendously due to the explosion in enrollment and the dynamics of the industry.
Educators teach hospitality and tourism at community colleges and universities. Instructors
conduct classes and workshops for students. A strong background and work experience in
the travel-tourism industry is necessary.
Overall Job Requirements:

• Skills in customer relationship service
• Communication
• Business management
• Sales and marketing
• Hotels background
• For teaching, appropriate degrees and credentials
• Familiar with major cruise lines and the transportation companies
Aside from education and training newcomers to the industry, many companies have their
own in-house programs to raise productivity or advance workers to management level.
Responsibilities for these instructors include preparing students for employment
opportunities within the travel-tourism industry. Opportunities for employment as a
qualified instructor will continue to expand as the travel-industry grows.
International Society of Travel Tourism Educators www.istte.org
Travel and Tourism Research Association www.ttra.com
Travel-Tourism educators use their expertise to increase the professionalism and skills of
those working in the travel-tourism industry. They work in training classrooms, work sites
and in schools and have a good understanding of the travel-tourism industry as well as
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knowledge of adult learning principles and of training techniques. They may work as
contract trainers, or may be employed by a company to manage ongoing training needs.
A travel-tourism education includes knowledge of adult learning principles and excellent
interpersonal skills. Training or teaching experience is desirable.
On-the-Job Responsibilities:
• Plan training objectives and session plans
• Deliver training sessions
• Respond to questions and comments
• Develop and administer evaluations
• May develop program, curriculum or learning activities
Yacht Crew – River Boats

You can apply for positions with Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, Private World Yacht
Enterprises; exploration ships that travel to Alaska and the Galapagos Islands via Lindblad
Expeditions, and World Explore Cruises. For riverboat companies the Delta Queen
operates out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Positions include:
• Chef/Cook
• Diesel Mechanic
• Flotilla Skipper
• Host & Hostess
• Sailing Instructor
Cruise line Resources:

• American Classic Voyages Company: www.amcv.com
• International Council of Cruise Lines: www.iccl.org
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Ski & Spa Industry
The spa and ski industry affords an unparalleled opportunity to combine lifestyle with work.
Both are specialized facets of the resort industry and present additional career paths for
hospitality professionals. Both also draw on professionals from sports, health, and
education. Whereas the ski industry is geographically more constricted (basically,
anywhere there are mountains), the spa industry is much more widespread, and in many
cases, is also an incorporated element of ski resorts.
Career Opportunities at Resorts and Spas

Resort and spa workers help guests at spas, luxury hotels, casinos, theme parks, and lodges.
You may start out as a retail clerk or housekeeper and work your way up to a highly
specialized game attendant or ski instructor.
Club Med and Sandals are the largest “all-inclusive” resorts s in the world for employment
and training opportunities.
Hot Career Tip: You can’t beat working at resorts and spas for feeling as if you are on
vacation year round!
Choosing the Ski Industry as a Career

The ski industry draws people who are committed -- even fanatical! -- about skiing and the
outdoors. You get to ski, live and work amid incredible scenery, in the outdoors in pure air,
working with people who tend to be active, outgoing, and energetic, while delivering a
service that make people happy.
Career & Employment Opportunities:

• Marketing
• Group Sales
• Advertising and Public Relations
• General Manager-Resort
• Food & Beverage Service
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• Ski School
• Ski Patrol
• Guest Services
• Mountain Manager
• Director of Lift Maintenance
• Maintenance Division
Travel-tourism Resources
• American Skiing Company www.peaks.com
• Cool Works: www. cool works.com
• Colorado ski Country, USA www. Colorado ski.com
• National Ski Areas Association www.nsaa.org
• Ski Tops-www.skitops.com
• Aspen Skiing Company www. skiaspen.com
• K&M Rocky Mountain Tours www.skithewest.com
Choosing the Spa Industry as a Career

Much like ski resorts, spa resorts have emerged as a subset of the travel industry and afford
an opportunity to combine lifestyle (a devotion to health, fitness and wellness) with work.
“New Age” Retreats Careers

Spa resorts are expanding their markets from the staple of women seeking beauty or weight-
loss treatments. Many are cultivating programs for men, and positioning themselves as
places to find stress reduction and rejuvenation. They are cultivating new marketing
initiatives, such as programs geared to bridal parties and incentives, which translate into
jobs in marketing and sales. Becoming a Yoga/Nia Instructor at a New Age Retreat or at
one of the famous international spas around the word offers expanding employment
opportunities. Both women and men are seeking weight-loss treatments; beauty programs
and stress reduction and rejuvenation. Having the proper training and certification puts you
on the leading edge of the expanding spa industry.
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Career & Employment positions:
• Administrative Assistant
• Aerobic Instructor
• Chef/Cook
• Boutique Staff
• Children’s Program Coordinator
• Club Manager
• Dance Instructor
• Expedition Leader
• Hotel Manager
• Musician
• Overseas Representative
• Resort Administrator
Employment Opportunities in the Spa Industry:

Spafinders: www.spafinders.com
Spa-Therapy.com: www.spa-therapy.com
Spa Therapy: www.spa-therapy.com offer online specialist courses as well as jobs
An excellent source of locating spa resorts is www.spafinders.com
Want Something Completely Different in Your Career? Try www.funkycareers.com. This is

an excellent website to search out unique employment opportunities worldwide.
Become a Private Pilot or Start Your Own Business

There are over 213,000 civilian aircraft and flight engineers employed in the United States
of America. Commercial pilots who fly for the major airlines are among the highest paid
workers in the country. The flight crew normally includes the captain, copilot, and flight
engineer. Aside from flying with the major commercial lines, you can apply for positions as:
• Business pilot
• Flight instructor
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• Photogrammetry pilot
• Facilities-flight-check pilot
Casino Employment Opportunities

Work in an industry that promotes gambling as a form of travel and recreation in
international and domestic venues as riverboats, Native American Reservations, Trump
Palaces and Casinos, racetrack and state lotteries. These workers help keep the operations
running smoothly. Casino dealers conduct games in casinos and casino hotels. They deal
cards and may handle large amounts of money. Mathematical skills and manual dexterity
are required abilities for this position. A dealer must have a professional attitude and enjoy
working with people. Cash handling experience is also necessary. Knowledge of the games
is desired by employers, as are communication and customer service skills. You may work
evenings, weekends and holidays and late into the morning.
Employment Opportunities: Casinos, a rapidly growing segment of the attractions sector,

adds many new positions, such as pit bosses and dealers, to the labor pool.
• Games
• Security
• Hotel
• Food & Beverage
• Finance
• Slots
• Marketing
• Facilities
• Surveillance
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2005-News Flash
Exciting Career Opportunities In Technology “E-Commerce TRAVEL”
The travel-tourism industry has experience a new wave of career opportunities related to
technology and the rise of the worldwide web. Selling tours, cruises, airline seats, and other
travel related services on line is big business. Virtually every supplier and travel company is
affected with a vast proportion already having their own presence on the Web. E-commerce
has become the most dynamic aspect of travel, with each day offering new challenges such
as shifting strategies, technologies and new travelers.
How does a travel supplier convert “lookers” into “bookers” overcoming these
obstacles?
• Reducing the time of booking
• Filling out the necessary reservation forms
• Offering last minute “discounts”
• Easing access to the tours and cruises
• Responding to questions relating to their travel requests
With a background in online community programming, knowledge of the travel industry,
and familiarity with HTML, chat and board software and strong client relationship skills
you will be able to source the greatest of new jobs within the Travel-Tourism industry by
operating an on-line travel business.
Sample responsibilities:
• Point of Service Sales: Duties include the management and development of POS/pre-
tour travel quality control software.
• Trip-Planning systems: Allow client to review itineraries, respond to reservations
• End-to-end travel management systems: Developing automated booking systems,
reporting , and travel and expense management
• Global travel-management reporting software: Collect global travel data from different
locations around the world.
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Additional E- Commerce Career and Employment opportunities:
• Quality control Coordinators
• Computer Specialists
• Trainers
• Web Developers
• Brand marketers
• Yield Management Experts
• Researchers
• Director of global agency solutions
• E-business technology marketing
• Director of information services
• Director of Strategic planning, marketing and sales
Hot Career Tip: Search travel web sites to find excellent leads for employment and career
opportunities using on-line technology.
What Attracts You to the Travel Industry?

Earlier in this book you were asked whether you have the traits needed for success. If you
have read this far, by this time you have concluded that you can make travel-tourism a
career in the many areas available. Before going further, take a moment to think over the
positives and negatives that these careers offer.
Positive Values of a Tourism Career

Travel, free and discounted
Fast Promotions
Discount Travel
Growing Industry
Rapid increase in earnings
Exciting
Meeting new people
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On-going training
Responsibility
Full-Part time employment
No lay-offs (unless you are a seasonal worker)
Negatives to Consider
Long Hours
Working on week-ends, holidays
Stress
Entry level-low pay
No routine
Frayed nerves
Away from home
Jet lag
Lack of sleep
Rude clients
Repetition
Essential Skills to Advance your Career

Computer Skills
Physical Strength
Foreign Languages
Management skills
People skills
Detail oriented
Be able to resolve problems
Remain calm in a crisis
Perform CPR under stress
Well groomed
Attitude of friendliness
Education: College degree, certification, associate degrees
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Chapter 4
Owning Your Own Travel-Tourism Business
Are You An Entrepreneur at Heart?

“Every sector of the travel-tourism business is supported by small business owners”.
There are many benefits of being an entrepreneur and business owner in travel-tourism – not
the least of which is having your career on your own terms. You call the shots. You decide
how hard you want to work and whether you want to operate a small business or a large
one. Owning a business is not for everyone. There are risks, but there is a sense of
adventure, too. And you can enjoy the thrill of seeing your creation become a success.
An entrepreneur in the travel-tourism industry is defined as “a person who undertakes an
enterprise or business, with the chance of profit or loss” - there are several interesting
concepts in this definition that bear close examination.
First, a single person (although in some cases it can be a small group of people)
encompasses the idea of individual responsibility for the success or failure of the enterprise.
Leading a business requires a special set of skills and the willingness to take total
responsibility for the outcome of the decisions made.
Second, starting something new, or taking over something that is new for the
entrepreneur requires drive and initiative.
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Third, the definition mentions “chance.” An entrepreneur is going to risk something
-- money, time, and reputation. This enterprise is not 100% guaranteed to work. And there
is the potential for either profit or loss. As many entrepreneurs know, it is perfectly possible
that a business or enterprise may fail as well as succeed. However, these elements of
uncertainty are exactly what put an entrepreneur in a different category from many other
people. The entrepreneur is a person who is willing to fail or succeed, expects risk, but also
expects that the rewards, if they happen, will be great, and compensate for any risks
undertaken. There are ways of reducing risks and maximizing rewards, mainly based on
obtaining and using crucial information -- one major reason that education plays a vital role
for today's entrepreneur.
Life Changes
Owning a travel-tourism business can change your life. Suddenly, instead of being able to
simply do your job, you need to have knowledge of everything that happens in the whole
business. You have to be aware of what is going right and what is going wrong, before it
happens. Ultimately the responsibility is yours -- the buck stops here. So what would make
anyone want to take on this kind of responsibility? Well, many people don't wish to own
their own business exactly because of the responsibility. But for those who do, the rewards
can be really good. Not only do you profit from the financial gains of a successful business
but also you gain a reputation as a good businessperson, of being capable of running a
successful organization, and of being able to put plans into action. With full responsibility
comes full authority. If you own a business, you have the authority to be able to do what
you want to do. Of course, you will probably ask for opinions and advice, particularly if you
employ good and competent people, but the decisions will be yours, and you will have the
credit for them. This means that you have to have the ability to make good decisions; for
many people the basis of good decisions is a good education, allowing you to acquire the
skills and knowledge you need to run and own a successful business.
Assuming the Role of Self-Employed-Owner/Manager

Before starting out, take some time and conduct a personal evaluation. Be prepared to evaluate
your business strengths and weaknesses.
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Entrepreneurs who run and manage their own business will require some, if not all, of these
essential management skills:
• Background and experience in tourism
• Being able to define goals and objectives
• Identify realistic goals and objectives
• Give attention to detail and customer care – vital for success!
• Identify new ideas and be prepared to take action
• Organizational skills
• Leadership skills
• Financial management skills
• Knowing how to run an office
• Marketing, sales
• Conduct a market analysis
• Communication Skills
• Customer service.
• Be able to meet and exceed the visitors’ expectations
First Business Essential: Prepare a Comprehensive Plan

Once the business choice has been established, obtain help in preparing a comprehensive
written plan. Your comprehensive business plan needs to include:
• Long term objectives
• Description of your travel-tourism business
• Personnel you plan to hire
• Identification of funding needs to start your business, plus a completed application
for a loan or investment including your financial data.
When can you expect to start making money?

The financial section should list startup costs, a balance sheet, income statement projections
(for at least 3 years) and a break-even analysis. It also should include an action timetable.
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Prepare a “To-Do” List In Your Startup Planning Stage
• Decide on legal business (i.e., sole proprietorship or a corporation)
• Research thoroughly your potential customer base
• Secure necessary capital
• Secure necessary permits, licenses
• Obtain need facilities, equipment
• Recruit and hire personnel
• Establish a comprehensive training program
• Hours of operation
Seven Profitable Business Opportunities

The travel industry has spawned new business opportunities in many Travel-Tourism
sectors. Most business opportunities with tourism tend to come in the form of direct service
jobs in tourist-related facilities and attractions:
Transportation
• Taxi
• Limo
• Boating
• Snowmobiles
• Sailing
• Horse and buggy rides
Lodging
• Hotels
• Bed &Breakfast Inns
• Campgrounds
• RV Parks
• Cabins
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Dining/Entertainment
• Sit down restaurants
• Take-out restaurants
Retail gifts/Shopping
• Gift Stores
• Money Exchange
• Booking agencies for tours and other local excursions
• Film development and service
• Bar & Restaurant
• Arts & Crafts
• Local foods, herbs and spices
• Small winery or local drinks
• Drug Store
• Food & Beverages
• Web Cafes
Ground Services Touring
• Fishing Guide
• Historical, cultural guide
• Adventure Guide
• Golf Guide
Domestic and International Tour Directors
• Escorting groups around the world
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The travel-tourism industry has shown over the years that it has the ability to generate new
business opportunities when the rest of the economy is in a slump. For that reason alone,
travel-tourism is now considered the nation’s third-largest retail sales industry and the
second-largest private employer. (Source: TIA Foundation)
It is no wonder that travel is now the biggest consumer category on the World Wide
Web. Globalization has changed the orientation of companies in response to falling barriers
and borders and open to new career/business opportunities
You can even work from home. The travel-tourism industry is very entrepreneurial.
Starting out working from home as an independent contractor for a major tour company,
cruise line offers the entrepreneur the choice of working full- or part-time. By becoming a
member of the NACTA-National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents, you will
receive information on many opportunities:
• Training programs
• Tour Operators/Cruise Lines looking for representation
• Sample contracts between suppliers and the independent contractor
• FAM tours for International tours and Cruises
Owning a Boat Charter Company or Being a River Boat Captain

