tourism and travel jobs

99 Exciting jobs in travel and tourism- the ultimate travel job list!

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

If you are looking for jobs in travel and tourism then you have come to the right place! This article is the the ultimate guide that will teach you all about the different jobs in travel and tourism AND it provides you with relevant resources and links to places where you can find jobs that are being advertised right now!

If you know anything about the travel and tourism industry you will know that it is HUGE! You can read this article if you want to learn more about the structure of the travel and tourism industry and the different areas in which you can work. Because the travel and tourism industry is soooo big, it means that the opportunities are, well… endless! In this article I teach you about a wide range of jobs in travel and tourism- some of these jobs involve physically travelling, some involve living and working overseas and some involve working in travel but not actually travelling.

Note- If you are looking for jobs that allow you to travel specifically (but are not necessarily in the travel and tourism industry), you may find my article on jobs that allow you to travel the world more helpful. You may also be interested in my article explaining where to find jobs in travel and tourism , which has some helpful links for job searching.

What are the different jobs in travel and tourism?

Entertainer (singer, dancer, sports etc), sports instructor (skiing, diving, surfing etc), water sports operator, event planner, event security, theme park operative, resort representative/ holiday rep, events risk manager/ assistant, events sales manager, venue finder, tour operator, travel agent, ticketing agent, business and development manager/ assistant, bureau de change cashier, travel consultant, destination specialist (research and development), souvenir sales person, travel insurance sales person, travel writer, travel blogger, travel vlogger, travel influencer, social media manager, travel journalist, visitor information officer/ manager, travel photographer, holiday brochure producer, train driver, train assistant, driver (taxi, lorry, car), customer/ passenger service agent, ground handling agent, baggage handler, airport security officer, border force agent, flight planner, air traffic controller, flight dispatcher, airfield operator, transport engineer, car hire salesperson, cruise ship doctor/nurse/ paramedic/ healthcare assistant, children’s entertainer/ cabaret/ entertainer, production managers/assistants/ stage crew, food and beverage assistant/ manager/ chef, housekeeping/ cleaner, technical engineer, environmental officer, deck officer, security officer, human resources, computer system specialist, public health officer, marketing- photographer, videographer etc, casino staff/ spa staff/ salon staff, steward/stewardess, retail manager/assistant, housekeeper, nightclub staff/ bar tenders/ cleaners/ dj, casino workers/ cashiers/ operatives, front desk operative, receptionist, food and beverage workers, airbnb host, guest relations manager, tourism consultant, project manager, conservation specialist, tourism economist, tourism researcher, legal consultant, policy analyst, smart tourism developer, corporate social responsibility officer, teacher/ trainer, tourism development officer, human resources assistant/ manager, recruitment manager, marketing assistant/ manager, administrative assistant/ virtual assistant, finance/ account manager, contracting manager, jobs in travel and tourism.

There are so many jobs in travel and tourism- it is the biggest industry in the world after all! When most people think of jobs in travel and tourism they think of working as Cabin Crew, a Holiday Representative or on a cruise ship. And yes, these are popular jobs in travel and tourism, but there are actually many more opportunities as well!

This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of many of the jobs in travel and tourism. As much as I would love to claim that I have included all jobs here, this just isn’t possible because the travel and tourism industry is so big- but please do let me know of any that I might have missed in the comments at the end!

In order to make this article easier to navigate, I have organised the jobs in travel and tourism into 8 main categories, these are:

• Jobs in events activities
• Jobs in ticketing and sales
• Jobs in marketing and promotion
• Transport-based jobs
• Cruise industry jobs
• Hospitality jobs
• Jobs in tourism development
• Back office jobs

Please note that the list of jobs is not exhaustive and that some jobs may fall into more than one of the above categories.

Jobs in travel and tourism- Events and activities

There are many different jobs in travel and tourism that involve events and activities. Here are some of the most common-

There are a range of jobs in travel and tourism in the entertainment sector. Whether you are good at singing, making balloon animals, ballet or trampolining, there are many jobs in travel and tourism that will suit you!

Requirements- Specific skills according to entertainment method (e.g. singing or dancing)

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum

Useful resource- Entertainers Worldwide

If sports is your thing then you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a job in travel and tourism! Sports tourism is a big deal and there are lots of opportunities to teach your chosen sport to others, from running surf lessons in Portugal to offering ski instructing in Japan to yoga teacher training courses in Costa Rica, there are lots of opportunities available.

Requirements- Skilled at your chosen sport, specific training qualifications may be necessary

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum

Useful resource- Indeed

Water sports is very popular at many seaside destinations and there are a range of opportunities for jobs ranging from renting out jet skis, to running speed boat tours to selling tickets for banana boat rides.

Requirements- Customer service and first aid training, ability to swim

Salary range- £12,000-£15,000 per annum

Useful resource- Water Sports Staff

A tour guide is a very popular job in travel and tourism. A tour guide is responsible for running tours of a particular area or attraction. This could range from day tours around Rome to month long tours across multiple countries in Africa. Some tour guides are employed by a travel organisation and other work independently. Recently, many travel bloggers have started to run tours too.

Requirements- Knowledge of the local area, customer service skills

Salary range- £15,000-£40,000 per annum

An event planner is someone who plans events! They will coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events, such as weddings, sporting events, concerts, conferences etc. They often choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate many other details.

Requirements- Experience in event planning

Salary range- £22,000-£40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Caterer

There is usually some degree of security that is required at events, especially big events such as football matches or concerts. Typically at such events there will be a whole team of security staff, this might include: general security guards, bodyguards, gatekeepers, crowd control, mobile patrol, and armed guards.

Requirements- Security training

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum depending on position

Useful resource- e4s

Theme parks are big places, meaning that they have lot of jobs in travel and tourism! The most obvious job is operating rides, however there are also lots of other opportunities within a theme park working as an entertainer, food and beverage assistant, ticket sales, cleaning and more.

Requirements- Customer service experience

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum depending on position

Most tour operators will hire Resort Representatives, also known as Holiday Representatives, to represent the holiday company in destination. These representatives will usually have accommodation provided for them in resort and this work is often seasonal (i.e. you will work during winter for a ski resort and during summer for a summer sun resort).

Their main responsibilities are to provide customer service to holiday makers, deal with any problems that might occur, conduct welcome meetings and to sell excursions. There are also Airport Representatives who are responsible for airport transfers and Children’s Representatives who work with children and run children’s clubs and activities.

Requirements- Customer service skills

Salary range- £15,000-£22,000 per annum

Useful resource- TUI Reps Guide

A risk manager is an important job in travel and tourism. A Risk Manager will be responsible for managing the risk to an organisation, its employees, customers, reputation, assets and interests of stakeholders. Their job is to identify and assess threats to an organisation, put plans in place for if things go wrong and decide how to avoid, reduce or transfer risk.

Requirements- Knowledge of risk management

Salary range- £30,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- Prospects

An Events Sales Manager is responsible for sales related to events. This includes: account management, business development, market research, sales prospecting, public relations, customer relationship management, event planning and coordination, logistics oversight, revenue management, and communications. Event Sales Managers also prepare proposals for clients and maintain event records. 

Requirements- Management and events experience

Salary range- £30,000-£45,000 per annum

Finding appropriate venues is a very important part of organising an event! For some large companies they may hire a member of staff specifically for this purpose.

Requirements- Knowledge of events and venues

Salary range- £15,000-£35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Event Job Search

Jobs in travel and tourism- Tickets and sales

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve tickets and sales- in fact, some might argue that selling tickets to attractions, accommodation options, transport etc is at the heart of the travel and tourism industry! Here are some jobs in travel and tourism that fall under this category-

A Tour Operator is a person who comes up with ideas for holidays. Tour Operators will conduct research into this, design the holiday itinerary and content, prepare contracts, organise accommodation and transport and make arrangements for necessary guides, tour leaders or resort reps etc. They will then market the package and sell to travel agents .

