The top careers in the travel industry

If you’re interested in careers in the travel industry, the good news is the tourism sector has been growing steadily for decades and is expected to become a $15.5 trillion economy by 2033. Employing millions of people worldwide, the industry offers many exciting and rewarding opportunities for anyone passionate about exploring new places and helping others do the same.

Travel offers a wide range of careers with distinct responsibilities and salary prospects, from adventurous travel photographers capturing stunning vistas to skilled travel agents designing unforgettable itineraries. In this article, we’ll look at the top careers in the industry, the skills you need to succeed and how a hospitality degree can prepare you for an exciting travel career.

Top professions in the travel sector

Whether your passion is delivering exceptional guest experiences, designing inspiring itineraries or helping travelers create long-lasting memories, this industry offers a variety of exciting career opportunities with unique responsibilities and rewards.

Travel agent

Assisting clients with planning and booking travel arrangements such as flights, accommodations and tours. Entry-level travel agents earn around $51,578 to $67,998 annually, with more experienced agents who specialize in luxury travel potentially earning significantly more. They provide expert advice on destinations, tailor travel packages to client preferences and deliver seamless travel experiences. Career progression can lead to senior agent positions or managerial roles in agencies.

Tour guide

Leading groups through historical, cultural and scenic locations, providing informative and engaging commentary on popular tourist attractions and other lesser-known areas of interest. Tour guides focus on the safety and enjoyment of tourists, handle logistical issues and answer questions about the sites visited. Career progression might include becoming a senior guide, tour manager or starting a tour company. Salaries range from $58,058 to $76,783 per year, with those in high-demand areas or specializing in niche markets earning higher wages.

Event planner

Salaries for this role typically range from $66,317 to $84,119 a year, with the potential for higher earnings based on the size and type of activities. As an event planner, you are responsible for planning and managing gatherings such as conferences, weddings and corporate retreats. Typical duties include selecting venues, arranging catering, coordinating entertainment and overseeing event logistics. This role can lead to senior planner positions or event management roles in larger organizations.

Hotel manager

Earning between $96,665 and $141,918 per year, these professionals oversee daily operations to consistently deliver high standards of service and guest satisfaction. Resorts, luxury hotels or hotels in prime locations typically offer higher compensation. A hotel manager is responsible for supervising staff, handling budgets, implementing marketing strategies and addressing guest concerns. Career progression can lead to executive roles in hotel chains or even to owning a hotel.

Flight attendant

As members of an airline’s cabin crew, these professionals prioritize passenger safety and comfort during flights, provide safety instructions, serve meals and beverages and handle emergencies. Flight attendants’ earnings typically range between $73,293 and $102,398 a year, with additional income possible through benefits and international flight assignments. Career progression can include senior flight attendant roles, training positions or management in the airline.

Cruise director

Managing onboard entertainment and activities on cruise lines, coordinating shows, excursions and social events, their main role is to make sure passengers have a memorable experience while at sea. Career growth can lead to more senior positions in cruise lines or specialized roles in entertainment management. Cruise directors can earn from $57,493 to $71,79 per year, often with additional perks such as accommodation and meals included.

Travel writer/photographer

These creative professionals produce content for magazines, blogs and travel guides that highlights destinations around the world. Earnings can vary widely from $48,712 to $61,039 per year for a travel writer and $64,419 and $84,918 a year for a photographer, depending on the publication, freelance opportunities and social media presence. Travel writers and photographers use their creativity to share experiences, provide travel advice and capture the essence of places through writing and photography. Prospects for advancement depend on building a strong personal brand, gaining a significant following or collaborating with major publications.

The right degree will provide you with a well-rounded education, practical experience, industry connections and a global perspective, preparing you for rewarding careers in travel.

Benefits of working in the travel industry

A career in tourism offers numerous advantages, not least the opportunity to explore new places and cultures. Whether working in hospitality, tour operations or travel planning, you’ll often find yourself in unique and interesting locations. Such roles frequently come with perks such as discounted travel, access to exclusive locations and the chance to meet people from around the world. Employees often enjoy flexible work schedules and the chance to network with professionals worldwide, opening doors to further career opportunities.

Working in the travel industry also provides opportunities for personal growth and development. It helps hospitality professionals to develop strong communication and organizational skills, which are essential in coordinating trips, managing clients and delivering seamless experiences. Many roles also require a deep understanding of geography, history and local customs, making the job intellectually stimulating. What’s more, the very nature of the travel industry means no two days are alike, keeping the work exciting and fulfilling.

Skills required to work in the travel industry

Success in tourism requires a specific set of attributes tailored to the unique demands of the sector. Professionals must have a combination of abilities to help them navigate the industry’s complexities and deliver exceptional experiences to clients, including:

• Clear and effective communication skills: including verbal, written and active listening abilities, essential for interacting with clients, colleagues and suppliers
• Outstanding customer service: patience, empathy and a proactive approach to solving problems to guarantee satisfaction and loyalty
• Exceptional organizational skills: managing multiple tasks, coordinating schedules and handling logistics
• Flexible and solution driven: adapting to changing situations and handling unexpected challenges. This includes being flexible with plans and finding quick solutions to problems
• Cultural awareness: empathy is important for providing meaningful and respectful experiences, especially when working in international tourism with clients from different cultures
• Technical skills: staying abreast of the latest technology and being proficient with booking systems, travel software and online platforms to streamline operations and improve efficiency
• Sales and marketing: knowledge of effective promotional techniques and strategies, including a good understanding of market trends
• Language skills: a significant advantage for communicating with clients from different parts of the world and enables you to add a personal touch

How hospitality schools prepare you for a career in travel

While the qualifications and experience required for working in this sector vary depending on the role, a hospitality degree can provide the ideal platform. Renowned hospitality schools such as Glion offer degree programs that cover topics such as customer service, event planning, marketing and business management, all highly relevant to the industry. Some of the many benefits of studying for a degree from a hospitality school include:

• Hands-on experience: there’s a strong emphasis on practical learning through hospitality internships and real-world projects. Students can apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, gaining valuable experience and industry insights
• Industry connections: hospitality schools such as Glion have strong ties with leading companies and organizations in the hospitality sector. Students can connect with industry professionals and potential employers through networking events, career fairs and guest lectures
• Global perspective: having campuses in Switzerland and London enables Glion to offer a truly international experience, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and preparing graduates for global hospitality careers
• Specialized training: options to concentrate on hotel management, event management, luxury brand management and culinary arts allows students to tailor their education to their career interests and aspirations
• Soft skills development: aspiring hospitality professionals can develop their communication, leadership, teamwork and problem solving, all essential for success in hospitality and any other industry

Conclusion

As the travel industry continues its remarkable growth, it offers many opportunities for hospitality professionals with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Careers in the travel industry range from travel agents and tour guides to hotel managers and cruise directors, each with unique responsibilities and rewards. The common thread among these professions is the need for exceptional interpersonal skills, organizational prowess and a keen understanding of cultural nuances. These attributes, combined with technical know-how and a passion for service, are essential for success.

Hospitality degrees from hospitality schools such as Glion provide a strong foundation for those aspiring to enter this industry. Through practical experience, industry connections and specialized training, students gain the knowledge they need to meet the demands of their chosen careers. Whether your interest lies in planning, hospitality or adventure, the tourism sector promises a fulfilling and exciting career path.

With the right hospitality degree, you can thrive in the exciting and ever-evolving travel industry, making lasting impacts through the experiences you help create.

Photo credits:
Main image: Getty Daniel Garrido