(for small boats carrying 6-40 passengers)
This is an exciting entrepreneurial opportunity for someone with the knowledge of rivers
and lakes and the skill to handle fishing and whitewater charters. Among the skills needed
are:
• Education in river/lake piloting skills
• handling (wind, current)
• Docking the riverboat
• “Reading the river” -- watching for sandbars, snags, obstructions
• Learning deckhand skills
• Assisting as tour guide and junior Captain during cruises
• Locking through a lock and dam
• Reviewing river transportation, from canoes to barges
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• Assisting in general riverboat maintenance
• Learning about riverboat traditions, history, lingo and terminology
• Education in river bird & vegetation identification, ecology and geology
• Riverboat stories and storytelling!
• Ability to handle boats and do small engine repair is a must
Visitor Accommodations ~ Providing a Place to Sleep

Accommodation is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry.
Accommodation services have experienced growth of 49% in the past few years. Reasons
for this include a demand for travel extending beyond traditional seasons, such as
conferences during the summer held at ski resorts; the growth of large hotel chains and
increased interest in vacation or time-share housing; and increased interest in North
America as a destination and the value of the US currency as a destination.
Types of Accommodation Businesses

Owners/operators for hotels, country inns, bed and breakfast inns, or farms must have
experience in tourism to be successful. Providing these types of accommodations offers the
opportunity to work flexible hours and meet new people. Organizational skills, marketing,
sales, customer service skills, and good communication skills are also necessary. Financial
management skills and office or business experience are assets, as is the ability to speak a
second language.
Because destinations are promoting four-season tourism and extending beyond
traditional season, (e.g. incentive trips, conventions, training workshops) new opportunities
are being created. As a small business owner you can choose the type of accommodation
you want to operate.
Hotels
Hotel properties usually cater to both business and pleasure travelers and offer a wide range
of accommodation types:
• Deluxe, airport and convention hotels are generally located in urban centers or near
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airports. They are often large (over 150 rooms) and have a wide range of facilities
and services (e.g. convention rooms, restaurants, shops, fitness centers). Many are
members of a chain, meaning that the property is part of a larger company and has
sister properties in other areas. For an individual employee, the benefit of working at
a chain might be the ability to transfer to other properties in the chain.
• All-suite hotels are increasingly popular. Each unit contains the same facilities as an
apartment, meaning the travelers has a private place for meetings (i.e. the dining
room table) and a kitchen for cooking meals.
• Smaller, privately owned hotels offer lodging and many also contain a café or restaurant,
and a beverage room.
• Resort hotels and lodges are usually located at or near recreational sites. Many offer
guests a wide range of activities, such as golf, skiing, and tennis, riding or water
sports. They may also offer entertainment (e.g. nightclubs, shops, piano bars,
casinos, dinner theatre) and have convention facilities.
• Motels, motor hotels and inns are usually smaller (less than 150 rooms), less expensive
facilities which appeal to overnight or short-stay travelers. Some motels are franchise
or chain operations; others are independently owned and operated. Motels are often
found in smaller communities, the suburbs of cities, and along major highways.
Bed and Breakfasts and Farm/Ranch Vacation Sites

These cater to people wanting a personal touch, a unique heritage or lifestyle setting, or a
home-like atmosphere. Few accommodate more than 8 to 10 people. Prices and amenities
vary greatly from operation to operation. There may not be many positions at these sites
because many are owner-operated and small enough so that just one or two people can
manage. However, a position at one of these sites can be as varied as any in the industry. At
a farm or ranch, helping the guests saddle up in the morning might be part of the 'front desk'
position!
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Cabins, Cottages and Houseboats
Often located in recreation areas and offering facilities such as a beach, fishing rentals,
playgrounds, these are often destination sites for travelers. Generally, stays are longer than a
night or two and involve the whole family, including the dog.
Campgrounds
Campground Operators manage all aspects of private or public campgrounds in a safe and
professional manner. The duties of a Campground Operator are diverse, requiring both
people and mechanical skills. Some of the work is outdoors and seasonal. Campgrounds
cater to travelers who have their own roof, usually a tent or motor home, but require a
serviced site for it.
Campgrounds range in the services they supply, from wilderness sites with no services
(except maybe an outhouse) to full power and water hookups, with complete restaurant,
laundry, entertainment and washroom facilities. This type of accommodation generally
appeals to travelers who want an inexpensive outdoor experience and/or related activities,
such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting or boating.
Youth Hostels
These are usually non-profit facilities catering to budget-conscious or adventure travelers.
Guests supply their own sleeping bags, cook their own meals, and often sleep in dormitory-
style rooms.
Operating Duties for All Accommodations

• Meet guests’ needs related to overnight stays and meals
• Respond to inquires and solve problems
• Offer tourism information and promote local area
• Use business management, sales and marketing skills
• Complete financial management tasks
• Use administrative skills
• Maintain facility, equipment and supplies
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Hot Business Tip: If you enjoy catering to people wanting a personal touch, such as a stay in a
unique heritage spot or a homelike atmosphere for small groups, consider operating a Bed and
Breakfast inn or ranch. Traditionally, these accommodate from 6 to 10 guests and can be
managed with a staff of two to four people.
Catering to Travelers Who Want to Shop

Retail businesses that benefit from tourism revenue are also part of the tourism services
sector. The World Tourism Organization defines tourism simply as the activities of those
who travel outside their usual environments. This broad definition means that many
businesses benefit from tourism dollars every day. Gift shops and other retail business gain
significant income from tourism revenue. Travelers who shop for items forgotten at home,
souvenirs, telephone cards, or spa treatments while traveling contribute dollars to the local
economy. Any businesses that are retail in nature are part of the tourism services sector.
Visitors Need To Be Fed! ~ Restaurant Operations

One out of every four retail establishments is an eating and drinking location. Food and
beverage outlets can range from restaurants and bars to nightclubs and posh dining. There
are two types of restaurants: traditional sit-down dining with table service; and take-out or
“fast food” chains.
With ever-changing consumer preferences and increased competition, the food and
beverage industry has become increasingly sophisticated in the way it handles management
and corporate strategies. Many restaurants, especially chains, are diversifying, coming out
with their own retail product lines. Specialty cafés market their products to airlines and
offices. Food and beverage chains have found a niche in bookstores, department stores, and
casinos. As the lines between traditional food and beverage operations and other industries
blur, employers and employees alike will have to continue to react to changing customer
expectations with innovative ideas and responses.
Special Note: Restaurants offer a wide variety of places to capture tourist dollars. And no
matter how much or how little a vacationer has to spend, he has to eat somewhere! The great
variety and price range at restaurants give travelers a chance to taste exotic cuisine or dine on
familiar foods while on vacation.
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Starting Your Own Tour Guiding Company
Early travelers were often accompanied by guides who had become familiar with the routes
from having made earlier trips themselves. When leisure travel became more commonplace
in the 19th century, women and young children were not expected to travel alone, so
relatives or house servants often acted as companions. Today, tour guides act as escorts for
people visiting foreign countries and provide them with additional information on
interesting facets of life in another part of the world. In a way, tour guides have taken the
place of the early scouts, acting as experts in the setting and in the situations tourists find
unfamiliar.
Providing a Tour Guide Service

Guide services can encompass many tours to many types of locations, such as cultural sites,
historic sites, and wine-tasting tours.
What It Takes to Be a Tour Guide

• Physical stamina and fitness
• In-depth knowledge on the subject area
• An ability to get along and work well with others
• Excellent communication and instruction skills
• Organizational and leadership skills
• Knowledge of local museums, national parks and local traditions and arts and crafts
Customer relations skills
• Developing a network of support services, such as restaurants (rest stops), hotels and
transportation companies
Starting out. Guiding tours for an established tour company is a good introductory
position. Tour guides’ lives are very busy when the peak season for tours arrives. Due to
weather and traditional calendars for schools, most families with school age children tend to
use the months of May through early September for excursions. When tour guides have a
group to escort, their main goal is for every customer to be happy with the trip.
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New Vacation Trends: Some schools are now holding classes year round, so the time
children are free for travel can be in almost any season instead of the summer months. In
addition, empty-nester couples and retirees are finding the fall and spring ideal for travel to
avoid the heavy crowds in the summer. There is a growing market for seniors tours, providing
low-cost tour opportunities in off-peak vacation months.
New Business Opportunities

During the past century, the nature of tourism has developed in scope and direction, away
from traditional tourism, such as the “Three Ss” -- sun, sand, sea -- to a wide range of
activities including adventure, heritage, and cultural tourism, special events and sporting
challenges.
Heritage Interpreters
These guides help others understand and appreciate cultural or natural heritage. They work
in many different settings -- from parks, museums, and aquariums to industrial sites,
interpretive centers and botanical gardens. Interpreters do not simply lecture; they have a
complete understanding of their subject matter and share their interests and knowledge with
others. The different audiences make this position interesting and stimulating.
Typical Duties:
• Develop and deliver educational or cultural programs
• Adapt to different learning styles and participant needs
• Operate presentation equipment (e.g. audiovisual, overheads, slide shows, etc.)
• Protect resources
Experience: Good communication and public speaking skills, as well as a good attitude and
an interest in and knowledge of related natural or cultural heritage are all required of a
Heritage Interpreter. Experience in research is also necessary as is customer service
experience. Interpretive experience may be requested, as might experience working with
groups. Desired skills and experience include leadership and problem-solving skills, and as
well, a knowledge of the area, its heritage and of tourism in general.
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Special Note: “Eco-Tourism” or “Green Tourism” is one of the fastest growing segments of tour
companies. Such companies are sensitive to the environment and culture that bring people to and
consciously “give back” to the local community.
Tour Guide -Adventure Tours

Adventure, Heritage, and Outdoor tourism and recreation are growing fast thanks to
changing trends in travel and tourism. Driving the growth is the request of today's active
clients for recreation and travel adventures where experiencing nature and culture are part
of the plan.
Outdoor Adventure Guide

These guides organize and conduct expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists
or resort guests. They work for adventure tourism companies, resorts, parks, lodges or
campgrounds, or they operate their own small businesses. They might take clients white
water rafting, fishing, hunting, or mountain climbing, depending on the season and on their
skills. Often the work is seasonal, and, depending on the type of guiding, the hours can be
irregular.
Duties include:
• Guiding individuals or groups
• Creating positive customer relations
• Assembling necessary equipment and supplies
• Setting up and breaking camp
• Preparing and/or serving meals
• Instructing and demonstrating related skills and techniques
• Respecting and maintaining natural resources
Special Note: Whether the trip is one day hiking or several weeks touring, a special bond
develops between the guide and the tour members as their share the tour highlights of the trip.
The tour Guide “Makes or breaks” the tour and is responsible in bringing the trips alive for the
clients, and that intangible aspect brings about an unique relationship between the guide and the
tour members.
Additional Touring Income Opportunities for a Tour Guide Company
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• Local wineries
• Culinary “Dine a- rounds” and cooking classes
• Nature hikes
• Fishing-Hunting
• Kayaking
• Ghost Walks
• History Tours
• Pub tours
• Family reunions
• Weddings
• Learner’s Quest Tours
• Treasure Hunts
• Artist Workshops
• Christmas & New Years celebrations
• Black History
• Religious tours
• Gay & Lesbians tour and events
Tour Guiding Services for Cruise Lines
Offer your services to visiting cruise ships within your region or become a member of the cruise
lines and tour passengers at different ports of call. This is a great opportunity for independent
tour guides who like the freedom of working on a contract basis.
For additional information on starting a Tour Guide Company:

Contact www.thegemgroup.org or the GEM Consulting Service-1-800-894-TOUR.
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Starting an In-Bound Destination Management Company
Opening an In-Bound Destination Tour Management firm provides you with the
opportunity to offer four-season tours. There are many emerging specialty niche tours
that In-Bound Destination Tour Managers can provide:
• Eco-tourism
• Soft & High adventure
• Hiking
• Horse Back Riding
• Shopping Tours
• Museum and other cultural venues
• Fishing
• “Hub-Spoke” itineraries where clients remain at one location and take daily trips to
other areas of the region.
• Special events, conventions and special interest groups
The In-Bound Destination Management firm will be required to provide multilingual guides
and have knowledge of the region and hotel accommodations. There will be opportunities
to service incoming tour operators from abroad or other part of North America. Requests
for your services will also include assistance and representation for local conventions,
meetings, and corporate, professional, and academic groups and individuals as well as their
spouses (and their children) by organizing supervised activities when parents are attending
convention functions.
Operating an In-Bound Destination Management firm is a highly entrepreneurial field.
Consider what your region has and doesn’t have to offer. Become a member of the local
tourism bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. Hosting incoming visitors is an exciting
way to show civic pride and be creative.
Hot Job Tip: Love the outdoors? Conduct expeditions for sports enthusiasts, high- and soft-
adventure tours, fishing, hunting, trekking, whitewater rafting. Often the work is seasonal, and
depending on the type of guiding done, the hours can be irregular.
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Designing and Escorting Tours for the Physically Challenged
This is a fast-growing industry! In North America alone, there are over 54 million people
with various physical disabilities who have a desire to travel either by coach or cruise lines.
“Disability does not mean inability!” To learn more about possibilities of becoming a tour
guide/tour operator for the disabled, contact the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
(SATH) at www.sath.org.
To provide other services you should contact some of the major tour companies
specializing in travel for those with disabilities. These include:
• Fly Wheels Travel Service www.flyingwheelstravel.com
• Wilderness Inquiry 612-379-3858
• TKTS-N-Tours Travel www.ticketsntours.com
• Travel Aides International http://www.members.tripod.com
Should you or anyone you know have training in physical therapy or nursing, this travel
specialty niche offers an excellent opportunity of get involved in serving the disabled and
enjoy a tourism career at the same time.
Other Tour Guide Resources:

American Society of Association Executives www.asaenet.org
American Bus Association- www.aaa.com
Adventure Travel Society- www.adventuretravel.com
Meeting Professionals International www.mpiweb.org
Public Relations society of America (PRSA) www.prsa.org
Travel and Tourism Research Association- www.ttra.com
United States Tour Operators Association www.ustoa.com
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Career Opportunities for International Tour Directors
Combine your talents as an International Tour Director with a love of travel and you can
travel the world free! As an International Tour Director, you can offer tours anywhere on
the globe, and your travel is paid for as part of the tour package. Here are just a few
possibilities of tours you can offer groups and individuals:
• Safaris
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Health Spas
• Yoga Retreats
• Honeymoon & Weddings
• Diving
• Casino Tours
• Family Getaways
• Golf Vacations
• Sporting Events
• Cruises
• Special Interest groups
• High Adventure Tours
• Gay & Lesbian Tours & Cruises
Five Key Considerations In Tour Promotion

• Product-Tours: The destination, type of travel
• Customer Target: Niche markets, retirees, adventure groups
• Promotions: Methods in selling your tours and cruises
• Distribution: Selling to groups, associations
• Tour and Cruise Pricing: Where to position the product
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Becoming a Dream Merchant!
Tourism has become one of a country's significant industries, providing jobs for thousands
of people. Governments and private enterprise support the efforts of International Tour
Directors who invest in imaginative and innovative tourist programs. Offering travelers
with variety and excitement on their tours is the role of a professional International Tour
Director. They sell travelers the dream trip they’ve always wanted, giving them value for
their hard earned money saved toward a trip of a lifetime. International Tour Directors are
called upon to design and escort cruises, spa holiday trips, student tours, senior citizen
Motor Coach Tours, Incentive programs, conventions – they travel all over the world,
whether the event is in London, Paris, New York or Rome.
The International Tour Director with a keen interest in fulfilling the needs of their
clients will seek out and find unspoiled and relatively undiscovered corners of the world,
where facilities such as superb, uncrowned golf courses, fishing, hiking, splendid scenery,
uncluttered roads and hospitable restaurants continue to offer travelers an unforgettable
experience. An at the same time they are earning the respect of their associates within the
travel industry, they are in earning a comfortable income, enjoy FREE TRAVEL and most
of all, Independence!
How to Travel FREE As An International Tour Director

By Gerald E. Mitchell
If you’re thinking of joining the ranks of professional tour directors, this book is for you! It
provides everything you want to know about this career. It will motivate and assist many of
“Design
you whoand escorting
aspire yourfree
to travel own toursearning
while arounda the Globe”
great income! Order it today through
Amazon.com or directly from the GEM Group in a handy electronic edition on CD:
Questions and Answers About the Travel-Tourism Industry
Can I work at home full or part-time?