Requirements- Knowledge of the travel industry

Salary range- £25,000- £40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Trade Jobs

Being a travel Agent is one of the most popular jobs in travel and tourism. A Travel Agent sells holidays to tourists . This could be from a desk in a high street travel agent, phone the phone in a call centre or from behind a computer for online travel agents.

In recent times we have seen many independent travel agents starting up their own businesses too- these usually work from home and are small businesses.

Requirements- Knowledge of GDS systems and inventories

Salary range- £25,000-£40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Weekly

There are many Ticket Agent jobs in travel and tourism found in different sectors including: rail, airlines, bus companies, cruise lines and tourist attractions . Ticketing agents are responsible for making and confirming travel arrangements for passengers. They are employed by railroads, airlines, bus companies, and cruise lines. Ticketing Agents will typically sell tickets in terminals, plan routes using computers and manuals, and calculate ticket costs.

Salary range- £12,000-£24,000 per annum

Every business needs a person or people behind the scenes who are responsible for business development and growth and whilst you might not see these people very often (because they often work behind the scenes), this is actually one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism! Business Development Managers develop a network of contacts to attract new clients, research new market opportunities and oversee growth projects. They also make sales projections and forecasting revenue, in line with projected income.

Requirements- Knowledge of businesses, preferably a degree or higher level qualifications

Salary range- £40,000+ per annum

Bureau de Change cashiers process cash transactions from customers in national and foreign currencies. They provide information on the conditions and exchange rates for buying and selling foreign currencies, make deposits of money, record all foreign exchange transactions and check for money validity.

Salary range- £12,000-£18,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Trade Recruitment

Consultants (in travel and tourism as well as other industries) are generally there to provide advice and guidance- they are seen an experts in their field. Therefore, Travel Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance on- you guessed it- travel. They will often meet with clients to discuss and learn about their travel requirements and then advise the clients about suitable travel options in accordance with their needs, wants and capabilities.

Requirements- Expert level knowledge in travel and tourism

Salary range- £40,000-£55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Counsellors

A destination specialist is exactly as it sounds- a specialist of a particular destination. This person will be responsible for providing advice and guidance relevant to a particular destination. They will assist the Business Development Manager and may also work closely with Tour Operators and Travel Agents, depending on their specific role.

Requirements- Expert knowledge of a specific destination

Salary range- £40,000- £55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Flight Centre Travel Academy

One of the jobs in travel and tourism that people often forget about is a souvenir sales person. Most of us will purchase some souvenirs on our travels and therefore there is a need for someone to sell these souvenirs.

Souvenir sales people range from independent people who may sell ice creams on the beach, to high street shops to duty-free chains. Some people sell souvenirs online too.

Requirements- sales skills, customer service skills

Salary range- £12,000- £18,000 per annum

Having adequate travel insurance is essential when we travel, and because most people will buy travel insurance, there needs to be lots of sales people to sell it to them! A Travel Insurance Sales Person will often work in an office or from home, making sales from their phone or computer. They will often be paid commission- meaning that the more travel insurance they sell, the more money they earn.

Requirements- Sales skills

Salary range- £15,000- £25,000 plus commission per annum

Jobs in travel and tourism- Marketing and promotion

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that fall within the marketing and promotion category, after all, it’s all good and well creating amazing products and services, but if nobody knows about then then they won’t sell! Here are some of the major jobs in travel and tourism that involve marketing and promotion-

Travel writing is an important job in travel and tourism. Whether you are writing a travel-based novel, an informative blog post, an article for a magasine or a guidebook, there is a big demand for travel writing.

Many travel writers work on a freelance basis, meaning that they are self-employed and they contract their work to various parties such as magasines or websites.

Requirements- Excellent writing skills, experience and qualifications in journalism

Salary range- £15,000- £50,000 per annum

Useful resource- Smart Blogger

Travel blogging has become increasingly popular (and competitive!) and recent years. A travel blogger may have their own blog or they may write for other blogs, or both. Travel blogging isn’t just about writing- it is about developing a brand, maintaining a website, managing social media and promotion, selling things (online courses, merchandise, affiliate products (e.g. cameras, tickets to tourist attraction, hotel bookings) etc). It can take years to grow a travel blog to a point where you can make a reasonable income.

Requirements- Ability to manage your own time, writing skills

Salary range- £0- £100,000 per annum

Useful resource- Wanderlust

A travel vlogger is someone who creates video diaries of their travels, they will often post content on YouTube, although they can also use alternative platforms if they choose to do so. This job requires technical filming equipment and video editing skills. As with blogging, it can take years for a vlogger to build a big enough audience to make money. Money is usually made from paid sponsorships and adverts as well as products sales (e.g. online courses, merchandise, affiliate products (e.g. cameras, tickets to tourist attraction, hotel bookings), Patreon membership etc)

Requirements- Video editing skills, ability to present yourself appropriately on camera

Useful resource- Career Pilot

A Travel Influencer is essentially any person who has ‘influence’. This is usually related to people who have large followings on their social media or websites. Being a Travel Influencer can take a lot of time (it can take years to build a social following) or a person could reach fame overnight when a post goes viral or when they attract the attention of mainstream media or other major Influencers. An Influencer will usually make money by collaborating with brands to promote their products and services- this could be hotels, clothing companies, tourist boards and tourist attractions to name just a few.

Requirements- Some knowledge of social media marketing, ability to develop a brand and willingness to be in the public eye

Useful resource- Unchartered Backpack

There are also ‘behind the scenes’ jobs in the social media scene too- major Influencers and organisations will often hire social media managers and administrative staff to help manage their workload. These roles will involve conducting research into trends, hashtags etc and analysing which posts work well, which times of day are best to post etc. They will be responsible for scheduling social media and responding to comments.

Requirements- Social media expertise, qualifications in marketing

Salary range- £15,000- £35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Digital Marketing Institute

A Travel Journalist is a journalist who focusses their writing on travel-related content. Journalists will usually work for a newspaper, magasine or other media outlets, such as a website or for a TV production company. Their main job is to research and report on a particular issue or subject, this could include interviewing people, looking through data archives and reviewing existing literature. May journalists work on a freelance basis and will write proposals for projects that they would like to work on before being accepted.

Requirements- Journalism qualification, writing and research skills

Salary range- £23,000-£45,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Guardian

All visitors to an area will require some kind of information, whether that is a tourist map, appropriate signage, guidebooks or recommendations. Therefore, it is important that there are staff who can help to provide this information! Tourist information centres are a popular place for tourists to visit and staff who work here will provide information and guidance, conduct research, help tourists to make bookings and act as an ambassador for the local area.

Requirements- Knowledge of the local area

Useful resource- National Careers

Many people do not think of photographers when they think of jobs in travel and tourism, but it is actually a very important and common role! Travel photography is big business- there are jobs for professional photographers to take photos for art purposes as well as for marketing- from Instagram posts through to holiday brochures.

Requirements- Photography skills

Salary range- £18,000- £39,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Wandering Lens

Whilst we get most of our information from the Internet these days, there is still a place for holiday brochure…. and somebody has to produce them! Well, actually there is a whole team of people who work to produce a holiday brochure including graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, researchers and the printing and distribution team.

Requirements- Knowledge of graphic design/ copywriting/ printing

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum depending on specific role

Useful resource- Pitched

Jobs in travel and tourism- Transport

Transport is a fundamental part of the tourism industry, and as such it is no surprise that there are many jobs in travel and tourism that are connected to transport. Here are some of the most common transport-based jobs in travel and tourism-

A Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of an aircraft. He/she will plan the route and communicate with Flight Traffic Control to safely navigate the aircraft from one destination to another. There are different ranks for pilots, most will begin as a First Officer and some will then work towards becoming a Captain.

Training to be a pilot is a barrier for many people as the costs to do so are very expensive (£100,000+). There are no student loans available for such training.

