There are tourism management jobs in many different sectors. Graduates who have either an undergraduate or graduate degree in tourism management will easily qualify for the five jobs below.
Tour Manager
A tour manager usually accompanies native and foreign groups traveling by bus, although international tours will use plans, boats and trains. They welcome groups at their starting point, resolve logistical issues and coordinate travel arrangements. This involves checking tickets and other relevant documents as well as seat allocations and any special needs. Tour managers who work with overseas destinations will help with passport and visa issues. During the trip, they communicate a wide range of information regarding food, culture, itineraries and destinations. They must ensure that all travel arrangements run smoothly and that meals, trips and accommodations are satisfactory.
Tourist Information Center Supervisor
A tourist information center may work for the state travel board or for a non-profit organization. They are responsible for managing public information centers that are usually found in busy metropolitan cities. Information center employees will provide maps and handouts to visitors. They also explain how to travel to popular sites and which public transportation route to take. They manage budgets, maintain statistical records, handle accounting and deliver reports to their state’s travel board. They must excel at explaining information on sites, issues and amenities to members of the public who may not speak English well.
Hotel Manager
Hotel managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of a hotel and staff. They have commercial accountability for planning, organizing and directing all hotel services. This includes the standard front-of-house areas of reception, concierge, reservations and business services. They may also be in charge of housekeeping, food and beverage operations and budgeting and financial management. In larger chain hotels, they will most likely be assigned to a specific department, such as marketing, accounting or guest services. They must maximize profits while maintaining superior customer service and setting the example for staff to deliver a high standard of service and presentation.
Resort Manager
Resort managers oversee the resources and assets of assigned staff, buildings and property. They attract new guests through active marketing, friendly customer service and adding value to the vacation experience. They analyze, prepare and manage the marketing strategies and operational budgets of the resort. They are often responsible for the guest services department, so they handle issues until they are resolved and monitor guest satisfaction by evaluating surveys. They ensure that the resort meets quality, safety and loss prevention standards. They must identify process improvements and train new employees on best practices. They maintain positive customer and associate relationships and collaborate with property management to maximize profits.
Property Manager
A property manager usually is assigned to resort location to oversee facilities and assets. These tend to be exotic locations that maintain a small number of exclusive units in places like rural Italy, the beaches in Mexico and ski lodges in British Columbia. They build an effective rental program, provide customer service and establish and cultivate positive relationships with long-term clients. They are responsible for everything from renovations to coordinating group visits to managing association-related business. They may facilitate the day to day operations of remote areas in the jungle, forest and seaside properties.
Tourism management jobs also include a restaurant manager, compliance auditor, lodging supervisor and amenity specialist.