Yes! These days, you have your choice between “Clicks and Bricks” as a workplace – you
can work from a home office via the Internet (“Clicks”) or in a traditional office setting
(“Bricks”) -- the choice is yours. Today many tour guide companies and tour operators
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create an Internet-based business that is operated from home.
I’m very creative and want to promote my interest in being a sole owner. Will I have the
opportunity to do so?
Of course. The Travel-Tourism Industry is one of the most dynamic industries anywhere,
offering extraordinary opportunities for mobility, creativity, and personal satisfaction.
Can I start out as a Tour Guide and then start my own Destination-Tour Company?
Yes, guiding tours is a good introductory position to the business whether you work for an
established tour operator or in other sectors of the travel-tourism industry.
Why is the Travel-Tourism so important to a region or country?

The Travel-Tourism Industry makes commerce, diplomacy, and exchanges of ideas and
cultures possible. “The world is becoming a global village,” Pope John Paul II told a
private audience of travel professional gathered at the Vatican.
In owning a Travel company, what necessary skills are required to be successful?

The list includes all the following:
• Product Development -- Creating exciting and profitable tour programs
• Operations
• Public Relations
• Administration
• Information technology
• Finance
Where can I acquire additional information on specialized training for the travel-tourism
industry?
Many two-year and four-year colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools have
hospitality programs that prepare people to start their own business or move into
management positions with in the tour-travel industry.
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Chapter 5
Your Road Map to Employment in Travel-Tourism
Where the Jobs Are

While developing a “blueprint” for a career in the travel-tourism industry, your career plans
need to include the following research:
• School Subjects college & universities: what you have studied and will study next
• Working on you personal skills
• Choosing the work environment you desire
• Identifying the minimum educational level for your career choice
• Certification/degrees/certification
• Outlook for the future
• Salaries, perks, benefits, and travel
The great thing about the travel-tourism industry is the flexibility and choices that are
offered. The enormous scope of movement between the different sectors of the industry is a
vital consideration in view of the uncertainty of today’s job market.
Because the travel-tourism industry employs one in ten people worldwide, new
employment opportunities for management and supervisors will exceed 45,000 position
openings in 2005.
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Let’s Get Started!
Option #1 You can take the path of least resistance; i.e., perusing the classified ads on
Sunday. However, by following the list of guidelines later in this chapter for enhancing your
attractiveness and increasing your visibility, you’ll begin to tap into that vast majority of jobs
that are never advertised -- and you’ll be strategically positioned for serious consideration
versus having to literally “sell yourself” into a job.
Option #2 To obtain your goal of finding a new job you will have to set yourself daily
and weekly goals. Leave home! Conduct field research with your GEM Global career
blueprint. Take your notes and go out and conduct site inspections, make appointment and
visit members of the travel-tourism industry. Get to know and understand the travel-
tourism industry by investigating all the opportunities and career choices available to you.
Option #3 Test the international waters by volunteering in remote corners of the world
through volunteer vacation programs.
For High School and College Students ~ A Career Start Challenge

Take Off! Work, study, and volunteer abroad to gain experience and build a “network” of
contacts. While seeking short-term work experience, such as teaching English, working is
spas, ski, or dive resorts, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on learning and establishing
mutual understanding between people of many different cultures.
Search the www.goabroad.com website, which is designed for anyone interested in overseas
internships, jobs overseas, and free newsletters, and has links to other useful sites such as
www.teachabroad.com, www.JobsAbroad.com, and USUniversities.com.
Another useful site that is designed for people wanting to get away www.escapeartist.com,
which offers advice and hints for relocating, short-term work, and other channels of
information regarding discount airfares and accommodations.
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For Adults
Become Involved! Try new career options by volunteering, regardless of the work, which
can include teaching practical skills at orphanages, preservation, participating in wild game
viewing, and health and environmental education programs for developing countries.
Volunteering travel is the fastest growing segment of the global travel industry. “This kind
of travel is how you really get to see the world and experience more of the food, the culture,
the camaraderie,” said a CR-Volunteer Traveler on location in South Africa.
Who to contact:
Turtle Island www.turtlefiji.com
African Conservancy www.aricanconvervancy.org
Micato Safaris www.micato.com
EarthWatch www.earthwatch.org
Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org
Volunteers for Peace www.vfp.org
Take a Career Step in the Right Direction

Step One: Make a career selection
There are over 400 different career opportunities in the tourism industry, ranging from part-
time front-line to executive. You may see a position which offers varied and challenging
work. As you learn and gain experience you may be in charge of an entire operation or
division and be assigned such tasks as forecasting sales, doing marketing, and conducting
training. Gaining this knowledge will offer you the opportunity to own and operate your
own travel-tourism business. If you enjoy travel, consider living overseas. The travel-
tourism industry is global, and many of the occupations are available around the world.
Step Two: Prepare for Future Training

Research professional trade schools, universities, and community colleges for educational
opportunities. Competing for a career in any industry can become fierce, and education and
on-the-job training is a MUST. There are many channels you can explore to move your
career ahead. Combining both knowledge and practical training can help you to develop a
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network of contacts and extend the qualifications of your resume. Professional
organizations offer workshops, seminars and certification programs.
Step Three: Research Your Career Target

Review and research organizations for training, employment opportunities, and attend
career fairs and trade shows.
Step Four: Prepare a Progress Report

List your objectives in a Progress report—a diary of contacts, meetings, events or
involvement within the hospitality and tourism industry. Include a note of the number of
resumes sent out/follow up dates and with whom.
You will find this resource list invaluable as your career progresses. The contacts
you made early when you were just starting out may be the ones who offer you a
management position later on.
See the next page for a sample format of a Progress Report.
Step Five: Know Your Product

Conduct site inspections, network and make face-to-face contacts. Interview professionals
in the travel-tourism industry to get their perspective on getting started. Who knows? One
of them may offer you a job!
Step Six: Attend Travel-Tourism Trade Shows

Attend a trade show, employment mart or other functions sponsored by the travel-tourism
industry for networking and employment opportunities. A list of National – International
Trade shows is available at in Chapter 7 of this book.
Step Seven: Stick to Your Goals – and Set Goals that Work!
Rather than resolving to learn how to swim, surf or become general manager of a hotel
within 30 days, set yourself up to succeed. Ambitious, yet unrealistic, goals leave you
frustrated and discouraged. Following 5 simple rules of goal setting to turn good intentions
into real life accomplishments. This is the “STICK” method of goal accomplishment.
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S Simple and specific. Vague and complex goals leave you with a feeling of dread. Keep
goals concise and precise.
T Time-limited. Have a start and end date. Don’t leave it open-ended. To do so is to
invite trouble in finishing the goal.
I Interest. What you’re striving to achieve should interest you, connect with how you live,
and your work and your lifestyle. You’re most likely to invest in things that truly
interest you.
C Consistent and measurable. Outline steps and check points. Be able to answer how you’re
making progress toward your goals by being able to list what you’ve done to-date.
K Know-how. Build on existing strengths and skills to maximize success.
Type of Contact:
❏ Tour Operator/Tour Guide Company/Travel Agent
❏ Cruise Line
❏ Airline/Transport company
❏ Tourism Board
❏ Chamber of Commerce
❏ Local college or university

❏ Technical/Vocational schools
❏ Short-term training opportunities/workshops
❏ Other: ________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________________________
C
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Chapter 6
Preparing a Resume That Works!
Your Resume is Your Introduction!

A resume provides the first impression that most employers have of you and your skills. It
should be neatly typed on high quality bond (unless, of course, you’re sending it
electronically via email). At an interview, your portfolio should provide a complete picture
of all professional achievements as well as your expertise and an overall personality image.
At a minimum, include the following:
Professional Education/Graduate and degree
• Languages: (French, Spanish, other)
• Further Education/Courses/On-the-Job Training
• Employment history
• Facilities, Services, Size of Operation, Level of business
Present & Past Job Responsibilities
• Task Assignments, Scope of Work, and reporting line
• Achievements:
• Improvements, Revenues. Changes, Services implemented
• What you will contribute to the success of the company
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Career Accomplishments
• An overview of past job achievements
Professional strengths and special skills
• Identify your field of specialization and expertise
• Future Goals and Career:
• Your plans are as important to you as they are with anyone working with you,
directly or indirectly
Other information, Technical and other Skills
• Your additional skills that might be beneficial for upcoming opportunities and could
further enhance your profile
Professional membership and affiliations:
• (Refer to the GEM list of organizations and associations, good idea to join a
professional group within the travel-tourism industry)
• Special Interests, Hobbies, Activities
References
• List contact or two or more of your past subordinates or staff that worked under your
leadership
Compensation Package (expectations)
Other
• Legally permitted to work or having working permit for the following countries (list)
• Relocation and travel preferences
• Choice of contract: open/one year/two years or more
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John Doe
132 Main Street
Charleston SC 29418
Objective: Director of Marketing-North America-Charleston, SC

Professional Experience
Tour Product Manager – 1990-Present
• Negotiated contract rates for major hotel and airlines throughout North America
• Trained sales and marketing staff in 12 major US cities
• Conducted joint sales calls with major hotel and airlines
• Identified and developed revenue-generating year round tour programs for United
States and Canada
• Wrote promotional copy that was used in printed-web site and power point
presentations
• Establish relationship with national TV and Press Agents
• Conducted national, international FAM tours for Tour Operators and Travel Press
Director of Meeting and Planning Services-1985-1990

• Manage 50 high level conferences and special events
• Travel extensively throughout Europe and Latin American to promote special events
and inventive programs for American Express agents.
• Managed accounts with an average budget of 8 million dollars
• Provided $213 million corporate travel-incentive and convention sales
Sample Qualifications
• Computer/Office Skills Word-Power Point, Excel, and Outlook
• Group leadership
• Marketing strategies
• Program management
• Written communications skills
• Sales and Marketing (domestic & International)
• Skilled trainer/presentations/seminars
• Financial leadership
Education
University of New Hampshire (B.A-Hospitality and Tourism)
Additional courses in French, Spanish, and German
Professional affiliations
ASTA
PATA
CLIA
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What are your potential employers looking for in a resume?
Do you like people?
Willing to work week-ends, holidays and into the evening
Detailed orientated
Good communicator
Able to speak a foreign language
Be able to think on your feet
Prepared to relocate
Enrolled at local universities, colleges on distant learning programs
Need help In Making a Career Choice?

Hire a Coach:
Job and Career Transition Coach Service: www.careernetwork.org
Career Counselor
Certified Professional Counselor: www.napsweb.org
Resume Writer
Master Résumé Writer: www.cminstitute.com
Now….Start Marketing Yourself !

Whether you are looking in the future or presently employed but undecided about your
career choices, start exploring potential jobs now. After exploring your promotional
opportunities you may have realized that you’ve hit a ceiling with no prospect for new
assignments on the horizon. Or maybe you’ve reviewed the different careers higher
education offers and you still haven’t found the job that will make your heart sing.
Sell yourself: Regardless of what type of position you’re seeking, your job while searching
for it is essentially a sales job. That is, you are in the business of selling yourself to the
marketplace. Of course, depending upon your orientation to the activity of selling things,
that could be music to your ears, or it could become a chore.
Despite the obvious logic of all of this, many people are just plain uncomfortable with the
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idea of having to sell themselves to potential employers. It can feel intimidating, pushy and
a bit like swimming upstream to someone who doesn’t sell for a living.
However, there are other ways to approach this challenge. Instead of concentrating on
traditional means of selling yourself, consider using a two-pronged approach that focuses on
enhancing your attractiveness and building visibility in the marketplace.
Enhance your Attraction Level

Developing your sense of self and what your have to offer can help you hone in on a
manner of presentation that makes people say, “We can use this person in our company!”
The place to begin is learning to enhance your attraction level You can do this effectively by
considering what you find attractive in other people.
What positive characteristics, traits and behaviors stand out in others?

A keen level of self-awareness and understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Knowing what they want and the ability to clearly and concisely articulate what
they are seeking.
• They can succinctly describe what they have to offer in terms that minimize
jargon.
• Respectful communicators who are interred in others, not just being interested in
themselves.
• Optimism and energy.
• Speaking well of former employers.
• Demonstrate imitative and take responsibility for making things happen.
• Take pride in their appearance and display poise and self-confidence.
Now rate yourself. Any gaps you observe represent areas you need to work on. Your goal is
to become a magnet that attracts well-connected people and good opportunities in the
Travel-Tourism Industry.
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Increase your Visibility
Of course, attraction only works if you put yourself in situations where valuable contacts,
colleagues and would-be employers are aware that you exist. Step two is to focus on
increasing your visibility in the business communities you are interested in infiltrating.
Many people encounter difficulties in the job search process not because they are
unqualified, but because they are invisible to those who would value their qualifications.
Ideas for increasing your visibility:

• Join clubs, professional associations (travel, hospitality, tourism association listed
under “resources :) and civic organizations that are populated by people who are in
fields and lines of business your are interested in.
• When you join those groups, take an active role and volunteer for specific
assignments. Position yourself for appropriate leadership opportunities.
• Prepare several brief talks that reflect your area of expertise and offer complimentary
presentations at breakfast meetings and luncheon groups.
• Volunteer for roles in your church, community and charitable organizations that
offer exposure. You’ll benefit from doing well.
• Write articles for newsletters, bulletins and professional publications related to your
field.
Great Websites to Post Your Resume!