Requirements- Be a fully qualified pilot with current license to fly

Salary range- £40,000-£80,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aviation Job Search

Cabin Crew, also referred to as Flight Attendants, are responsible for the safety of passengers onboard an aircraft. Cabin Crew will undertake intense training on how to deal with accidents and emergencies and will be tested on their knowledge regularly. They are also responsible for providing customer service to passengers and will assist with boarding and disembarkation, serving food and drinks and selling duty-free items.

Requirements- Customer service skills and experience

Salary range- £15,000-£35,000

Useful resource- All Flying Jobs

A Train Driver is responsible for the safe passage of people on the train.

Requirements- Train driving license

Salary range- £40,000-£60,00

A Train Assistant is someone who undertakes general duties onboard a train, including providing customer service to passengers, selling food and drink and dealing with any onboard issues that may arise.

Salary range- £14,000-£18,000 per annum

While some people may not think about drivers when they think about jobs in travel and tourism, drivers are actually very important! From lorry drivers who transport the goods that are used for tourism to taxi and Uber driver, the travel and tourism industry would not function without them!

Requirements- Driving license

Salary range- £12,000-£35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Day Insure

Working as a Ticketing Agent is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism- because there are many tickets that need to be sold! Ticketing agents could be based at the airport, in a travel agency or in an office selling tickets online.

Salary range- £15,000- £25,000 per annum

A Customer Service Agent is another one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism. This is a customer-facing role that involves providing customer service. Customer Service Agents can work in different parts of the travel and tourism industry but this title is most commonly used in the airport as the title used for staff who work in the check in area.

Salary range- £15,000-£25,000 per annum

Useful resource- Menzies Aviation

A Ground Handling Agent is another job title that is used at airports. These are the people who work facilitate the smooth operation of airline services on the ground. Their main responsibilities are to accept, handle, load, unload, transfer, or otherwise processing cargo, passengers or baggage.

Requirements- Customer service experience, organisation skills

Salary range- £18,000- £30,000 per annum

Useful resource- British Airways

A Baggage Handler is responsible for loading and unloading baggage from the aircraft. They will drive vehicles that carry large amounts of baggage and check outgoing baggage against flight lists, transport it, and load it onto the aircraft using lifting equipment.

Requirements- Physical ability to lift heavy luggage

Salary range- £15,000- £22,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aviation Jobs

Airport Security Officers are responsible for making sure that everyone obeys the rules and regulations in relation to security at the airport. This includes checking passengers, baggage and cargo for any potential security threats.  

Requirements- Relevant security training

Useful resource- Heathrow Airport

A Border Force Agent checks that all passengers meet the criteria for entry into the country. They will check passports and travel documents of all passengers arriving into the country, this could be by sea, air or rail . They are also responsible for detecting and intercepting prohibited goods.

Requirements- Relevant Border Force training

Salary range- £22,000- £32,000 per annum

Useful resource- Gov.uk

A Flight Planner is responsible for the strategic planning of fleets, routes and staff for an airline or airport.

Requirements- Experience with airport or airline planning

Salary range- £30,000- £40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Careers in Aerospace

It can be argued that working as an Air Traffic Controller is one of the most stressful jobs in travel and tourism! Members of ATC are responsible for the safe navigation of aircraft in the skies. They are required to use radar, computers, or visual references to monitor and direct the movement of the aircraft in the skies and ground traffic at airports.

Requirements- A degree, Air Traffic Control training

Salary range- £40,000- £100,000 per annum

Useful resource- NATS

A Flight Dispatcher is responsible for making sure that the aircraft is ready for departure. They will undertake a number of checks to ensure that the aircraft is fit to fly and provide the Pilots and Cabin Crew with the relevant information (e.g. weather reports, flight plans, passenger list).

Requirements- Ability to work under pressure, good organisation skills

Salary range- £20,000- £35,000 per annum

A Loadmaster is required to plan how items and people should be loaded into the aircraft. This includes mathematically planning the correct placement of both cargo and passengers whilst also ensuring passenger comfort and safety and securing cargo.

Requirements- Relevant training, mathematical skills

Salary range- £25,000- £38,000 per annum

An Airfield Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe take off and landing of aircraft, maintaining navigational aids, performing inspections and communicating with air traffic control.

Requirements- Aviation experience and knowledge

Useful resource- AOPA

A Transport Engineer will undertake any relevant maintenance and repair work on the mode of transport. This include motor vehicles, trains, ships, boats and aircraft.

Requirements- Engineer training and qualifications

Salary range- £35,000- £50,000 per annum

Useful resource- Transport Engineer

Car hire is big business and there are a number of positions for jobs in travel and tourism in this sector. This includes Car Hire Salespersons, Car Hire Managers and the relevant administration positions that are connected with the car hire business.

Requirements- Sales training

Useful resource- Enterprise

Jobs in travel and tourism- Cruise industry jobs

Cruise tourism is BIG business and it is no wonder that there are so many jobs in travel and tourism that are based in the cruise sector. There are thousands of cruises that travel around the world each year, each with their own style and types of passengers. Some cruise ships are as big as small cities, with everything onboard from restaurants and bars and swimming pools to theme park rides, casinos and beauty salons. Because of this, there are a job of jobs in travel and tourism that fall within the cruise sector.

If you are looking for cruise ship jobs that are being advertised now, I recommend visiting the All Cruise Jobs website .

Here are some of the main jobs in the cruise sector-

If anybody needs medical attention onboard a cruise ship, there will be a team of medical professionals ready to help. This includes doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and paramedics.

Requirements- You will need to be trained in these roles before you apply for a job on a cruise ship.

Salary range- £12000+ per annum

Useful resource- Cruise ship medicine

The Pursers department is the centre of hotel operations onboard a cruise ship. This involves a variety of roles and management of hotel accounts, shore excursions, and shipboard personnel operations such as the Crew Office. This is usually a customer-facing role that involves providing high levels of customer service guests, assisting with account inquires, resolving customer service issues, and answering telephone calls.

Requirements- Managerial experience or training, experience of working on a cruise ship

Salary range- £35,000- £60,000 per annum

Useful resource- Cruise ship jobs

There are a range of jobs in travel and tourism that fall under the entertainment category. On a cruise ship there are positions in children’s entertainment, taking part in cabaret activities (e.g. singers, dancers, actors) and other general entertainment such as comedy shows or magicians.

Requirements- experience in the entertainment industry

Useful resource- Entertainers Worldwide Jobs

These are the people who are involved in the behing-the-scenes side of entertainment onboard a cruise ship. The Production Manager will coordinate productions and members of their team will have a range of specific tasks relating to the smooth running of the entertainment onboard the cruise ship.

Requirements- Experience in entertainment production

Useful resource- All Cruise Jobs

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve working with food and beverages in the cruise sector and other areas too. This ranges from bar staff, waiters and glass collectors to managers and chefs.

Requirements- customer service experience, chef experience/training

Useful resource- Cruise Ship Job

Housekeeping and cleaning is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism and is found in every sector, including cruise! There will usually be a team and some members of the team will hold leadership responsibilities.

Requirements- none

Technical engineers are responsible for the efficient and cost-effective operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment onboard the cruise ship. This covers a wide range of areas including power generation and propulsion; heating and air conditioning; and deck, hotel, and entertainment support systems.

Requirements- Technical training

Salary range- £25,000+ per annum

The Environmental Officer is responsible for ensuring that the procedures concerning the environmental aspects of the ship and pest control are implemented correctly. They are also involved with environmental audits and monitoring the proper management of chemicals on board.

Requirements- Environmental management training/ qualifications

Salary range- £30,000+ per annum

Useful resource- P&O Cruises Environmental Overview

The primary responsibilities of the Deck Officer is to ensure the safe navigation of the cruise ship. They will also be responsible for health and safety and security aspects of the ship’s operations, including guests, officers, crew and staff members.