Over 25,000 employment positions are posted weekly “worldwide.” The following websites
are excellent places to post your resume.
www.jobshadow.org
www.resortjobs.com
www.hcareers.com
www.hospitalitycareers.com
www.hospitalitycentures.com
www.travelmanagement.com
www.tourismcareers.com
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Totaljobs.com/travel-job.htmlwwwtypefocus.com
www.toutismhrc.com
www.atto.org
www.careerage.com
www.careerfitter.com
www.otto.igs/net
www.hoteljobresource.com
www.foodservice.com
www.benchmarkhospitality.com
www.hoteljobresource.com
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Chapter 7
Resources Within the Tourism Industry
Launching Your Career

Travel-Tourism training is essential in today’s job market. Competition can be tough, and
having a degree or additional training in your field is key to a successful career. Public and
private universities, tech schools and colleges offer a wide variety of programs. Also
available are distance-learning educational programs offered by top universities around the
world. On-The Job Training in any industry is an asset. You will be required to have on-
the-job experience within the travel-tourism industry. Benefits of such training will help you
gain a better understanding of the business and decide which direction you want to take.
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Using the Internet, you can find sources for:
• Scholarships
• Internship
• In-house training program
• Apprenticeship
• Technical Colleges
• Universities/Colleges
• Training programs and seminars-
• Trade Shows-Career Fairs
Each website offers a wealth of sources to start your on your tourism career. It is important
to select an official accredited course.
Columbia Southern University

Hospitality and Tourism BS degree program
Columbia Southern University has developed a Distance Learning University. CSU is an
accredited member of DETC, the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and
Training Council (www.detc.org) and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher
Education Accreditation. CSU is an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC and
licensed by the Department of Education, State of Alabama. You will find that CSU’s
courses and project assignments are designed to allow you to incorporate work-related
issues, so that your learning will have an immediate impact on your career.
www.columbiasouthern.edu
1-800-977-8449 or 251-981-3771
Recommended Industry Resources- Hotel-Hospitality Industry

American Hospitality Academy (AHA)
www.americanhospitalityacademy.com
The American Hospitality Academy (AHA) develops future hospitality leaders while
fostering international understanding among trainees and the American public. The
American Hospitality Academy is proud to have championed a practical training and
94
internship program that teaches both cultural awareness and leadership skills that are
necessary to be successful in a global service economy. The American Hospitality Academy
began providing structured training opportunities for students in 1986 and maintains and
established international cultural exchange program. AHA is designated by the Department
of State as a sponsor of an Exchange Visitor Program in accordance with the administrative
regulations issued under the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.
Through AHA’s structured programs, trainees (Cultural Ambassadors) share their
culture through practical training, learn ethics and work values while developing leadership
skills. AHA encourages everyone to learn and embrace different ways of life as our global
existence depends on learning to live harmoniously together without the threat of violence
and conflict.
American Hotel & Lodging Education Foundation

www.ahlf.org
The scholarship program supports the educational development of students pursing
hospitality-related undergraduate degrees in U.S. colleges and universities. AH&LEF has
disbursed more than $3.5 million dollars since its inception. Last year, the Foundation
distributed $476,000 to 330 students and hospitality professionals.
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)-www.astanet.com

An excellent source for those considering opening their own business
Mature Adult Travel Specialist Course
By Talula Guntner, CTC, MCC
Every eight seconds someone in the United States turns 50. Mature adults (50+ years old)
control 50% of discretionary spending. That’s what makes this such a lucrative, growing
niche. Course topics include:
• Expectations, demands and travel trends of mature adults
• Travel patterns and expenditures
• The different buying patterns of the senior citizen (65+) and baby boomer (50-64)
markets
• “Hot Buttons” for upscale mature adults
95
• Unique marketing and sales strategies
• Companies sensitive to mature adult needs
• Health and the mature traveler
USA Travel Expert Program

By Sue Wilder, CTC
Designed for international travel professionals to develop an expertise about the United
States of America (USA) as a tourist destination and enhance their service for inbound
travel for clients living outside of the United States (US). This is great opportunity for travel
professionals in the international arena to become “experts” on selling the USA.
While there is no substitute for personally experiencing all that the United States has
to offer, this program will lay a foundation of essential knowledge upon which to develop a
comprehensive specialty in travel to the United States. Topics include:
• Identification of trends and characteristics of the United States inbound travel
industry.
• Essential information about regulatory and other practical issues regarding travel to
the United States Discuss relevant aspects of the country’s transportation,
accommodations, dining and culture. Identify basic geographical characteristics of
the United States.
• Highlights of key features of destinations in nine major touring regions of the United
States: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Great Lakes, Great Plains, West, Northwest,
Hawaii and Alaska.
• Tips for visiting popular destinations throughout the United States.
• Earn a certificate designating you as an ASTA USA Travel Expert.
Family Travel Specialist Course

by Sue Wilder, CTC
The family travel market is growing and diversifying. This course takes a focused look at the
different types of families, their buying patterns and how their needs evolve as they progress
through the family life cycle. Topics include:
• Defining the family travel marketplace
96
• Addressing the unique needs of various types of families
• Planning the family vacation: do’s & don’ts
• Identifying family-oriented operators and destinations
Niche Travel Specialist Course

by Robin Fetsch, CTC
This course examines a wide diversity of special interest groups. Topics include how to
conduct local research and positioning, as well as promoting and selling special interest
travel. More than 100 areas of specialization are discussed including:
• Eco-tourism
• Wine/Gourmet
• Historical/Cultural
• Disabled
• Scuba Diving
• Spa/Fitness
• Dude Ranch
• Spiritual/Religious
• Sports
• Gay & Lesbian
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Chapter 8
Travel-Tourism Career Resource Guide
An Alphabetical Guide to Career Resources
A____________________________________________
Adventure Recreation
http://www. National OutdoorLeaderSchool.com and
http://www.Outwardbound
The Wilderness Association
Rte. #1, Box 3400, Driggs, Idaho 83422
Adventure and Outdoor Travel

www.gorp.com
www.iexplore.com
www.away.com
98
Airline pilot
Contact the following organizations for information on becoming an airline pilot:
Airline Pilots Association, International
Web: http://www.alpa.org
Airlines/Airport Management: American Association of Airport Executives

Http://www.airport net.org
American Society of Association Executives

http://www.asaenet.org
American Hospitality Academy
www.americanhospitalityacademy.com
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation

www.ahlf.org
Aviation Careers
www.aviationcareer.net
B____________________________________________
Bartender
http://www.americanbartender.org
Beverage service (alcohol) training programs

http://www.nraef.org
Bed & Breakfast
Innkeeper employment and ownership
http://www.paii.org
http://www.newenglandinns.com
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C_____________________________________________
College of Aeronautics, La Guardia Airport
http://www.aero.edu
Career books -- information about high schools students membership, national forums, job
fairs, contacts
http://www.jet-jobs.com
Concierge Career
Les Clefs d’Or USA
http://www.lesclefsdorusa.com
International Concierge Institute (ICI)

http://www.concierge-institute.com
Chefs & Cooks

American Culinary Federation http://www.acfchefs.org
American Institute of Baking http://www.aibonline.org
Culinary Institute of America http://www.ciachef.edu
Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks http://www.cfcc.ca
Cruise Ships employment

Official Trade Organization: Cruise Line International Association
http://www.cruising.org
Cruise Services International Employment opportunities

Web: http://www.cruisedreamjob.com
Cruise ships list

http://www.cruiselinejobs.com
100
E____________________________________________
Educational Institute of American Hotel and Lodging Association
For internships, scholarships, or certification http://www.ei-ahla.org
Education Systems/The Center for Travel Education

www.icta.com
Other Education
Travel Agency Training www.boydschool.com
Hospitality-Hotels Training www.ei-ahma.org
Housekeeper Programs Training

International Executive Housekeepers Association
http://www.ieha.org
Employment
http://www.hcareers.com offers over 56,000 jobs world-wide.
On this site you can seek out job opportunities in restaurants, catering, casinos, travel,
resorts, chef, spa and all food service jobs -- for all hotel, restaurant, retail and hospitality
industry professionals seeking a career as a hotel manager, restaurant manager, retail
manager, chef, culinary specialist, or travel agent with careers from entry-level to senior
management world-wide.
E-Commerce Employment Opportunities Resources

1Travel.com http://www.1Travel.com
Interactive Travel Services Association http://www.interactive travel.org
WebTravel News http://www.webtravelnews.com
Amadeus http://www.Amadeus.net
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Employment-Hospitality Industry
Hcareers.com
www.hcareers.com
www.hotelrecruiters.com
www.hospitalityrecruiters.com
http://careers.marriott.com//
http://jobsearch.marriott.newjobs.com
www.coolworks.com
www.aeps.com (Aviation employment)
www.cruising.org (Cruise Line employment)
www.hsmai.org (Sales & Marketing/Hospitality)
www.prsa.org (Public Relations)
www.hospitalitylink.com
www.hospitalityonline.com
www.americanhospitalityacademy.com/homepage.html
www.acinet.org (international and national employment opportunities –excellent site!
F____________________________________________
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
http://www.faa.gov
Flight attendants
Site for jobs, and other aviation-related sites Web: http://www.flightattendants.org
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H____________________________________________
Higher Education-Employment Travel-Hospitality-Tourism Industry
Food service industry
For jobs, accredited education programs
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
http://www.chrie.org
Hospitality/Hotel School Programs

Web: http://www.chrie.org
I_____________________________________________
International Newspapers:
www.ecola.com
www.naa.or/hotlink/index.asp
www.mediainfo.com/emedia
M____________________________________________
Meeting & Planners: Society of Incentive & Travel Executives www.site-intly.org
International Festivals &Events Association
Maps:
www.mapquest.com
www.indo.com/distance
Country Information maps:

www.odci.gov/cia
103
N_____________________________________________
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarships, and careers
http://www.nraef.org
Canadian Society of Nutrition Management

http://www.csnm.org
National Academy Foundation
www.naf-education.org
P____________________________________________
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) www.prsa.org
R____________________________________________
Research-Resources Travel-Tourism Industry
Data collection: World Tourism Organization
Capitan Haya 42
28020 Madrid Spain
http://www.world-tourism.org
Resort Work
The Aspen Skiing Company
www.aspensnowmass.com
Club Med
http://clubmed.cpm
Resort Jobs
http://www.resortjobs.com
104
Resorts:/Campgrounds: American Resort Development Association www.arda.org
National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
Professional Association of Innkeepers International www.paii.org/index.html
S____________________________________________
Spas
www.spafinder.com
www.spa.com
Student opportunities-Ski Employment opportunities
The Student & Youth Travel association of North America www.syta.com
Sales and Marketing - Hospitality-Tourism

For sales and marketing career in the hospitality industry contact;
http://www.hsmai.org
Seasonal jobs: Cool Works http://www.coolworks.com
Ski Resort Employment opportunities:

National Ski Area Association: http://www.nsaa.org
Professional Ski Instructors of America http://www.psia.org
Certification for the ski industry: University of Maine http://www.umf.maine.edu/-ski
Ski Instructor and other employment opportunities:
Aspen Skiing Company: www.aspensnowmass.com
Study Abroad:
www.Transitionsabroad.com
www.goabroad.com
www.globalexchange.org
www.globalvolunteers.org
105
www.ciee.org
www.escapeartist.com
www.travelearn.com
www.learn.unh.edu
www.iagora.com
T_____________________________________________
Theme Parks
www.disney.go.com
Travel Warnings:
http://www.travel.state.gov
www.airsecurity.com/hotspotsHOTSPOTS.asp
Tour Operators-Adventure
www.gordonguide.com
www.travelon.com
www.greentravel.com
Tour Operators: Spa, Diving, Surfing

www.islands.com
www.surfline.com
www.diverplanet.com
Tour Operators-Golf
www.golfonline.com/travel
www.golf-travel.com
106
Tour Operators-Cycling
www.sycling.org/
Tour Operators-Mountaineering
www.mountainzone.com
Tour Operators-Skiing
www.goski.com
www.skinet.com
Tour Operators-Honeymooning
www.honeymoon.com
www.honeymoontravel-htr.com
Tour Operators-Luxury Travel

www.luxurytravel.com
www.luxury4less.com
www.luxelife.com
www.harperassociates.com
www.luxurylink.com
Tour Operator-Specialty Travel

www.specialtytravel.com
www.infohub.com
www.shawguides.com
www.specialtyworldtravel.com
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Tour Guide
United States Tour Operators Association
Web: http://www.ustoa.com
The GEM Group
Web: http://www.thegemgroup.org
Travel Writers
www.travelwriters.com
Inkspot
www.inkspot.com/genres/travel/market.html
Travel Agent
Employment in the Travel Industry
American Society of Travel Agents
Web: http://www.astanet.com
Institute of Certified Travel Agents
Web: http//www.icta.com
Tour Guides
Interpretive, Eco-Heritage-Heritage-Cultural Tour Guide
Nature and Eco-Travel and resources
International eco-tourism Society
Web: http://www.ecotourism.org
Tour Guide Outdoor activities (Adventure Guiding etc.)

Outdoor Industry Association
3775 Iris Avenue, Suite 5
Boulder, CO 80301
http://www.outdoorindustry.org
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Outward Bound-USA
http://www.outwordbound.org
How to be a Tour Guide

The GEM Group: www.thegemgroup.org
Travel Books
www.hotwired.com/rough
www.frommers.com
www.fodors.com
www.lonelyplanet.com
International Trade Administration Office of Travel & Tourism Industries

www.tinet.ita.doc.gov
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education

www.chrie.org
International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism

www.aiest.org
International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus

www.iacvb.org
The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality

www.msmh.org
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality

www.sath.org
109
Publishers-Consultants-Travel-Tourism Industry
www.thegemgroup.org
United States Tour Operators Association

www.ustoa.com
National Tour Association

www.ntaonline.com
Multicultural Food Service & Hospitality Alliance

www.mfha.net
The Travel Institute

www.thetravelinstitute.com
Travel and Tourism Research Association
www.ttra.com
U.S. Department of State

www.state.gov/travel
American Society of Travel Agents

www.astanet.com
Tourism Offices Worldwide

www.towd.com
110
Organizers of Group Tours Trade Shows and Conferences
Local Chamber of Commerce: Join your local chamber of commerce for a list of contacts
and marketing opportunities for your tours and services.
US Chamber of Commerce: [email protected]: Will promote

your services abroad.
United State Travel Council: Contact U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, Trade Development, Tourism Industries, Washington, D.C. 20230; Phone;
(202) 482-4029 for information on all of the information available from Tourism Industries,
visit the web site at http://tinet.ita.doc.gov.
Greyline Sightseeing Tours: www.greylinetours.com: List rates and services for tours within
the United States and around the world. Excellent source of tours and prices.
Leisure Group Travel: www.leisuregrouptravel.com excellent resource and opportunity to

promote your tours and services.
International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus-IACVB