The head of the department is the Captain, the highest ranking person aboard. This is then followed by 1st, 2nd, 3rd Officers; Safety Officer; Security Officer; Deck Cadet and Deck Ratings – Boatswain/Bosun, Carpenter, Able Seaman Unlimited, Ordinary Seaman Entry Level and Deckhand.

Requirements- Relevant training/ qualifications and experience

Safety and security is another important area of jobs in travel and tourism. Onboard a cruise ship there are a number of jobs that focus on the safety and security of passengers onboard, such as Security Officer, Security Guard and Surveillance Officer.

Requirements- Relevant training and experience

Salary range- £15,000 + per annum

Many people forget about the essential jobs that are required on a cruise ship! If a pipe leaks or a toilet gets blocked, a plumber is in need!

Requirements- Plumbing training and qualifications

The onboard Human Resources team works in conjunction with the shoreside Employee Relations team to implement and uphold all HR policies and initiatives. Responsibilities of HR staff include overseeing Crew Welfare, creating an effective work environment and supporting shipboard and shoreside management teams.

Requirements- HR training and qualifications

The IT Officer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and support of onboard computer systems, mobile devices, physical and virtual servers, networks, point-of-sale terminals, network equipment, and peripherals.

Requirements- IT training and experience

Salary range- £20,000+ per annum

Useful resource- All Cruise jobs

The Computer System Specialist is responsible for all onboard computer systems. This includes installing and configuring new PC system hardware, upgrading existing hardware, and supporting mobile devices. The Computer System Specialist works closely with the IT Officer to ensure all onboard systems perform at optimum levels.

Requirements- Customer service skills, IT/computer skills

Useful resource- Princess Cruise Jobs

A Public Health Officer will monitor shipboard public health and infection control procedures. They ensure compliance and implementation of procedures associated with communicable diseases, illnesses and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic- this has become a very important job in travel and tourism over the past couple of years!

Requirements- Relevant public health qualifications and experience

Salary range- £35,000+ per annum

Every cruise ship will have a marketing department. Within this department there are a range of roles ranging from general marketing managers to photographers and videographers.

Requirements- Training and qualifications in marketing/ photography and videography skills and experience

There are a range of hospitality-based staff that can be found onboard a cruise ship too. This includes people who work in the casino (e.g. money change, game assistants etc), and staff who work in a spa or salon (e.g. masseuses, hairdressers, beauty technicians).

Requirements- Relevant skills and qualifications for the post (e.g. hairdressing qualification)

The Deckhand is responsible for maintenance/cleaning of the interior/exterior of the cruise ship. The deckhand will also assist with bridge watch/navigation, perform hourly security patrols including nightly engine room inspections, and will assist with general boat operations.

Requirements- Mechanical skills

Cabin stewards/ stewardesses are responsible for keeping passengers’ cabins clean and tidy. Duties include vacuuming, changing sheets, washing windows, cleaning bathrooms etc.

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve retail. Onboard a cruise ship there will be a range of shops that will need staff- from retail assistants to retail managers.

Requirements- retail experience, good customer service skills

Jobs in travel and tourism- Hospitality

Whilst the hospitality industry is an industry in itself, many of the jobs that are classified as being hospitality can also be in the travel and tourism industry- tourists need to eat, sleep and be entertained after all! So here are some of the major jobs in travel and tourism that come under the hospitality umbrella-

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and reporting any safety hazards to the person in charge. They will undertake duties such as hoovering, polishing, emptying bins, changing bed sheets etc.

Requirements- None

Salary range- £12,000- £15,000 per annum

There are several jobs in travel and tourism that are related to the nightlife scene- this includes DJs, Bar Staff, Glass Collectors, Cleaners, General Manager etc. All of these members of staff will have their own individual responsibilities.

Salary range- £12,00+ per annum depending on experience

Casinos are popular places for tourists to visit, especially in destinations such as Las Vegas or Monaco. There are a number of jobs that workers can do within a casino, including people who help to run and operate the games/machines, security guards, customer service representatives, cashiers and cleaners.

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum depending on experience

A Front Desk Operative is a person who is the first point of contact for all customers of a business. Their responsibilities will general include greeting and welcoming guests, receiving and delivering all incoming and outgoing mail and packages, answering all calls and directing as needed, scheduling meetings, and coordinating office activities.

A Receptionist is usually the first person that you will meet when entering a business, for example a hotel. Their main responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering telephones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, filing and maintaining documents, providing information to various people, making travel arrangements, running errands and performing various administrative tasks.

Salary range- £15,000- £20,000 per annum

If you are working in food and beverage, you have one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism…. because we all need to eat! There are plenty of jobs related to food and drink, from Waiters and Bar Staff to Chefs and General Managers.

Requirements- Customer service skills, specialist skills e.g. culinary

Airbnb isn’t just a place for tourists to stay, it is a travel and tourism business for property owners! Many people have bought properties in recent years with the intention of renting them out to tourists for a profit. This can be a great way to make money and to run your own business. There are also jobs in cleaning Airbnb properties, managing Airbnb properties and marketing Airbnb properties. There are also a range of alternatives to Airbnb that work on the same or similar business models.

Requirements- Must have the initial capital to purchase a property

Salary range- Varies depending on how many Airbnb properties you have and where they are located

Useful resource- Airbnb

A Chef is in charge of organising and preparing food in the kitchen. This includes studying recipes, setting up menus and preparing dishes.

Requirements- Culinary skills

Salary range- £18,000+ per annum depending on quality of the restaurant

Useful resource- Chef jobs

A Guest Relations Manager is responsible for facilitating open lines of communication between staff and guests. They will oversee other team members including receptionists, concierges, housekeepers, and wait staff.

Requirements- Managerial experience and training

A Concierge is a person who works for a building or hotel undertaking receptionist duties and assisting guests with checking in and moving luggage etc. They will also provide information and deal with guest queries.

Jobs in travel and tourism- Tourism development

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that focus on tourism development. Tourism development is very important- we need to make sure that tourism is planned in a way that will make money for local businesses, whilst not having a negative impact on the environment, economy and society. Jobs in travel and tourism in this sector will usually play a key role in ensuring sustainable tourism .

A Tourism Consultant is a person who will provide expert guidance and advice. they are very knowledgeable in their field and can command high salaries as a result. Tourism Consultants may work for Governments or for specific organisations.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in the relevant field

Useful resource- Acorn Tourism

Many jobs in travel and tourism are related to various projects, and each project will require a manager! This could be managing the opening of a new restaurant, managing team training and development or managing the development of a new resort to give a few examples.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in specific field, management experience

Conservation is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism, this is because if we do not protect the things that we are going to see (the beach, the mountain, the animals etc) then there will be no tourism in that destination in the future! Conservation Specialists will have expert knowledge in the environmental impacts of tourism and will usually have a specific focus e.g. turtle conservation or sloth rehabilitation.

Requirements- Expert knowledge of conservation, degree or higher

Salary range- £35,000- £50,000 per annnum

Useful resource- Responsible Travel

Every industry needs economists, and travel and tourism is no different! The duties of a Tourism Economist is varied, but some common tasks include researching economic issues related to the tourism industry; conducting surveys and collecting data; analysing data using mathematical models, statistical techniques, and software; presenting research results in reports, tables, and charts; interpreting and forecasting market trends and advising businesses and governments.

Requirements- Expert in economics, degree or above

Salary range- £40,000- £80,000 per annum

Useful resource- Economist

Conducting research is another one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism that often goes unnoticed. In order to make sure that the tourism industry is built on a strong platform and that it will be sustainable, it is imperative that Researchers are employed. Tourism Researchers may focus on specific niches or they may conduct more general research. Some Researchers will work in the field and other may work in academia.