2000 L St., NW
Suite 702
Washington, DC 20036-4990
United Bus Owners of America:

1300 L Ave. NW
Suite 1050
Washington, DC 2000 4107
1-800-424-8262
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Government and State Tourism Offices
The importance of working with government and state tourist offices is being able to acquire
additional information on a destination. Aside from the general information that is readily
available, certain department heads will offer advice on planning tour itineraries and
recommend qualified land operator/step-on guide services, hotels and transportation
companies. For planning a group function, the government or state tourist office will make
available films and slides subject to their budget and the nature of the group function, and
will sometimes offer a guest speaker knowledgeable on the destination being promoted.
Alaska
Alaska Travel Industry Association
2600 Cordova Street, Ste. 201
Anchorage, AK 99503
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.travelalaska.com/
Arizona
1110 West Washington, Suite 155
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-3700 or (866) 275-5816
Web site: http://www.arizonaguide.com
Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism Office
1 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
(800) 628-8725 or (501) 682-7777
Web site: http://www.arkansas.com
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California
California Office of Tourism
(800) 462-2543 or (800)TO-CALIFORNIA
Web site: http://www.gocalif.ca.gov
Colorado
Colorado Tourism Office
1625 Broadway, Ste. 1700
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 265-6726
Web site: http://www.colorado.com
Connecticut
Connecticut Tourism
(800) 282-6863
Web site: http://www.tourism.state.ct.us/
District of Columbia
Washington Convention and Visitors Association
901 7th Street NW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20001-3719
(202) 789-7000
Fax: (202) 789-7037
Web site: http://www.washington.org
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Delaware
Delaware Tourism Office
99 Kings Highway, Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
(866) 284-7483 or (302) 739-4271
Fax: (302) 739-5749
Web site: http://www.visitdelaware.com
Florida
Florida Division of Tourism
661 East Jefferson Street, Suite 300
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
(888) 735-2872
Web site: http://www.flausa.com/
Georgia
Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism
Tel: (800) 847-4842
Web site: http://www.georgia.org
Hawaii
Hawaii Visitors Bureau
Waikiki Business Plaza
2270 Kalakaua Ave #801
Honolulu, HI 96815
(800) 464-2924 or (808) 923-1811
Fax: (808) 922-8991
Web site: http://www.gohawaii.com
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Idaho
Idaho Department of Commerce
Division of Tourism Development
700 West State Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0093
(208) 334-2470
Fax: (208) 334-2631
Web site: http://www.visitid.org/
Illinois
Illinois Bureau of Tourism
100 West Randolph #3-400
Chicago, IL 60601
1-800-2CONNECT
Web site: http://www.enjoyillinois.com
Indiana
Indiana Tourism Division
1 North Capitol Ave #700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-800-ENJOY-IN
Fax:317-233-6887
Web site: http://www.in.gov/enjoyindiana/
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Iowa
Iowa Department of Tourism
200 East Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309
888-472-6035
Fax: 515-242-4718
Email: [email protected].
Web site: httphttp://www.traveliowa.com/
Kansas
Kansas Travel and Tourism Division
1000 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 100
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1354
1-800-2KANSAS
Fax: (913) 296-5055
Web site: http://www.travelks.com
Kentucky
Kentucky Department of Travel Development Visitors Information Service
500 Mero St
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 225-8747 or (502) 564-4930
Fax: (502) 564-5695
Web site: http://www.kytourism.com
Louisiana
Louisiana Office of Tourism
(800) 33-GUMBO or (225) 342-8100
Fax: (225) 342-8390
Web site: http://www.louisianatravel.com
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Maine
Maine Office of Tourism
#59 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0059
1-888-624-6345
Web site: http://www.visitmaine.com/
Maryland
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
217 East Redwood St, 9th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(800) 634-7386
Web site: http://www.mdisfun.org
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4510
Boston, MA 02116
(800) 227-MASS or (617) 973-8500
Web site: http://www.mass-vacation.com/
Michigan
Michigan Travel Bureau
300 N. Washington Square, 2nd Floor
Lansing, Michigan 48913
(888) 78-GREAT or (517) 373-0670
Fax: (517) 373-0059
Web site: http://travel.michigan.org
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Minnesota
Minnesota Office of Tourism
100 Metro Square, 121 7th Place E.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(800) 657-3700 or (612) 296-5029
Web site: http://www.exploreminnesota.com
Mississippi
Mississippi Division of Tourism Development
Post Office Box 849
Jackson, MS 39205
(866) 733-6477 or (601) 359.3297
Fax: (601) 359-5757
Web site: http://www.visitmississippi.net
Missouri
Missouri Division of Tourism
Post Office Box 1055
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(800) 810-5500 or (573) 751-4133
Fax: (573) 751-5160
Web site: http://www.missouritourism.org
Montana
Travel Montana
Helena, MT 59620
(800) 847-4868 or (406) 841-2870
Fax: (406) 841-2871
Web site: http://www.visitmt.com
118
Nebraska
Nebraska Division of Travel & Tourism
Lincoln, NE 68509
1-877-NEBRASKA
Web site: http://www.visitnebraska.org/
Nevada
Nevada Commission on Tourism
401 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(800) 638-2328 or (775) 687-4322
Fax: (775) 687-6779
Web site: http://www.travelnevada.com
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Office of Travel and Tourism
PO Box 1856
Concord NH 03302-1856
1-800-FUN-IN-NH or (603) 271-2665
Fax: (603) 271-6870
Web site: http://www.visitnh.gov/
New Jersey
New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth Commission P.O. Box 820
Trenton, NJ 08625-0820
1-800-VISIT-NJ or (609) 777- 0885
Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/travel
119
New Mexico
New Mexico Department of Tourism
491 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87503
(800) 733-6396 ext 0643
Fax: (505) 827-7402
Web site: http://www.newmexico.org/
New York
New York State Travel Info Center
1 Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12245
(800) 225-5697
Web site: http://www.iloveny.state.ny.us
North Carolina
North Carolina State Board of Tourism
301 North Wilmington St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
(800) VISIT NC or (919) 733-8372
Fax: (919) 715-3097
Web site: http://www.visitnc.com
North Dakota
North Dakota Tourism Division
Century Center
1600 E. Century Ave. Suite 2
PO Box 2057
Bismarck, N.D. 58503
(800) 435-5663 or (701) 328-2525
Fax: (701) 328-4878
Web site: http://www.ndtourism.com
120
Ohio
Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism
77 S. High St., 29th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
(800) 282-5393
Web site: http://www.ohiotourism.com
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Tourism And Recreation Department
Travel & Tourism Division
15 N. Robinson, Suite 801
PO Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
(800) 652-6552 or (405)521-2406
Fax: (405)521-3992
Web site: http://www.travelok.com
Oregon
Oregon Tourism Commission
775 Summer St NE
Salem, OR 97310
(800) 547-7842 or (503) 986-0000
Fax: (503) 986-0001
Web site: http://www.traveloregon.com
121
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Office of Tourism, Film and Economic Development Marketing
4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225 USA
(800) 237-4363 or (717) 787-5453
Fax: (717) 787-0687
Web site: http://www.experiencepa.com
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Tourism Division
1 West Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02903
800-556-2484
(401) 222-2601
Fax: (401) 273-8720
Web site: http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/
South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 734-1700
Fax: (803) 273-8270
Web site: http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com
122
South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Tourism
711 East Wells Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(800) 732-5682 or (605) 773-3301
Fax: (605) 773-3256
Web site: http://www.travelsd.com
Tennessee
Tennessee Tourism Division
Wm. Snodgrass/Tennessee Tower
312 8th Avenue North, 25th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
(800) 836-6200 or (615) 741-2159
Web site: http://www.tnvacation.com/
Texas
Texas Department of Tourism
Austin, TX 78711
(800) 888-8839 or (512) 462-9191
Web site: http://www.traveltex.com
Utah
Utah Travel Council
Council Hall
300 North State
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
1-800 UTAH-FUN, (800) 200-1160 or (801) 538-1030
Web site: http://www.utah.com
123
Vermont
Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing
6 Baldwin St., Drawer 33
Montpelier, VT 05633-1301
(800) 837-6668 or (802) 828-3676
Web site: http://www.travel-vermont.com
Virginia
Virginia Tourism Corporation
901 E. Byrd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(800) VISIT VA
Email:[email protected]
Web site: http://www.virginia.org
Washington
Washington State Tourism (800) 544-1800
Web site: http://www.tourism.wa.gov
West Virginia
West Virginia Division of Tourism
90 MacCorkle Ave. SW
South Charleston WV 25303
(800) 225-5982 or (304) 558-2200
Web site: http://www.wva.state.wv.us/callwva/
124
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Tourism
201 West Washington Avenue
PO Box 8690
Madison WI 53708-8690
(800) 432-8747 or (608) 266-2161
Web site: http://www.travelwisconsin.com
Wyoming
Wyoming Division of Tourism
I-25 at College Dr
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(800) 225-5996 or (307) 777-7777
Fax: (307) 777-2877
International Tourism Offices
Web site: http://www.wyomingtourism.org

Anguilla
Anguilla Tourist Information
c/o Medhurst & Associates, Inc.
271 Main Street
Northport, NY 11768
(800) 553-4939
Web Site: http://net.ai/
125
Antigua
Antigua & Barbuda Department of Tourism & Trade
610 Fifth Avenue #311
New York, NY 10020
1-888-268-4227
FAX: (212) 757-1607
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/
Argentina
National Tourist Council
12 West 56th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 603-0443
FAX: (212) 315-5545
Web site: http://www.sectur.gov.ar
Aruba
Aruba Tourism Authority
1000 Harbor Blvd.
Weehawken, NJ 07087
(800) TO-ARUBA
(201) 330-0800, (212) 246-3030
FAX: (201) 330-8757
Web Site: http://www.olmco.com/aruba/
126
Australia
Australian Tourist Commission
1601 Massachusetts Ave NW
(202) 797-3000
FAX: (202) 797-3100
Web Site: www.australia.com
Australian Tourist Commission

Century Plaza Towers
2049 Century Plaza East
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 229-4870
Web Site: www.australia.com
Austria
Austrian National Tourist Office
P.O. Box 1142- Times Square
New York, NY 10108-1142
(212) 944-6880
Web Site (North America): http://www.anto.com/
Web Site (International): http://austria-info.at/content.html
Bahamas
Bahamas Tourist Office
150 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
(800) 422-4262
(212) 758-2777
FAX: (212) 753-6531
127
Bahamas Tourist Office
3450 Wilshire Blvd. #208
(800) 439-6993
Web Site: http://www.interknowledge.com/bahamas/main.html
Barbados
Barbados Tourism Authority
800 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 221-9831, (212) 986-6516
FAX: (212) 573-9850
Web Site: http://www.barbados.org/
Belgium
Belgian Tourist Office
780 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 758-8130
FAX: (212) 355-7675
Website: edhttp://www.visitbelgium.com
Belize
Belize Tourism Board
New Central Bank Building, Level 2
Gabourel Lane
P.O. Box 325
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 011-501-2-31913 or
1-800-624-0686
128
Fax: 011-501-2-31943
Websites: http://www.travelbelize.org and http://www.belizetourism.org
Bermuda
Bermuda Department of Tourism
310 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 223-6106, (212) 818-9800
Web Site: http://www.bermudatourism.com/
Bonaire
Bonaire Tourist Board
10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
(212) 956-5911
Web Site: http://www.infobonaire.com
British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands Tourist Board
370 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 835-8530, (212) 696-0400
FAX: (212) 949-8254
British Virgin Islands Tourist Board

1804 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 775-0344
FAX: (415) 775-2554
Web Site: http://bviwelcome.com
129
Bulgaria
Bulgarian Tourist Information Center
1170 Broadway Room 611
New York, NY 10017
(212) 252-9277
e-mail: [email protected]
Web site info: www.btc2000.com
Caribbean
Caribbean Tourism Organization
80 Broad St. 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 635-9530
FAX: (212) 635-9511
Web Site: http://www.doitcaribbean.com
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Tourist Office
6100 Blue Lagoon
Miami, FL 33126
(800) 327-8777
FAX: (305) 267-2931
Web Site: http://www.caymans.com
Cayman Islands Tourist Office

3440 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 1202
(213) 738-1968
FAX: (213) 738-1829
Web Site: http://www.caymans.com
130
Chile
Chilean National Tourist Board
Sernatur
Avenue Providencia 1550
Santiago, Chile
(800) CHILE 66 (Automated)
Fax: 001-562-251-8469
Web Site: http://www.segegob.cl/sernatur/inicio.html
China
China National Tourist Office
350 Fifth Avenue Rm #6413
New York, NY 10018
(212) 760-1710 (Automated), 212-760-8218
FAX: 212-760 8809
www.cnta.com
China National Tourist Office

333 West Broadway #3201
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 545-7505 (Automated), 818-545-7507
FAX: 818 -545 7506
www.cnta.com
Cook Islands
Cook Islands Tourist Authority
5757 Century Blvd. Suite #660
(310)641-5621
131
Costa Rica
Costa Rica National Tourist Board
P. O. Box 12766-1000
San Jose, Costa Rica
(800) 343-6332, (506) 222-1090 or 223-1733, ext. 277
Fax: (506)257-6325-5452
Web Site: http://www.tourism-costarica.com
Cuba
Cubatur
Calle 23 #156
Vedado, Habana
Cuba
Curacao
Curacao Tourist Board
7951 SW 6th St., Ste. 216
Plantation, FL 33324
Toll Free: (800) 328-7222
Web Site: http://www.curacao-tourism.com
Cyprus
Cyprus Tourism
13 East 40th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 683-5280
Fax: (212) 683-5282
Web Site: http://www.cyprustourism.org
132
Czech & Slovak Republics
Czech & Slovak Service Center
1511 K Street NW, Suite 1030
(202) 638-5505
FAX: (202) 638-5308
Web Site: http://www.czech-slovak-tourist.co.uk/index.html
Denmark
Scandinavian National Tourist Offices
655 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 885-9700
Web Site: http://www.goscandinavia.com
Dominica
Dominica Tourist Office
800 Second Ave
New York, New York 10017
(212) 599-8478
FAX (212) 808-4975
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Tourist Office
2355 Falzedo St. Suite 307
Coral Gables, FLA
(888) 358-9594; (305) 444-4592
FAX: (305) 444-4845
133
Egypt
Egyptian Tourist Authority
630 Fifth Ave #1706
New York, NY 10111
(212) 332-2570
FAX: (212) 956-6439
Web Site: http://touregypt.net
Egyptian Tourist Authority

8383 Wilshire Blvd #215
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(213) 653-8815
FAX: (213) 653-8961
Web Site: http://touregypt.net
England
(See Great Britain Tourist Authority)
Europe
European Travel Commission
1 Rockefeller Plaza, Room 214
New York, NY 10020
(212) 218-1200
FAX: (212) 218-1205
Web Site: http://www.visiteurope.com
134
Fiji
Fiji Visitors Bureau
5777 Century Blvd #220
(800) 932-3454, (310) 568-1616
FAX: (310) 670-2318
Web Site: http://www.fijifvb.gov.fj
Finland
Finnish Tourist Board
655 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 346-4636
(212) 949-2333
FAX: (212) 983-5260
Web Site: http://www.mek.fi/
France
French Government Tourist Office
444 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022
212-838-7800
Email:[email protected]
French Government Tourist Information Line
(900) 990-0040 ($.95/minute)
Web Site: http://www.francetourism.com/
135
9454 Wilshire Blvd. #715
(310) 271-2358

676 North Michigan Ave. Ste 3360
Chicago, IL 60611-2819
(312) 751-7800
FAX: (312) 337-6339
French West Indies

(Guadeloupe, St. Barts, St. Martin)
(See French Government Tourist Office)
Germany
German National Tourist Office
122 E 42nd St. 52nd Floor
New York, NY 10168
(212) 661-7200
FAX: (212) 661-7174
Web site: http://www.germany-tourism.de/
136
Great Britain
(England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
British Tourist Authority 551 5th Ave #701
New York, NY 10176
(800) 462-2748, (212) 986-2200
FAX: (212) 986-1188
Web Site: http://www.visitbritain.com/
Greek National Tourist Office

645 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10022
(212) 421-5777
FAX: (212) 826-6940
Grenada
Grenada Board of Tourism
800 Second Ave, Suite 400K
New York, NY 10017
(800) 927-9554, (212) 687-9554
FAX: (212) 573-9731
Web Site: http://www.grenada.org
Guam
Guam Visitors Bureau - North America
1336-C Park Street
Alameda, CA 94501
phone: 510.865.0366
toll free 1.800.873.4826
fax: 510.865.5165
e-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.visitguam.org
137
Guatemala
Guatemalan Tourist Commission
299 Alhambra Circle #510
Miami, FL 33134
(305) 442-0651
Honduras
Honduras Tourist Office
P.O. Box 140458
Coral Gables, FL 33114
(800) 410-9608
FAX: (305)461-0602
Web Site: http://www.hondurasinfo.hn
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Tourist Association
590 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10036
(212) 869-5008
FAX: (212) 730-2605
Web Site: http://www.hkta.org
Hong Kong Tourist Association

(310) 208-4582
FAX: (310) 208-1869
Web Site: http://www.hkta.org
138
Hungary
Hungarian Tourist Board
150 East 58th Street
New York, NY 10510-0001
(212) 355-0240
Web Site: http://www.hungary.com/
Iceland
655 Third Ave
New York, NY 10017
(212) 885-9700
Web Site: http://www.goiceland.com
India
India Tourist Office
30 Rockefeller Plaza, North Mezzanine
New York, NY 10112
1-800-953-9399
FAX: (212) 582-3274
Web Site: http://www.tourindia.com
India Tourist Office