Requirements- Excellent research skills, higher level degree or PhD

Salary range- £35,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- TTRA

There is also the need for Legal Consultants and representatives in travel and tourism in just the same way that these are needed in any other industry. This will include consultancy roles as well as legal professions such as lawyers and solicitors.

Requirements- Legal training and qualifications

Salary range- £40,000- £60,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Lawyer

There is also the need to have staff who specialise in policy. Travel and tourism businesses have to abide by policies and laws of the destinations in which they are located as well as the destinations in which they operate (e.g. a hotel business may be based in the UK but have hotels all over Europe).

Requirements- Expert in policy. Degree or above.

Useful resource- The Johnson Group

As I explain in my article about the biggest jobs in travel and tourism in 2022 and beyond , smart tourism is an integral part of our tourism industry and it is set to grow. Smart tourism is when we use technology to enhance productivity and to enhance the tourist experience. If technology is your thing, then this job in travel and tourism is set to boom in the coming years!

Requirements- Skilled in IT and technology, degree

Salary range- £25,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- Tourism Teacher

A Corporate Social Responsibility Officer is responsible for planning and implementing business strategy. This may often has a specific focus on social responsibility- the concept that a business has a responsibility to do good. It could involve putting together and implementing practices such as environmental impact reports, liaising with and working with members of the local community and developing an overall responsible business.

Requirements- Knowledge of CSR, business degree or equivalent

Useful resource- Guardian

We all need to learn! Therefore Teachers and Trainers are some of the most important jobs in travel and tourism! This could include a classroom Teacher or Lecturer who teaches students about sustainable tourism management or somebody who provides practical workplace training, such as a Cabin Crew trainer.

Requirements- Teaching/ training qualification

A Tourism Development Officer if responsible for ensuring that tourism development takes place in an appropriate way. They will review relevant policy and regulation, ensure the correct documentation and procedures are followed and plan for the most appropriate way to develop tourism provision in a given area.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in tourism development, a degree

Useful resource- UNWTO

Jobs in travel and tourism- Back office jobs

Last but not least, we must not forget about the behind-the-scenes jobs in travel and tourism! Here are some of the most common-

Members of the Human Resources team are responsible for the daily administrative and HR duties of an organisation. They assist with recruitment and record maintenance for payroll processing as well as provide clerical support to all employees.

Requirements- Administrative Capabilities

Whilst recruitment may be undertaken by the HR team in smaller organisations, many large travel and tourism organisations will employ staff members to work specifically with recruitment, for example airlines. A Recruitment Manager will oversee all of the recruitment process, contracts and onboarding process for new staff.

Requirements- Managerial experience

Salary range- £35,000- £55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aero Professional

As I mentioned earlier in this article, marketing is big business in travel and tourism and there are many jobs in this field. Many people will start off as a Marketing Assistant, preparing and managing marketing material and conducting analysis on marketing campaigns, and they will progress on to become a Marketing Manager.

Requirements- Marketing experience/ degree

Salary range- £18,000+ per annum depending on position

There are many administrative jobs in travel and tourism. These have traditionally been office-based jobs, whereby staff will undertake various tasks such as taking notes, recording information, completing spreadsheets etc. However, recent years have seen a number of administrative positions that are undertaken remotely arise, often referred as as a Virtual Assistant.

Requirements- Ability to conduct administrative tasks

Useful resource- Upwork

All business have books that they need to manage and many businesses will hire staff especially to do that. Finance or Account Managers are responsible for monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring that all finances are adequately recorded. They will also undertake/facilitate annual tax returns and any other relevant documentation.

Requirements- Financial knowledge/ qualifications

It is inevitable that travel and tourism businesses will have to create and sign relevant contracts and it some cases it is necessary to employ a Contracts Manager to do this. They are responsible for administering and managing contracts and ensuring that contracts move quickly and smoothly from creation to negotiation to execution.

Requirements- Contracting knowledge

Now that you have seen all of the jobs in travel and tourism that are available to you, it’s time to brush up on your subject knowledge and employability skills! Here are some articles that you may find helpful-

• Where to find a job in travel and tourism
• 10 jobs in travel and tourism that will BOOM in the coming years
• Digital nomad jobs- A complete list
• How to earn £30,000 per month as an influencer

Liked this article? Click to share!

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Work and Travel » 35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

Do you wish you could travel more but don’t have enough money?

Then this guide is for you! It will tell you all about the types of epic travel jobs that you can do. Ultimately, this post will help you find work and travel the world… FOREVER.

There are a surprising number of jobs that involve travelling, a few canny ways to make money travelling abroad, and even some jobs where you actually get paid to travel… (The best kind!)

From freelancing to affiliate marketing, travel blogging, tending the bar at a hip hostel–there are seriously all kinds of awesome – and some terrible – travel jobs you can get to make ends meet and prolong your travels.

The life of a working traveller is varied and complex: there are countless tools in your arsenal! In today’s post, I’m giving you the lowdown on some of the best travel jobs for backpackers, expats, and aspiring digital nomads. And realistically, for nearly all of them, you don’t need no tertiary education.

Ditch your desk, amigos: the world is waiting and the only thing you need to SUCCEED is  grit.

• Making Money Travelling the World:Types of Travel Work

The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2024

Did you find your dream travel job, making money travelling the world: types of travel work.

There are lots of different types of travel jobs out there, and they can roughly be broken down into three categories. Let’s take a look at them before we delve into the jobs themselves…

There are some jobs that will pay you to travel the world. This might sound very glamorous at first, but you have to bear in mind you may not get as much of a chance to actually explore as you will be working. These could be travel jobs or potentially even travel careers , but they still generally require the level of input from you that any regular ol’ boring job would.

Jobs that require travel and pay well, such as being an airline pilot or foreign service travel jobs, will offer you a chance to save up mega-cashola and to hopefully see parts of the world during your downtime. But to be honest (and in my opinion) these travel careers don’t have the same kind of freedom as being a digital nomad.

Personally, I’m a big believer in making money through a digital nomad job as these jobs allow you to work from literally anywhere in the world, on your own schedule, and often as your own boss.

It takes time to set up a career as a digital nomad career… But it’s easy to get started now and to begin your journey!

All you need is a laptop plus a few other of the digital nomad essentials , and idea of WHAT you want to do, and a place in the world that you’re content to get some work done from. Well, that and playlist that gets you in the zone!

Beccoming a digital nomad changes how you travel , so for backpackers that want to retain their backpacker-roots, you need a job for backpacker. These travel jobs are job-jobs.

They could be wicked jobs, they could be shitkicker jobs. They could, potentially, also progress into careers, but they wouldn’t be travel careers. You’d just be an expat with a regular ol’ job.

Many of the best travelling jobs for backpackers are super casual affairs – seasonal work or temporary labour gigs. I’ve found paying work on goat farms, behind bars, in hostels, on construction sites, on beaches, and in many other places whilst backpacking around the world. It’s usually very easy to find some casual work as a backpacker.

All you need is a good smile, good work ethic, and maybe the willingess to be paid under the table for less than minimum wage! (Oops, did I say that? You do you.) 😉

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Let’s look at how to work and travel like a BOSS (or self-employed hustler). Ideas range from online trading to teaching yoga to consulting. Don’t Work Another Day ; we have something for every CV!

1. Make Money Blogging

Starting a blog is one of the best travel jobs out there. You can travel whenever you want and make money out of your adventures to keep you going! However, blogging is not easy and it’s not one of those jobs to make money quickly.

Blogging offers a great introduction to many different digital nomad careers. You’ll learn more about SEO, copywriting, web design, social media management, marketing and PR… the list goes on! All you need to get started is a decent laptop for travel blogging and loads of patience!

If you want to get a taste of blogging before launching your own, you can look into becoming a virtual assistant or if writing is more your thing becoming a freelance service provider , like Sofie Couwenbergh is also a viable option. Working for a blogger is the best way to learn the tricks of the trade!

Full disclosure: The travel blogging industry is competitive, cutthroat, and, honestly, oversaturated. DO expect a long road to the top.

How Much Can You Earn?

• From $0 – $50,000 per month!

Finding a work-friendly atmosphere is important – check out Tribal Bali …

Having a job is one thing, but being able to sit down and get some work in is a whole other story. Luckily there are amazing coworking spaces all over the globe. But what if you could combine working and a place to live? Say no more…

Introducing the best Coworking Hostel in the World – Tribal Bali!

A unique coworking and co-living hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee. If you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or grab a drink at the bar. Need more work inspiration?

Staying at a digital nomad-friendly hostel is a really smart way to get more done whilst still enjoying the social life of travelling… Mingle, share ideas, brainstorm, make connections and find your tribe at Tribal Bali!

2. Teach English Abroad

For backpackers looking to settle somewhere for a year or more to save up some serious cash, teaching English abroad is one of the best jobs for nomads.

These days, you can teach English in most countries in the world while seeing all the goods they got to offer at the same time! This is probably one of the best travel careers out there: there’s a low barrier to entry and most native speakers can get a travel job teaching English.

Being a native speaker gives you an obvious advantage, but it’s also possible for non-native speakers to get work teaching English too.  You don’t even really need a degree to teach English in many countries, however, nabbing a TEFL certificate through an online course first will help you hit the ground running. (And hopefully will mean you won’t be a crap teacher too ?)

It’s a small investment that will help you score more gigs AND better-paying gigs in the long run. Plus, think of the children! Won’t somebody think of the children!?!?

• $1500 – $3000 depending on the country.

3. Teach English Online

Thanks to the power of the internet, the world of teaching English online has opened doors to English speakers everywhere! You can work from anywhere! (Provided you have a solid internet connection.)

What’s the best part? Depending on the company you work for, you can choose your own schedule and commitment level. Whatever works for you!

Teaching English online is fast becoming one of the best ways for backpackers to make money online without a doubt. Online teaching platforms connect prospective teachers with keen students. Set your pricing, choose your hours, and market yourself to potential clients.

The money isn’t impressive, particularly in the early days, but this is a job that you can grow and literally do anywhere. Nothing beats a location independent gig!

• About $1500 per month.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is when you ship products to customers, usually in Europe or the USA, from somewhere cheap (usually China). Essentially, you manage the online storefront while a third party handles the logistics of storing and shipping products.

Now, dropshipping CAN be profitable. It can also be a major headache: you have been warned.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is very simple. It means that you recommend a product or service to your audience, and if someone on your website uses or buys that product or service, you get a commission!

Affiliate marketing is basically being a middle man and is one of the most popular, proven, and sustainable ways to create income online.

If you are interested in online jobs travellers can easily utilise, learning effective affiliate marketing strategies is the holy grail. Passive income is fucking POWERFUL.

• Oodles but you need the traffic to earn it. But then, it all flows in passively. 😉

6. Crytocurrency and Day Trading

The exciting world of cryptocurrency investment has come a long way. You can HODL, stake, mine, generate interest (yup – totally a thing now!), and, of course, trade.

Day trading is a really exciting – but very nerve-wracking – way to make money while travelling. I have no experience trading stocks, but a lot of people I know have been trading cryptocurrency for a while now and have seen rather delectables return on their investments (with some losses along the way).

If you have money that you can afford to lose (seriously, this shit carries risk), then day trading is one of the most exciting travel jobs out there right now.

• The sky’s the limit!

7. Volunteering

Okiedoke – volunteering! Now, clearly, volunteering ISN’T a travel job, however, it’s functionally the same. You work (hard), you greatly reduce your travel costs, plus you’ll have some life-changing experiences while you’re at it. So it fits the bill!

Now, while voluntourism has received some flak over the years (and the trade has only become stickier in the COVID-times ), volunteering still remains one of the most meaningful ways to travel. A free feed and bed is certainly a win, but it’s the experience and the knowledge that you’re actually making a difference is what makes it, honestly, one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

You have a lot of good options for volunteering abroad:

• WWOOF – An organisation primarily concerned with connecting working travellers with volunteering gigs on organic farms and agricultural projects.
• Workaway (and its numerous alternatives ) – As well as agricultural projects, these guys tend to also connect you to volunteering gigs around the board. Hostel work, translation and copywriting, building skate ramps, building backyard dunnies: it’s a wide net.
• Worldpackers – Our personal fave platform for this bizz.

Worldpackers is a smashing organisation. They’ve got more of a community focus than many of the alternatives and they run a tight ship too!

We sent one of our tried and true broke backpackers on a volunteering mission to Vietnam and the results were stellar. So stellar, in fact, that we happily partnered with them to bring Broke Backpacker readers a discount on the signup fee!

Just enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER at the checkout when signing up or do the clicky-click below!

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

We’ve also got a review of Workaway you can peruse if Worldpackers doesn’t float your boat. They’re a bit more stuffy (a natural caveat for being the lead of the pack), but they have volunteering gigs coming out of the ears!

And as one brief little sidenote, it’s worth noting the skills you pick up volunteering can go a LONG way to aiding you in your career as a working traveller. The more you know, the more backpacker jobs open up to you.

8. Become A Freelance Travel Photographer

If you love taking pictures, why don’t you make the most of your skills and be paid for it? Breaking into freelance photography is no easy, feat but it’s totally possible if you have perseverance and work at honing your craft every day.

You can travel the world forever by snapping away… If you get really good at your craft, you can even land a job that pays you to travel as a professional photographer for either the media or, the dream, National Geographic.

• $0 – $5000
• BEST Cameras for Travellers
• GoPro Alternatives to Make You  Whoah
• Top Camera Bags – Buyer’s Guide!
• Essential Camera Accessories You NEED

9. Teach Yoga

Yoga continues to grow in popularity around the world, and yoga instructors are in high demand. While not the highest paying job for travellers, finding work as a yoga instructor is one of the more assured ways to work and travel.

Travellers love yoga and are keen on lessons just about anywhere in the world. Combine that with hostels, cafes, and community centres (among a million other venues) always being on the lookout

Getting a yoga certification CERTAINLY helps you stand out from the crowd but it necessarily isn’t needed. Talk to other guests at your hostel, or people around any beach, hippy, or traveller town and see what you can rustle up. Start off with a sesh at a world-class yoga retreat to learn a few Asanas and limber up first and the rest will be easy.

Alternatively, head over to Yoga Travel Jobs Directory and see if there are any worthwhile postings. The beauty of this one is that the informality allows you to find work on the road in most places without the added red tape.

• $5/hour or even less in developing nations. Bounce on over to the northern beaches of Sydney though, and activewear soccer mums eat that shit up for $50+ a pop!

10. Fitness Instructor

Similar to yoga, if you’re in shape and know how to break a sweat, you can get paid to help others do the same! I love finding creative ways to stay in shape while travelling and you’ll find plenty of other travellers who will share this interest.

See if your hostel wants to organise any activities or events which you can market by word of mouth or by putting a flyer up. Head to a park or the beach and BOOM! You’re a certified fitness instructor… sort of.

Certifications are for losers without glorious, rippling muscles.

11. Tour Director

Directors accompany a tour group for the entirety of the itinerary and basically make sure people are having a good time. If it’s a twenty-one-day culture tour through Central America, the tour director is there the entire time, leading the group, answering questions, communicating with the bus driver, and, most importantly, creating solutions when shit goes wrong.

This is one of the travel industry careers that require the most work, but if you think you possess the qualities, there are thousands of amazing adventure tour companies looking for new leaders worldwide.

This industry is very competitive, but once you get your foot in the door you’ll be offered work left and right. I’ve got some experience leading adventure tours myself and this is a solid choice of job that involves travelling… You just need to have endless amounts of energy.

These are maybe the best jobs for travel and adventure for those that seek the high life and the pay ain’t too shabby either!.