(213) 380-8855
FAX: (213) 380-6111
Web Site: http://www.tourindia.com
139
Indonesia
Indonesia Tourist Promotion Office
(213) 387-8309, (213) 387-2078
FAX: (213) 380-4876
Ireland
Irish Tourist Board
345 Park Ave
New York, NY 10154
(800) SHAMROCK, (800) 223-6470
(212) 418-0800
FAX: (212) 371-9052
Email: Contact through the Web site
Web Site: http://www.ireland.travel.ie/
Israel
Israel Government Tourist Info Center
800 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 596-1199, (212) 560-0650
FAX: (212) 499-5645
Web Site: http://www.infotour.co.il
Israel Government Tourist Office

(800) 596-1199, (213) 658-7462
FAX: (213) 658-6543
Web Site: http://www.infotour.co.il
140
Italy
Rockefeller Center
630 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10111
212-245-4822 5618
FAX: (212) 586-9249
Web Site: http://www.italiantourism.com
500 North Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 644-0996
FAX: (312) 644-3019
Italian Government Tourist Board

(310) 820-1898
FAX: (310) 820-6537
Jamaica
Jamaica Tourist Board
3440 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1207
(800) 233-4582, (213) 384-1123
FAX: (213) 384-1780
Web Site: http://www.jamaicatravel.com/jtboffice.html
141
Japan
Japan National Tourist Organization
1 Rockefeller Plaza Ste. 1250
New York, NY 10020
(212) 757-5640
FAX: (212) 307-6754
Web Site: http://www.jnto.go.jp
Japan National Tourist Organization

360 Post Street Suite 601
(415) 989-7140
FAX: (415) 398-5461
Web Site: http://www.jnto.go.jp
Kenya
Kenya Consulate & Tourist Office
424 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10017
(212) 486-1300
FAX: (212) 688-0911
Web Site: http://www.embassyofkenya.com
Kenya Consulate & Tourist Office

(310) 274-6635
FAX: (310) 859-7010
Web Site: http://www.embassyofkenya.com
142
Korea
Korea National Tourism Office
1 Executive Drive 7th Floor
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
(201)585-0909
FAX: (201) 585-9041
Web Site: http://www.knto.or.kr
Korea National Tourism Corporation

(213) 382-3435
FAX: (213) 480-0483
Web Site: http://www.knto.or.kr
Luxembourg
Luxembourg National Tourist Office
17 Beekman Place
New York, NY 10022
(212) 935-8888
FAX: (212) 935-5896
Web Site: http://www.visitluxembourg.com/wlcm_mn.htm
Macau
Macau Tourist Information Bureau
3133 Lake Hollywood Dr
(213) 851-3402
FAX: (213) 851-3684
143
Malaysia
Tourism Malaysia
120 East 56th St., Suite 810
New York, NY 10022
(212) 754-1113
(800) KLUMPUR
Fax :(212) 754-1116
E-mail : [email protected]
Web Site : http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Portal : http://www.malaysiamydestination.com
Tourism Malaysia
818 W Seventh St.,
(213) 689-9702
Fax : (213) 689-1530
E-mail : [email protected]
Web Site : http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Portal : http://www.malaysiamydestination.com
Malta
Malta National Tourist Organization
350 Fifth Avenue Ste. 4412
New York, NY 10118
(212) 695-2233
FAX: (212) 695-8229
E-MAIL: 104452,[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.visitmalta.com/
144
Martinique
Martinique Promotion Bureau
A division of the French Government Tourist Office
444 Madison Ave
New York NY 10022
(212) 838-7800
[email protected]
Web Site: http//www.martinique.org
Mexico
Mexico Government Tourist Office
405 Park Ave Ste. 1401
New York, NY 10022
(800) 446-3942
Web Site: http://www.visitmexico.com
Mexico Government Tourist Office

10100 Santa Monica Blvd #224
(800) 446-3942
Web Site: http://www.visitmexico.com
Monaco
Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Bureau
565 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10022
(800) 753-9696
Web Site: http://www.monaco.mc/usa
145
Morocco
Moroccan Tourist Office
20 East 46th St #1201
New York, NY 10017
(212) 557-2520
FAX: (212) 949-8148
Web Site: http://www.tourism-in-morocco.com/
Netherlands
NBT New York
355 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 557-3500
FAX: (212) 370-9507
Web Site: http://www.holland.com
New Zealand
New Zealand Tourism Board
501 Santa Monica Blvd #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(800) 388-5494, (310) 395-7480
FAX: (310) 395-5453
Web Site: http://www.purenz.com/
Norway
Norwegian Tourist Board
655 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 885-9700
FAX: (212) 983-5260
Web Site: http://www.norway.org/
146
Panama
IPAT (The Panama Tourist Bureau)
P.O. Box 4421
Zone 5
The Republic of Panama
Telephone: +507 226-7000 or +507 226-3544
Fax: +507 226-3483 or +507 226-6856
Web Site: http://www.ipat.gob.pa/
Philippines
Philippine Department of Tourism
447 Sutter St #507
(415) 956-4060
FAX: (415) 956-2093
Web Site: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/
Poland
Polish National Tourist Office
275 Madison Ave #1711
New York, NY 10016
(212) 338-9412
FAX: (212) 338-9283
Web Site: www.polandtour.org
Portugal
Portuguese National Tourist Office
590 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10036
(800) PORTUGAL
Web Site: www.portugal-insite.pt
147
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican Tourism Company
575 Fifth Ave 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 599-6262
FAX: (212) 818-1866
Web Site: http://www.prhta.org/
Puerto Rico Tourism Company

P.O. Box 5268
Miami, FL 33102
(800) 866-STAR ext 17
Puerto Rico Tourism Company

3575 West Cahuenga Blvd, Suite 405
(800) 874-1230
FAX: (874-7257
Romania
Romanian Tourist Office
14 East 38th Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(212) 545-8484
FAX: (212) 251-0429
148
Russia
The Russian National Tourist Office
130 West 42nd St., Suite 412
New York, NY 10022
(212) 758-1162
FAX: (212) 575-3434
Web Site: http://www.russia-travel.com
Saba & St. Eustatius

Saba & St. Eustatius Tourist Office
c/o Medhurst & Associates, Inc.
271 Main St
Northport, NY 11768
(800) 722-2394
St. Barts
(See French Government Tourist Information)
St. Croix
(See U.S. Virgin Islands)
St. John
St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis Tourism Office
414 E. 75th St, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10021
(800) 582-6208
FAX: (212) 734-6511
Web Site: http://www.interknowledge.com/stkitts-nevis
149
St. Lucia
St. Lucia Tourist Board
820 Second Ave
New York, NY 10017
(800) 456-3984, (212) 867-2950
FAX: (212) 867-2795
Web Site: http://www.st-lucia.com/
St. Marten
Sint Maarten Tourism Office
675 Third Avenue Ste. 1806
New York, NY 10017
(800) 786-2278, (212) 953-2084
FAX: (212) 953-2145
Web Site: http://www.st-maarten.com
St. Thomas
St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourist Office
801 Second Ave, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10017
(800) 729-1726
FAX: (212) 949-5946
Web Site: http://www.stvincentandgrenadines.com
150
Scandinavia (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland)
655 Third Ave
New York, NY 10017
(212) 885-9700
FAX: (212) 983-5260
Web Site: http://www.goscandinavia.com
Scotland
(See Great Britain)
Singapore
Singapore Tourist Promotion Board
590 Fifth Ave 12th Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 302-4861
FAX: (212) 302-4801
Web Site: www.singapore-usa.com
Singapore Tourist Promotion Board

(323) 852-1901
Web Site: www.singapore-usa.com
Saint Maarten
Saint Maarten Tourism Office
675 Third Avenue Ste. 1806
New York, NY 10017
(800) 786-2278, (212) 953-2084
FAX: (212) 953-2145
Web Site: http://www.st-maarten.com
151
Slovenia
Slovenia Tourist Office
345 E. 12th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 358-9686
FAX: (212) 358-9025
Web site: www.slovenia-tourism.si
Spain
Tourist Office of Spain
666 Fifth Ave 35th Floor
New York, NY 10022
1-888-OKSPAIN
(212) 265-8822
FAX: (212) 265-8864
Web Site http://www.okspain.org
Tourist Office of Spain

(213) 658-7188
FAX: (213) 658-1061
Web Site http://www.okspain.org
Sweden
Scandinavian Tourist Board
655 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 885-9700
FAX: (212) 983-5260
Web Site: http://www.gosweden.org/
152
Switzerland
Switzerland Tourism
608 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10020
(212) 757-5944
FAX: (212) 262-6116
Web Site: http://www.switzerlandtourism.ch/
Switzerland Tourism
150 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 2930
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 332-9900
FAX: (312) 630-5848
Switzerland Tourism
222 N Sepulveda Blvd #1570
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 640-8900
FAX: (310) 335 5982
Syria
Tourist Office of Syria
c/o Syrian Consulate
2215 Wyoming Ave, Northwest DC, 20008
(202) 232-6313
FAX: (202) 265-4585
Web site: www.syriatourism.org
153
Tahiti
Tahiti Tourist Promotion Board
300 N Continental Blvd #180
El Segundo, CA 90245
(800) 365-4949 (to order brochures only)
(310) 414-8484
FAX: (310) 414-8490
Web Site: http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Taiwan
Taiwan Visitors Association
405 Lexington Avenue, 37th Floor
New York, NY 10174
(212) 466-0691
FAX: (212) 432-6436
Web Site: http://www.tbroc.gov.tw

333 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 346-1038
FAX: (312) 346-1037

166 Geary St #1605
(415) 989-8677
FAX: (415) 989-7242
154
Thailand
Thailand Tourist Authority
1 World Trade Center Suite 3729
New York, NY 10048
(212) 432-0433
FAX: (212) 912-0920
Thailand Tourist Authority

(213) 461-9814
FAX: (213) 461-9834
Tonga
Tonga Consulate General
360 Post St #604
(415) 781-0365
FAX: (415) 781-3964
Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Development Authority
7000 Boulevard East
Guttenberg, NJ 07093
(800) 748-4224
FAX: (201) 869-7628
Web Site: http://www.visittnt.com/
155
Turkey
Turkish Tourism & Information Office
821 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 687-2194
Web Site: http://www.turkey.org/turkey
Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos Tourist Board
P. O. Box 128
Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos, BWI
(800) 241-0824
FAX: (809) 946-2733
Web Site: http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/
US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas)

U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism
1270 Avenue of the Americas #2108
New York, NY 10020
(212) 332-2222
FAX: (212) 332-2223
Web Site: http://www.usvi.net
U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism

(213) 739-0138
FAX: (213) 739-2096
Web Site: http://www.usvi.net
Wales
(See Great Britain)
156
Glossary Of Travel Terms
(Learn to understand Travel & Toursim)
Accommodations: rooms in hotel, motel B&B.
Adjoining rooms: Two rooms located next to each other, usually with no door connecting
them.
Adventure tour: A tour designed around an adventurous activity such as rafting, hiking, or
mountain climbing.
Affinity group: A group of people that share a common hobby, interest, or activity, or that
are united through regular participation in shared outings. Also see preformed group
After-departure charge: Charges that do not appear on the guest’s bill at check out such as
telephone or dining charges.
Agent: One who has the power to act at the representative of another. Most frequently in
travel, a specific kind of agent such as a travel agent.
AIO variables: Activities, interests, and opinions-used to measure and categorize customer
lifestyles.
157
Air sea: A cruises or travel package in which one or more transportation elements are
provided by air and one or more by sea. The package is usually combined with local
lodging.
Airline fare: Price charged for an airline ticket. Several types of fares exist and can change
with market conditions.
Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC): An organization that provides a method of

approving authorized agency locations for the sale of transportation and cost-effective
procedures for processing records and funds of such sales to carrier customers.
All-inclusive package: A tour package in which most travel elements are purchased for set
price. Also called an all-expense package.
Alumni tour: A tour created for customers who have previously traveled with a tour
operator. Also called a reunion tour.
Amenity package: A cluster of special features, such as complimentary shore excursions,

bar or boutique credit, or wine at dinner offered to clients on a given tour or cruise, usually
as a bonus or extra feature. Usually used to induce clients to book through a particular
travel agency or organization.
Attractions: An item or specific interest to travelers, such as natural wonders, manmade

facilities and structures, entertainment, and activities.
Average room rate: The total guest room revenue for a given period divided by the number
of rooms occupied for the same period.
158
Back to back: A term used to describe tours operating on a consistent, continuing basis. For
instance, a motor coach arriving in a city from a cross-country tour may conclude the first
tour upon arrival, and then transport a second group back along the same route to the
origination city of the first tour.
Baggage handler: See porter
Baggage master: The person who controls baggage handling on a ship.
Bed and breakfast (B&B): Overnight accommodations usually in a private home or

boarding house, often with a full American-style or Continental breakfast included in one
rate.
Bell captain: The person in charge of luggage at a hotel.
Block: A number of rooms, seats, or space reserved in advance, usually by wholesalers, tour
operators, or receptive operators who intend to sell them as components of tour packages.
Boarding pass: The document that allows a traveler to pass through the gate area and onto
a plane or ship.
Booking form: A document which purchasers of tours must complete to give the operator
full particulars about who is buying the tour. It states exactly what is being purchased
(including options) and must be signed as acknowledgment that the liability clause has been
read and understood.
Breakage: Expenses budgeted for a tour but not used or expended, thus resulting in
additional profit to the tour operator. Examples include meals budgeted but not consumed,
currency fluctuations in favor of the tour operator, or the tour selling too much larger
numbers of passengers than expected.
159
Break-even point (BEP): The point at which revenues and expenses are the same. For
example, the BEP is the number of products (or seats, cabins, tickets, etc.) that must be sold
for a company to break even. The BEP is calculated as fixed costs divided by the selling
price less variable costs. See reasonable number
Break-even pricing: Pricing a product based on a forecast of the break-even point and the
cost of achieving the break-even point.
Budgeted balance sheet: A budget that measures total assets and liabilities.
Budgeted income statement: A budget that tracks revenues and expenses. Also called the
profit and loss statement.
Cabin: A sleeping room on a ship.
Carrier: A company that provides transportation services, such as motor coach companies,
airlines, cruise lines, and rental car agencies.
Cash flow: Monies available to meet a company’s daily operating expenses, as opposed to
equity, accounts receivable, or other credits not immediately accessible.
Cash budget: A budget that monitors cash flow and funds available to meet current
expenses.
Casual research: A form of marketing research that is used to test cause-and-effect

relationships between a marketing program and customers.
Certified Tour Professional (CTP): A designation conferred upon tour professionals who
have completed a prescribed course of academic study, professional service, tour
employment, and evaluation requirements. The CTP program is administered by the
160
National Tour Association (Lexington, KY) and is open to individuals employed in any
segment of the tourism industry.
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC): A designation attesting to professional competence as a

travel agent. It is conferred upon travel professionals with five or more years of industry
experience who compete a two-year graduate-level travel management program
administered by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (Wellesley, MA).
Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS): A designation conferred upon American Bus
Association member company employees who successfully complete five correspondence
courses (three) required and two electives and written evaluation of eight marketplace
seminars.
Chain-ratio method: A method for forecasting market demand by multiplying a base