• $1000 – $3000

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

12. Travel Tour Guide

As opposed to a tour director, a tour guide usually does shorter tours (think three-hour walking tours). Ideally, tour guides are experts in their niche, but sometimes just a bit more knowledge than the average Joe will suffice

If you have experience or certification, getting tour guide work will be easy. If you travelling in the EU , you can also find tour guide work within Europe relatively easy (free walking tours, etc.) without certification.

Otherwise, there are lots of people on the web tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit and starting their own tour jobs while on the road.

• $500 – $1500

13. Work on A Boat

Unfortunately, the days of being a pirate are kinda over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work and live on a boat!

A traveller’s job on a boat is certainly easier to get with experience, but sometimes it’s as easy as just walking onto a dock and asking around. Teach yourself to tie knots first and you’ll be golden.

Want to significantly increase your chances of getting hired on a superyacht or boat? Consider taking a course at the Super Yacht School – an online training company that educates people on everything they need to know regarding how to land a job on a superyacht as a crew member.

Alternatively, become a cruise ship worker and live the party-working-travelling-life on the high seas. Drugs, booze, and nights of wanton hedonism – excellent!

• $1200 – $2500

14. Boat Delivery

More boats! This one is a bit difficult to get into as a newbie, but if you have some experience working on the high seas, boat delivery has some serious work and travel potential. Typically the pay won’t be very high (if at all) but you’ll get your experience up and get to sail the seven seas for free!

Getting into this travel career could lead to more lucrative gigs in the future too, so it’s worth considering if the goal is simply finding jobs that let you travel.

Head over to Crewseekers.net or cruisersforum.com for some killer job leads!

15. Making and Selling Jewellery

Screw travel jobs – be a travel entrepreneur! While you can make and sell anything, jewellery is certainly the backpacker artisans staple, and I’ve met lots of people who make and sell jewellery whilst travelling .

Some critics of budget backpacking might have a go at you for – ahem – “begpacking” , but to those critics I say… get a job, ya hippy! If you’re wheeling, dealing, and hustling on the road, you are the literal opposite of a begpacker. It’s fun too!

The materials can be cheap and light to carry, it’s an artsy and fun thing to do, and you can set up shop (busking-style) in most places in the world that are kind to street merchants (i.e. not Malaysia). Selling handmade jewellery on the street isn’t the path to becoming a billionaire, but if you can make a decent product, it’s a great way to bring in enough to cover a day of gallivanting.

It isn’t strictly one of the easiest travel jobs out there if you genuinely care about your craft. Sourcing ethical materials, making the jewellery, and haggling for a fair price can all be a real battle. But damn you’ll have some ten-outta-ten adventures along the way!

• $300 – $1000 per month

16. Importing Stuff to Sell

A personal favourite of mine, this is what I sometimes refer to as the ‘ stuff your backpack’ method. It’s an easy w ay to make some money back after quitting your job to travel .

When in exotic countries, you will find awesome trinkets and doodads that people back home will go crazy over! Think hippy stuff: chillums, trousers, jewellery, festival belts, etc. These items will be authentic and dirt cheap.

Then, when you are outside that country and back in the good ol’ inflationary West, you can sell the authentic handcrafted Indian peace pipe that you paid $.75 cents for in Mumbai for $15 at festivals or online! It’s a great way to make 1,000% or more on your investments.

To make the most money though, you’ll have to frequently hit the road and stuff your backpack (a big hiking backpack is good for this) as well as have a good eye for stuff to take back home. If you can somehow inject something about chakras into the marketing spiel you’ll give to sell it, it’s a winner.

• $500 – $2000 per month

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

17. Busking

Another of the world’s oldest professions that now catches some flak from the world’s newest crybabies: busking. If you have a talent, you can flaunt it for some cash in the street AND – better yet – make a bunch of people smile too!

You doen’t have to be a wandering musician with a travel-sized guitar either; magic, acrobatics, juggling, flow, dance – anything that’s impressive enough to score a tip is worth the shot, and you can score some mean tips! (Believe it or not.)

If the artisti di strada chooses the right location and is talented (or smiley) enough, there’s a pretty good chance they are making some dough! Enough to cover a day’s cost at least… You just need to know how to busk !

Also, if you are a musician, you should look into giving lessons for work while travelling or even playing some low-key gigs at bars or hostels. It’s a good way to score a feed, and it’s certainly not a bad payoff for a few hours of jammin’!

The resident in-house dirtbag busker on The Broke Backpacker team had this to say:

“I’ve had $5/hour days, I’ve had $50/hour days; busking is large part luck, however, there is a hidden art and science to the craft.”

18. Scuba Diving Instructor

Get paid for adventure. Underwater adventures no less!

Becoming a certified scuba diver and instructor takes a bit of investment, but it can be one of the most fun ways to work and travel the world simultaneously. You need a handful of courses and certifications, as well as having logged in a certain amount of hours underwater yourself, and then the world is your… oyster. (Huehuehue.)

If you are already certified, get excited! If you aren’t, you can do it at home, or take advantage of many (significantly cheaper) programs that exist in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. Hands down this is one of the best ways to get paid to travel PLUS you can pick up paying work in lots of different countries around the world.

Plus, y’know, dive for a living. Not bad, ‘ey?

• $1000 – $4000 per month.

19. Surf Instructor

Similar to a scuba instructor but without all of the need for certifications. You just need to be a badass surfer! Surfing instructors can do well for themselves by travelling, surfing, meeting people who are interested and want to learn, and then offering their services.

Plus, let’s be real… you’ll get laid. A lot.

You won’t earn as much as a scuba instructor, but you’ll be getting paid to surf and travel at the same time which is probably the coolest thing ever! I’m a big fan of surfing and hoping to spend a year or two getting a hell of a lot better in the future. If you are looking for cool jobs you can do while travelling, this may be for you.

There are lots of resources for finding potential gigs. Surf Travel Jobs is an excellent starting point.

• $500 – $1500 per month.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

20. Buy A Place and Rent It

If you have been working for a while, you may have some savings. Rather than blowing it all on a couple of fast-paced years of travel, invest it into buying a property at home and renting it out whilst you travel (thus living off the rent money).

You can advertise your place on lots of different websites including Airbnb or one of the many excellent sites like Airbnb , and it can very easily turn into big bucks! Pretty soon, you’ll be making money while travelling; so much so that some of my friends don’t even stay at their own place when they return to their hometown.

• $600 – $2000 per month.

21. Housesitting

Sort of a work-exchange-meets-job, housesitting while travelling is HAWT right now. Typically you pet-sit for an extended amount of time, and in return, you are given free rein over an entire house. Housesitting gigs rarely pay, but you can’t really complain as their still jobs that allow you to travel near-indefinitely.

You’ll be getting free accommodation, a big ass kitchen, and the privacy of your own house! This is one of the best ways to travel!

As with all good things, it’s challenging to crack into, but once you gain experience and a resume, you’ll have your choice of gigs. As far as travel work goes, this one comes highly recommended – it barely counts as working!

• A free house!

22. Work as an Au Pair

Au-pairing is one of the oldest travel careers around and is still a great option to save some money and see the world. Personally, kids ain’t for me, but if you are bubbly, happy, smiley and don’t mind cleaning up the misdirected poopoos, then there are plenty of little ones who need a lovely person like you to help take care of them.

It doesn’t always pay… and if it does pay it’s not always much. But you can earn up to 5k a month if you’re happy to travel for work (which, you should be) to teach in some more far-flung lands.

You’ll get free lodging and food and likely some pocket change for the weekend if you’re volunteering in Europe. Being an au-pair is a pretty solid way to get paid to travel and live in a new country.

• $0 – $5000 per month.

23. Hostel Work

Hostel work is one of the best-kept not-so-secret-secrets of the budget backpacking trade . Once upon a time, it was hush-hush, but now not so much. So let me tell you – finding hostel gigs is SUPER simple and hostel work is one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

Hostel work is one of the easiest travel jobs to get – just ask the hostels you are staying at if they are looking for any help. They will know exactly what this means. “Help” means manning the front desk graveyard shift, sweeping the floors, or most likely minding the bar, all in exchange for free accommodation.