market figure by a series of consumption constraints.
Chamber of Commerce: A DMO that operates at the local level and is comprised of
businesses that are not necessarily associated with the tourism industry.
Charter: To hire the exclusive use of any aircraft, motor coach, or other vehicle.
Charter service: The transportation of preformed groups (organized by someone other than
the carrier), which have the exclusive use of the vehicle.
Circle itinerary: A travel routing design that overnights in different locations and returns to
the point of departure without retracing the travel route.
City guide: A tour guide who points out and comments on the highlights of a city, usually
from a motor coach or van.
161
City tour: A sightseeing trip through a city, usually lasting a half-day or a full day, during
which a guide points out the city’s highlights.
Client list: A printout of the names of all tour participants.
Client mix: Objectives set by companies to achieve percentages of customers from different
market segments.
Closed-end question: A question for which the answers are provided for the respondent,
who chooses only from those answers.
Closeout: Finalization of a tour, cruise, or similar group travel project after which time no
further clients are accepted. Any unsold air or hotel space is released, and final lists and
payments are sent to all suppliers.
Commission: A percentage of a travel product’s price that is returned to the distributor

when the product is sold.
Commissionable tour: A tour available through retail and wholesale travel agencies, which
provides for a payment of an agreed-upon sales commission to the retailer or wholesale
seller.
Common carrier: Any person or organization that offers transportation for a fee.
Comp policy: Arrangements for free tickets, rooms, meals, etc.
Complimentary (comps): Items provided free of charge, such as rooms, meals, tickets,
airfare, gifts, souvenirs, etc.
162
Computerized reservation system (CRS): An automated system used by travel agents that
contains pricing, availability and product descriptions for hotels, car rentals, cruises, and air
transportation.
Conditions: The section or clause of a transportation or tour contract that specifies what is
not offered and that may spell out the circumstances under which the contract may be
invalidated (in whole or in part).
Configuration: The interior arrangement of a vehicle, particularly an airplane. The same

airplane, for example, may be configured for 190 coach-class passengers, or it may hold 12
first-class passengers and 170 coach passengers, or any other combination within its
capacity.
Confirmed reservation: An oral or written statement by a supplier that he has received and
will honor a reservation. Oral confirmations have virtually no legal weight. Even written or
faxed confirmations have specified or implied limitations. For example, a hotel is usually
not obliged to honor a reservation if a guest arrives after 6 p.m., unless late arrival has been
guaranteed.
Connecting flight: A flight that requires a passenger to change planes as part of the
itinerary.
Connecting room: Two rooms that are connected to each other by a door.
Consolidator: A person or company that forms groups to travel on air charters at group
rates on scheduled flights to increase sales, earn override commissions, or reduce the
possibility of tour cancellations.
Consolidation: Cancellation by a charter tour operator of one more flights associated with a
specific charter departure or departure period, with the transfer of passengers to another
charter flight or flights to depart on or near the same day. Also, selling the same tour with
163
identical departure dates through a number of wholesalers, cooperatives, or other outlets in
order to increase sales and reduce the possibility of tour cancellations.
Consortium: A collection of organizations made up of independently owned and managed

agencies that band together to increase their buying power.
Consumer protection plan: A plan offered by a company and/or association that protects
the customer’s deposits and payments from loss in the event of company bankruptcy.
Consumer: The actual user of a product or service. See also customer
Consumption constraints: Issues that limit the number of people in a market who will
purchase a product.
Continental breakfast: At a minimum, a beverage (coffee, tea, or milk) and rolls and toast,
with fruit juice sometimes included.
Contract: A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties.
Convenience sample: A collection of research subjects who are the easiest for the researcher
to select.
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB): A nonprofit DMO that operates at the county and
city level. A CVB typically encourages groups to hold meetings, conventions, and trade
shows in its city.
Cooperative (co-op) advertising: An agreement between two parties to share the cost of
placing an advertisement.
Co-op tour: Selling a tour through a number of wholesalers, cooperatives, or other outlets
in order to increase sales and reduce the possibility of tour cancellations.
164
Costing: The process of itemizing and calculating all the costs the tour operator will pay on
a given tour.
Cost-plus pricing: See markup pricing
Coupon: See voucher
Custom tour: A travel package created specifically for a preformed group or niche market.
Customer: The buyer of a product or service. See consumer
Customs: The common term for U.S. Customs Service, the federal agency charged with
collecting duty on specified items imported into the country. The agency also restricts the
entry of forbidden items.
Database: A computerized, organized collection of individual customer information.
Day rate: Also called a day room. A reduced rate granted for the use of a guest room during
the daytime, not overnight occupancy. Usually provided on a tour when a very late-night
departure is scheduled.
Day tour: An escorted or unescorted tour that lasts less than 24 hours and usually departs
and returns on the same day. See sightseeing tour
Deadheading: Making a trip or a segment of a trip without passengers, such as driving an

empty motor coach somewhere.
Demand generators: Strategies and programs developed by DMOs and suppliers to

generate destination demand. Examples include festivals, events, cultural tours, and
consumer promotion.
165
Demands: A consumer’s wants backed by the ability to purchase.
Demographics: Population measures, such as age, gender, income, education,

race/ethnicity, religion, marital status, household size, and occupation.
Departure point: The location or destination from which a tour officially begins.
Departure tax: Fee collected from a traveler by the host country at the time of departure.
Deposit: An advance payment required to obtain and confirm space.
Deposit policy: A specified amount or a percentage of the total bill due on a specified date
prior to arrival.
Descriptive research: a form of marketing research that is used to provide detailed answers
about customer markets.
Destination: The geographic place to which a traveler is going.
Destination alliance: A DMO that operates as a for-profit association of select suppliers who
form a paid-membership network to promote their services to travelers.
Destination management company (DMC): A for-profit company that operates similar to a

CVB by providing planning and execution services for the convention and meeting market.
Destination marketing organization (DMO): An organization that promotes a location

(city, region, state province, country) as a travel destination.
Direct flight: A flight that stops one or more times on the way to a destination, but does not
require travelers to change planes.
166
Direct marketing: Sales and marketing communication that feature direct interaction
between a company and its customers without any distribution intermediaries.
Double double: A room with two double beds.
Double-occupancy rate: The price per person for a room to be shared with another person;
the rate most frequently quoted in tour brochures.
Double-room rate: The full price of a room for two people (twice the double-occupancy
rate.)
Docent: A tour guide who works free of charge at a museum.
Downgrade: To move to a lesser level of accommodations or a lower class of service.
Driver-guide: A tour guide who does double duty by driving a vehicle while narrating.
Duty-free imports: Item amounts and categories specified by a government that are fee of
tax or duty charges when brought into the country.
Economic impact study: Research into the dollars generated by an industry and how these
dollars impact the economy through direct spending and the indirect impact of additional
job creation and the generation of income and tax revenue.
Eco-tour: A tour designed to focus on preserving the environment, or a tour traveling to

environmentally sensitive areas.
Educational tour: A tour designed around an educational activity, such as studying art.
Environmental scanning: The process of monitoring important forces in the business

environment for trends and changes that may impact a company.
167
Errors and Omissions Insurance: Insurance coverage equivalent to malpractice insurance,
protecting an agent or operator’s staff if an act of negligence, an error, or an omission occurs
that causes a client great hardship or expense.
Escort: See tour director
Escorted group tour: A group tour that features a tour director who travels with the group
throughout the trip to provide sightseeing commentary and coordinate all group movement
and activities.
Escrow accounts: Funds placed in the custody of licensed financial institutions for
safekeeping. Many contracts in travel require that agents and tour operators maintain
customers’ deposits and prepayments in escrow accounts.
Exchange order: See voucher
Exploratory research: A form of marketing research that’s used to obtain preliminary

information and clues. It is most often used when the marketing problem is ambiguous.
Extension: A fully arranged sub-tour offered optionally at extra cost to buyers of a tour or
cruise. Extensions may occur before, during, or after the basic travel program.
FAM (familiarization) tour: A free or reduced-rate trip offered to travel professionals to

acquaint them with what a destination, attraction, or supplier has to offer.
Fixed costs: Costs that don’t change with sales or production levels.
Fly/drive tour: An F.I.T. package that always includes air travel and a rental car and
sometimes other travel components.
168
Folio: An itemized record of a guest’s charges and credits, which is maintained in the front
office until departure. Also referred to as a guest bill or guest statement.
Frequent Independent travel (F.I.T.): A custom-designed, prepaid travel package with

many individualized arrangements. F.I.T. are unescorted and usually have no formal
itinerary.
Full house: A hotel with all guest rooms occupied.
Function room: A special room that is used primarily for private parties, banquets, and
meetings. Also called banquet rooms.
Gateway: City, airport, or area from which a flight or tour departs.
Gateway city: City with an international airport.
Ground operator: See receptive operator
Group leader: An individual who has been given the responsibility of coordinating tour and
travel arrangements for a group. The group leader may act as a liaison to a tour operator or
may develop a tour independently (and sometimes serve as the tour director).
Group rate: A special discounted rate charged by suppliers to groups. Also called tour rate.
Group tour: A travel package for an assembly of travelers that has a common itinerary,
travel date, and transportation. Group tours are usually prearranged, prepaid, and include
transportation, lodging, dining, and attraction admissions. See also escorted group tour
Guaranteed tour: A tour guaranteed to operate unless canceled before an established cutoff
date (usually 60 days prior to departure).
169
Guest account: See folio
Guide or guide service: A person or company qualified to conduct tours of specific

localities or attractions.
Guided tour: A local sightseeing trip conducted by a guide.
Head tax: Fee charged for arriving and departing passengers in some foreign countries.
High season: See peak season
Hosted group tour: A group tour that features a representative (the host) of the tour
operator, destination, or other tour provider, who interacts with the group only for a few
hours a day to provide information and arrange for transportation. The host usually does
not accompany the group as it travels.
House: A synonym used for hotel.
Hub-and-spoke itinerary: A travel routing design that uses a central destination as the
departure and return point for day trips to outlying destinations and attractions.
Inbound operator: A receptive operator that usually serves groups arriving from another
country.
Inbound tour: A tour for groups of travelers whose trip originates in another location,
usually another country.
Incentive or incentive commission: See override
Incentive tour: A trip offered as a prize, particularly to stimulate the productivity of

employees or sales agents.
170
Incidentals: Charges incurred by the participants of a tour, but which are not included in
the tour price.
Inclusive tour: See all-inclusive package
Independent tour: A travel package in which a tour operator is involved only with the
planning, marketing, and selling of the package, but is not involved with the passengers
while the tour is in progress. See also frequent independent travel (F.I.T.)
Interlobular tour: A tour that uses several forms of transportation, such as a plane, motor
coach, cruise ship, and train.
Involvement device: An element of direct mail that gets the reader involved in the process
of evaluating and/or responding to the solicitation.
Itinerary: A list of a tour’s schedule and major travel elements.
Judgment sample: A sample based on the researcher's choice of subjects for a study.
Land operator: See receptive operator
Leg: Portion of a journey between two scheduled stops.
Letter of agreement: A letter from the buyer to the supplier accepting the terms of the
proposal. This may also be the supplier’s first proposal that has been initialed by the buyer.
List broker: A seller of mail lists for direct marketing.
Load factor: The number of passengers traveling on a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft compared
to the number of available seats or cabins.
171
Locator map: A map of an area or a city, showing locations of attractions and hotels.
Lodging: Any establishment that provides shelter and overnight accommodations to

travelers.
Logistics: Management of the details of an operation.
Low season: See off peak
Microenvironment: The broad forces in society and the business world that impact most
companies.
Management company: A firm that owns several lodging properties.
Manifest: Final official listing of all passengers and/or cargo aboard a transportation
vehicle or vessel.
Market demand: The amount of a specific product or service that may be purchased during
a certain period of time in a particular geographic area.
Market forecast: The realistic demand within a given time period for the products produced
by all companies within a certain industry or product category.
Market segmentation: The process of dividing a broad market into smaller, specific markets
based on customer characteristics, buying power, and other variables.
Market share: The measure of company sales versus total sales for a specific product
category or industry.
Market: All existing and potential customers for a product or service.
172
Marketing mix: The 4 Ps of marketing: product, price, promotion, place (distribution).
Marketing plan: A written report that details marketing objectives for a product or service,
and recommends strategies for achieving these objectives.
Marketing research: The function that links the consumer, customer, and public to the
marketer through the systematic gathering and analyzing of information.
Markup pricing: Pricing a product by adding a standard markup to costs. Also called cost-
plus pricing
Markup: A percentage added to the cost of a product to achieve a selling price.
Master account: The guest account for a particular group or function that will be paid by
the sponsoring organization. See folio
Media: Communications channel such as broadcast (radio, TV), print (newspapers,

magazines, direct mail), outdoor (billboards), and multimedia (Internet).
Meet-and-greet service: A pre-purchased service for meeting and greeting clients upon
arrival in a city, usually at the airport, pier, or rail station, and assisting clients with entrance
formalities, collecting baggage, and obtaining transportation.
Meeting/conference tour: A tour designed around a specific meeting or conference for the
participants.
Microenvironment: Those forces close to a company that impact operations and marketing
programs.
Mission statement: The concise description of what an organization is, its purpose, and
what it intends to accomplish.
173
Motor coach tour: A tour that features the motor coach the form of transportation to and
from destinations.
Motor coach tour operators: Tour operators that own their own motor coaches.
Motor coach: A large, comfortable bus that can transport travelers and their luggage long
distances.
Multi-day tour: A travel package of two or more days. Most multi-day tours are escorted,
all-inclusive packages.
Murder-mystery tour: A tour that features a staged "murder" and involves travelers in
solving the crime.
Mystery tour: A journey to unpublicized destinations in which tour takers aren’t told where
they will be going until en route or upon arrival.
National tourism organization (NTO): A federal-government-level DMO that promotes

country as a travel destination.
Needs: Those aspects of the life a person can’t do without.
Net wholesale rate: A rate usually slightly lower than the wholesale rate, applicable to
groups of individuals when a hotel is specifically mentioned in a tour brochure. The rate is
marked up by wholesale sellers of tours to cover distribution and promotion costs.
Niche market: A highly specialized segment of the travel market, such as an affinity group
with a unique special interest.
No show: A guest with confirmed reservations who does not arrive and whose reservation
was not canceled.
174
Objective and task method: A process for creating a promotion budget that sets objectives
first, then defines the tasks needed to achieve those objectives, and then commits funds
necessary to perform the tasks.
Occupancy: The percentage of available rooms occupied for a given period. It is computed
by dividing the number of rooms occupied for a period by the number of rooms available for
the same period.
Off peak: Slow booking periods for suppliers. Also called the low season.
On-site guide: A tour guide who conducts tours of one or several hours’ duration at a
specific building, attraction, or site.
Open-ended question: A question that allows the respondent to provide a free-response

answer.
Open-jaw itinerary: A travel routing design that departs from one location and returns to
another. For example, travelers may fly into one city and depart from another one. Or a
traveler may purchase round-trip transportation from the point of origin to one destination,
at which another form of transportation is used to reach a second destination, where the
traveler resumes the initial form of transportation to return to the point of origin.
Operations: Performing the practical work of operating a tour or travel program.
Operator: See Tour Operator
Optionals: Optional tour features that are not included in the base tour price, such as
sightseeing excursions or special activities.
Outbound operator: A company that takes groups from a given city or country to another
city or country.
175
Outbound tour: A tour that takes travelers out of the area, usually from a domestic city to
another country.
Overbook: Accepting reservations for more space than is available.
Overhead: Those fixed costs involved in regular operations, such as rent, insurance,
management salaries, and utilities.
Override: A commission over and above the normal base commission percentage.
Packaged travel: A package in combination of two or more types of tour components into a
product, which is produced, assembled, promoted and sold as a package by a tour operator
for an all-inclusive price.
Passenger vessel: Ships, yachts, ferries, boats, etc.
Patronage Program: A program that rewards the customer for loyalty and repeat purchase,
such as frequent-flyer programs.
Peak season: A destination’s high season when demand is strong. Also called the high
season.
Per capita costs: Per-person costs.
Per capita tour: See scheduled tour
Perceived value: The ratio of perceived benefits to perceived price.
Port of entry: Destination providing customs and immigration services.
Porter: A person who handles luggage at an airport, train station, etc.; also called skycap or
baggage handler.
176
The GEM Group Consulting Services
We are here to help you succeed!
Need Help?
Contact the author “Gerry” Mitchell
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Tour Guiding, like all enterprises, is likely to benefit you in proportion to your
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A career in the Travel-Tourism Industry
Get packed for life-enhancing experiences of a lifetime!

Let a 25 year expert be your guide helping you map out a
exciting career in the Global Travel-Tourism industry
Learn “Inside Secrets” to where the high paying jobs are!
Learn how to write a resume for success!
Find career stability and financial satisfaction!

The GEM Group, Ltd Est. 1976- www.tour-guiding.com. ©Global travel-Tourism

Career Opportunities .2005, All rights reserved. Library of Congress ISBN 0-946439-14-8
Made in USA
182
&
Travel the world FREE as an International Tour Director ©
Learn the Inside secrets from a 30 year travel veteran

Leave corporate Stress Behind, Be Your Own Boss
Travel the world FREE while earning a tax-deductible income
Turn your Talents into Profits, design exciting “off the beaten path” tours.
Travel the globe escorting groups to participate in the Amazon, on African
Safaris*Health spas & Yoga Retreats*Scuba diving*Golf Outings*High
Adventures and Exotic Cruises.

The GEM Group, Ltd Est. 1976 www.tour-guiding.com. ©How to travel the world
FREE as an International Tour Director .2005, All rights reserved.- Library of Congress
ISBN 0-945439-13-x Made in USA
183
Workshop & Seminar Testimonials
Over 7,000 participants…150,000 hours of training provided
The GEM Group takes your there…we push your vision to the limits!
“Gerald E. Mitchell is one of the best speakers I have heard. He keeps the class interested and makes
learning fun and interesting."
- Dr.Russell Backardt, Western Carolina University
“A dynamic speaker and instructor. Should be used on a continuous basis in our Tourism industry to
teach and educate various sectors of the industry on the whole.”
- Laurie McConnell, Travel Away Tours
“All I can really say is "thank God" you sponsored this workshop. It is the real program to come along and
I know with your caring feeling that there's more to come.”
- Justine Clinton, St. Lucia
“This is the first time I have attended a seminar on this topic that has been conducted with so much focus
towards achieving real practical objectives.”
- Richard Spei, Toronto, Canada
“We wish to express our most sincere appreciation for your tremendous contribution to the Business
Management for Women tourism session for the delegates from the former Soviet Union. We are
confident that the delegates took home practical information needed to upgrade their tour companies and
establish useful future relationships with U.S. companies as a result of the excellent program you
provided.”
- Liesel Duhon, Director, Sabit United States Depart. Of Commerce, International Trade
Adminitration, Washington, D.C.
“Extremely informative, and educational, and I feel that I learned a great deal to apply and hopefully turn
these hours into profits.”
- Lester Winston, Trinidad West Indies
“Gerald E. Mitchell is one of the best speakers I have heard. He keeps the class interested and makes
learning fun.”
- Dr. Joe Manjone, University of Alabama, Huntsville
“The Tour Guide manual made it possible for me to start my own business. I read all your books, made
notes that I needed to refer to often, highlighted other topics, and then reread the book. It has become a
real workbook for my staff. Thank you for helping me gain financial freedom and be my own boss. “
- Maria Jackson, US Army Recreational Services
“The author, Gerry Mitchell, has provided practical advice, and models to follow. This is the best book I’ve
seen on the subject. “
- Aura J. Carter, Hotel Manager, Barbados, West Indies
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Join the GEM Group by Starting your own Tour Guiding Service
How to Start a Tour Guide Service Service©

The Workshop
Invest In You!
Invest in Your Personal Growth…
Attend a 5-day comprehensive training workshop

“How to start a Tour Guide Service”©
With an acclaimed 25 Year Veteran of the Travel Service Business
Start NOW by turning your talents into profits!

Lean How To:
⌧ Design and plan creative Historical & Heritage Walking Tours

⌧ Evening Dine-Arounds
⌧ Nightclub Tours
Special Events Coordinator
⌧ Golf Outing
⌧ Fishing Tournaments/Expeditions
⌧ Soft &High Eco-Adventure Tours
Hosting Film Crews - from Hollywood and abroad
⌧ Indigenous Arts and Crafts Seminars and Participatory Workshops
⌧ Cruise Ship Excursions
What is included in the GEM Institute of Travel-Tourism Global Career Development workshop?
GEM Training manuals and handouts, sample tours and tariffs

25 hour of instruction by qualified tourism/hospitality professionals
The 8 easy steps to establishing a successful Tour Guide Service©
The Welcome and Farewell dinner
Hotel accommodations
Hotel taxes and tips
On-site touring with transportation and professional tour guide instructors
Your GEM Institute of Travel-tourism Global Career Development certificate
Professional guest speakers and trainers representing over 10 opportunities within the
guiding industry share their knowledge and experiences by offering insider tips and advices
on –
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“How to Guide” individuals or groups for:
⌧ Historical, Cultural, Walking tours
⌧ Hiking
⌧ Sports
⌧ Fishing
⌧ Kayaking - Boating
⌧ Soft Adventure
⌧ Religious
⌧ Young Adults
⌧ Family Tours & Reunions
⌧ Weddings
⌧ Cruise Lines - Tour Guide Shore Excursions
⌧ Gay and Lesbian Tours
Acquire skills for Web Site Design & E-Marketing your Tour Guide Services and Tours
Essential skills you will learn at the GEM Institute of Travel-Tourism Global Career Development
workshop –
Step #1- Introduction to Customer Relations
How to handle reservations for individuals and groups
Step #2- Introduction to the Professional Tour Guide Service
How to deal with problems, conducting walking tours, dealing with difficult questions, creating a positive
group dynamic, honing your presentation skills, piecing your commentary together, projecting your voice,
knowing your topic.
Step #3 - Preparing an extensive business plan for your Tour Guide Company
Step #4 - Researching & Collecting travel data for your tour services
Learn how to select your tour suppliers, hotels, motor coaches etc.
Step #5 - Designing Creative and Profitable Tours
The workshop shows you how to present a summary of your tour services, highlights of trips, and the
unique features your Tour Guide Company has to offer.
Step #6 - Designing Tour Brochures
Step #7 - Guidelines for pricing your tours and services for profit!
The price is usually the key decision factor for the client in purchasing your tours. You will learn how to
motivate the target market and leave enough margin to make a profit.
Step #8 - Developing sustainable Marketing Strategies
Learn” Niche” marketing - how to target your tours to a demographic characteristic – segmenting
prospects by income and geographic location. Retired? Yuppie? Single? Adventure/Thrill seeker?
186
Why Charleston, South Carolina?
Charleston has been Ranked the #5th Top City in America to Visit and Tour!
The Good Word About Charleston
“Charleston is still an uncrowded city of human scale, where church steeples remain the highest points.
As Emily Whaley says of her garden, ‘this is a place to let your soul catch up with you.’” - Condé Nast
Traveler
“The sound of horse drawn carriages. Mansions dressed up and looking almost bejeweled with their
wrought iron terraces and gates. Secret alleys lit by flickering lamps. Charleston may well be the most
romantic of cities.”
- National Geographic
“In my opinion there is nowhere in America which expresses the European appeal as much as
Charleston, South Carolina. From the English to the Spanish influence it gives the city the most unique
feeling in America.” - Spa Management (Britain)
Awards and Honors
Ranked the number one safest and culturally most fascinating cities in the US
- TravelSmart
One of the World‘s Best Unspoiled Destinations

- National Geographic Traveler
th
America’s most mannerly city for 10 consecutive year
- Etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart
8th Top City of the United States & Canada

- Travel+Leisure
A Top 10 Art Destination in the USA

- American Style Magazine
Center for Women’s Travel - Tourism
Since 1976 The GEM Group has provided training for women around the globe in how to start their own
business within the Travel &Tourism industry.
Women’s Groups: UAW, Women’s Association-Surnime, Amazon- Inuit Women Tour Guide/Destination
Managers, Canadian Artic (NWT,) -Desk & Derrick,-Activities Coordinator’s for the National Parks and
Recreation,-US Military- Moral Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Caribbean Basin, Association of Business
Owners (Hospitality & Tourism),- her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan ,National Parks Society Program
Women’s Role in the Tourism Industry. Examples of women and women’s groups starting their own
income generating businesses are plentiful. Increasingly appealing to women, these businesses help to
create financial independence for local women and challenge them to develop the necessary skills and
support opportunities to increase their education. Research has shown that financial independence and
good education lead to improved self-esteem of women and more equitable relationships in families and
communities.
Both Women’s Rights: The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW, 1979), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) form the basis of
187
addressing human rights and women's rights issues in the tourism industries. Case studies show that
women can find a voice and independence through getting involved in tourism activities by becoming part
of decision-making processes and carving out new roles in their families, in their homes and communities,
and within local power structures. Source: www.theearthsummit.org 2004
“I would highly recommend the GEM Tour Manuals. The author, Mr. Mitchell, makes sharp analysis of
what it takes to bring tour components together for a finished product, a quality tour package. This
wonderfully insightful, to-the-point manual will be of great help to travel professionals.”
- Michael Pinchbeck, B.Ed., Executive Director, Bahamas Hotel Training College
Registration form for the G E M Tour Guide Workshops

You’re Personal Data: www .tour-guiding.com
Limited to 20 participants!
Registration Fee: $975.00 (based on double occupancy)

Single rate provided upon request
Payment Schedule: $200.00 initial deposit- Final payment: $775.00 due 45 days prior to arrival
Payment payable to: The GEM Group
Email address: [email protected]
Payment by Visa-MasterCard or personal check- Pay Pal
Workshop dates: check www.tour-guiding.com for scheduled seminars
Guaranteed Results!
All of the GEM Group Workshops and Seminars are 100% SATIFISFACTION GUARANTEED Thirty Days
full refund upon receipt of any GEM manual or Workshop.
Tax Credits: The Federal government offers tax credits "up to 20% of your first $5000 in expenses for
tuition and other fees." This can reduce your GEM fees by as much as $195.00. These are referred to as
"Lifetime Learning Credits." For more information
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188
Gerald E. Mitchell, president of the GEM Group, Ltd. brings his expertise as an educator, tour
operator, author, and lecturer, providing an insider's view of the travel industry. He has traveled
worldwide promoting tourism in emerging countries and demonstrates a special talent for showing
experienced and first-time tourists alike the beauty of the natural and cultural heritage of the
destinations they visit.
Gerald's breadth of experience in developing tour programs provides a travel experience to

destinations throughout the world that few can equal. He is renowned as a lecturer for both
government and private industries, bringing to his audiences a depth of knowledge about the
customs and indigenous populations of countries around the world that enlightens and entertains.
As an educator, Gerald Mitchell has served as adjunct professor at four U.S. universities and
lectured on sustainable travel-tourism development for the Organization of American States,
Canada, Russia, the Bahamas, and at the nation's military academies at West Point and Annapolis.
He has served as a special advisor to the U. S. Naval Command, the U.S. Department of
Commerce, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. In this last capacity, Gerald
worked with the kingdom of Jordan to develop certification standards for the nation's Royal Society
of Conservation, funded by Queen Noor of Jordan.
Gerald Mitchell formed the GEM Group over two decades ago to provide a quality experience for
tourists to international destinations, including those in Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, and
the Arctic, where he trained the Inuit tribes to conduct tours for whale watching expeditions, and
along historic Native American trails. He is as much at home conducting tours in remote corners of
the world as he is on the lecture podium providing training and insight into the adventure of travel
for all audiences.
Mitchell is the author of a number of books on tourism and careers for those in the travel industry,
including the recently published Global Travel Tourism Career Opportunities This is a “must read”
fundamental text book for anyone considering tourism as a career. His book Travel the World Free as
an International Tour Director has just been released in its fourth edition and provides all the
fundamentals of the requirements for entering the travel industry on the international scene. Both
books are now available at http://www.tour-guiding.com. Gerald Mitchell's talent and experience
in the tourism industry have made him an international leader in the profession. His greatest joy
over the years has been to show others the joys of travel and bring about greater understanding
among the peoples of different cultures. He is truly a citizen of the world.
189

Global Travel Tourism Careers

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Global Travel-Tourism Career

Learn “Inside Secrets” ~ Where the high paying jobs are

Global Travel Tourism Career Opportunities©

Global Travel Tourism Career Opportunities©

First Edition: March, 2006

Library of Congress Cataloging Publication Data

Inquires should be addressed to:

The GEM Group, Ltd.

Overseen by Mitchell, these publications continue to surpass other competitive

Continued international growth is imminent as the world’s hunger for Mitchell’s

A company dedicated to helping countries develop

The GEM Group Ltd. Professional Affiliations

• Registered with Who’s Who National Registry

Gerald E. Mitchell, President

Chapter 1: Welcome to the Travel-Tourism Industry ..................... 1

Chapter 2: Your Career in Travel-Tourism ................................. 7

Chapter 3: Where the Jobs Are: Travel Industry Sectors ............... 14

Chapter 4: Owning Your Own Travel-Tourism Business .............. 63

Chapter 6: Preparing a Resume that Works ............................... 87

Chapter 7: Resources Within The Tourism Industry .................... 94

Chapter 8: Travel-Tourism Career Resource Guide ..................... 99

Appendix: Glossary of Travel Terms ..................................... 114

Your opportunities for employment in travel-tourism are growing at impressive rate! By

The World’s Fastest-Growing Profession!

The travel-tourism profession currently employs one in ten people worldwide.

New Jobs and Business Opportunities Are Waiting for You!

Selling Tours for Profit

How Exporting Tourism Works

Competition For Tourist Dollars

Eight Essential “Pulling Powers”

#3- Cultural Resources

#4- Natural Resources

#6- Event Resources:

#8- Activity Resources:

The Tourists are coming! Are you ready?

Stage 3: The Visit

Seven great Reasons for a Travel-Tourism Career

Unlimited Career Paths and Opportunities

Getting Started: Overcoming A Lack of Experience

Never Traveled Abroad?

Source for additional information:

Do You Have What It Takes To Work in Travel Tourism?

Characteristics of a Successful Travel-Tourism Professional

Six Industry Sectors … Plus One More!

Sector 1: Retail Travel Agency

Sector 2: Special Events, Conferences, and Convention Planing

Sector 5: Airline Careers

Sector 6: Theme Parks and Entertainment

The Retail SubSector ~ Careers at Retail Travel Agencies

The Wholesale SubSector ~ Careers as Tour Operators

Wholesale SubSector ~ In-Bound Destination Management

Advertising-Marketing Manager: A specialized career niche in tour operation is that of

Lead An Exciting Career as an International Tour Director

Additional information: www.thegemgroup.org

Special Events, Conference and Convention Planner

On-the-Job Responsibilities: Administer financial controls and procedures; implement

Nature Guiding Careers

Where do the clients come from?

Duties of an Adventure, Recreational, and Instructor Tour Guide

Outdoor Adventure Guides