If they are looking for any “help” , they miiight pay a bit of cash, but more likely, you’ll get a free bed and some food out of it. Hostels are one of the staples for travel work and are a phenomenal way to save money while travelling – not to mention free entry into the hostel life shenanigans is a pretty sweet dealer for a lone ranger looking for some buds.

…And bud. 😉

• Usually just a free stay. Maybe some weed money (or weed) if you’re lucky.

24. Bar Work

Similar to hostel work, bar jobs have kept the backpacker going since basically the dawn of time. Often the bar work will be in a hostel bar (mentioned above) but just as legit is finding work at standalone bars.

This is particularly true in seasonal European cities (but I’ve seen it in South America, Australia, Asia… basically everywhere). Alcoholics are everywhere and they need a charming face with a winning smile to pour their drinks dammit!

The best way to find a bar job is just to walk around and ask if the bars are looking for any help. Or, if you’re having a pint somewhere, strike up a conversation with the bartender and get the scoop. A simple inquisition can lead to a lot of opportunities.

Full disclosure though: the booze and babes of the graveyard shift are fun for a while, but a few too many staffies a few too many months later and you’ll find yourself stuck right in a classic backpacker trap. And hungover.

• $800 – $2000 per month

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

25. Become a Party Promoter/Brand Ambassador

If you are a fun-loving party animal with some social media/writing/promoting skills, then you could be a candidate to score a job as a brand ambassador for a tour business specializing in party-based tours. I’ve met someone who did this for a period; while the money wasn’t always hella tight, the nights of debauchery sure were!

A good option to break into this field is Stoke Travel . Every year, Stoke Travel gives 100+ regular travellers the opportunity to work and travel by volunteering at events or doing internships in their Barcelona and Byron Bay Office.

That’s right. Three square meals per day and unlimited booze. You’re basically travelling for free !

For the right individual, this job promises to be helluva of a lot of fun. (Possibly, too much fun…? )

• Free drinks – $1200

26. Seasonal Jobs

This is a large category that encompasses many different travel jobs. Restaurants, construction, hotels, cruise ship jobs, ski resorts, mining, deep-sea Alaskan fishing gigs, the list goes on! While a lot of these jobs are covered elsewhere in this post, seasonal jobs are worth noting.

You can literally travel the world working, chasing the season (which by the way usually equates to amazingly beautiful weather) and making money when jobs are in demand and at their highest paying…

Depending on the industry, you can end up both in some pretty off the beaten path destinations as well as touristed ones. Or both! The ski resorts in the summer trekking season is usually a much more peaceful vibe once all the loquacious Aussies have packed up shop.

• $1000 – $5000 per month

27. Construction

You can find construction work basically anywhere in the world, however, the right destinations (eg. Australia and New Zealand) pay a mean wage. If you’re operating above board that is.

Otherwise, asking around for something more informal is usually the way to go. If you have construction experience, jump on those work exchange platforms for some cheap volunteering gigs .

Many hostels, farms, and everything in between will advertise their needs in hopes of finding a qualified working traveller. You’ll get food, lodging, and (depending on the project) a bit of money as well. It’ll get you networked too – word of mouth carries!

If you have experience as a plumber or electrician, you can make bank and even land a job where you are paid to travel to and from different world projects. Also, insider tip: traffic controllers Down Under get paid an ungodly amount for literally doing nothing. They usually pick the cutest girl to man the stop sign though – yay, sexism!

• $1200 – $3000 per month but hugely variable depending on your trade and skillset,

28. Transport a Car or RV

Car and RV dealerships or car rental companies sometimes hire people to drive cars to different destinations. Rental companies often find themselves with too many cars in one destination and want to move them to an area where rentals are more in demand. Car dealerships may need a specific car, with specific options or colours, that they arrange to get from another dealer.

While most companies work with full-time professional drivers, there may be some opportunities for one-time trips. The trick with these jobs is getting a car that’s going where you want to go at the right time. You’ll need a clean driver’s license and may need a specialty license to drive RVs, but it’s worth it for a free and rocking RV road trip !

Some transport companies that you may be able to score some delivery gigs with include:

• Imoova is one of the biggest search platforms for relocations.
• Jucy has some nice opportunities on RVs.
• Cars Arrive Auto Relocation is USA based and has some good options.
• HitTheRoad.ca is a well-known Canadian company that offers mostly long-distance, one way, one trip driving contracts for cars.
• A free road trip!

29. Professional Chef

If you have some cooking abilities or some legitimate kitchen experience, you can find a job by asking around at kitchens in hotels, cruise ships, boats, or retreats. Also, take a look into Worldpackers and Workaway as you can certainly find some cook-work opportunities for a free place to stay.

The downside is that you’ll have to work in close proximity to chefs. Chefs are primadonnas. Get in and out of the hospo industry as quick as possible, amigos.

If thou gaze too long into an abyss…

• $1500 – $3000 per month

30. Travel Nurse

Stop right now and listen to me. If you are a nurse, or if you are thinking about becoming a nurse, becoming a travel nurse is one of the single most amazing careers you can get into.

Travelling nurses are usually hired for thirteen to twenty-six weeks in whatever location they choose and all of your travel expenses are usually paid. Housing is usually covered, and due to the high demand and urgency, travelling nurses are paid more than regular nurses. It’s one of the best ways to travel, work and save a stupid amount of money.

Plus, you know, saving lives and all that jazz.

• $1500 – $4000 per month.

31. Flight Attendant

An oldie but a goodie, being a flight attendant isn’t as glamorous as it once was, but in terms of travel friendly jobs , this is a fantastic travel career. It’s really the OG travel job (right after busker AKA a wandering minstrel).

Free flights, long stopovers to explore, and the ability to tweak your schedule to have a few weeks off a month – there’s a lot to like! This is one of the best careers that involve travelling, and if you get hired by a quality airline, this is a job that not only requires travel but can also pay well.

• $1800 – $2500 per month

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

32. New Zealand/Australia Work Visa

Not strictly a top travel job so much as a top place to find a job. Yes, the rumours you’ve heard are true: Australia does have an obscenely high minimum wage (as does New Zealand, albeit not as high).

Depending on where you are from and if you are able, New Zealand and Australia are two excellent countries to get work visas for. The visa allows you to be employed in most industries, but you’ll most likely find jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural fields. Come Down Under where you can travel and work for a year or maybe two!

However, both New Zealand and Australia’s cost of living is high, so finding a job that provides you with both a room and food will net you some huge savings. The more remote you go, the better you will earn too. (Sheep shearers make BANK… and then blow it all on cocaine and meth…)

Watch out though: not all Ozzies and Kiwis subscribe to the “mateship and fair go for all” mentality they’re known for. It’s not uncommon to get paid a fraction of that obscenely high minimum wage.

• $1800 – $3500 per month
• Backpacking Australia Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Australia
• Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in New Zealand

33. Ski Resort Jobs

While I mentioned resorts and seasonal gigs before, skiing deserves its own holler(back girl). Ski resorts are notorious for hiring travellers and often under the table. Ski resort gigs can be the best seasonal jobs for travelling.

As an “unofficial” ski resort worker, you won’t get paid much (and you will likely be overworked), but it’s a great way to work hard, play hard, and make some travel friends along the way! Plus, there will always be the skiing/snowboarding perks which are obviously EPIC.

You don’t have to be an instructor though. Many seasonal jobs in lodges or working the lifts are widely available. Oh, and the snowbum life is pretty hedonistic – it’s basically working, partying, and picking up Insta-brand vacayers between your shifts.

• $1000 – $2000 per month.

34. Tattoo Artist

Backpackers love to get tattoos on the road , so there is always a demand for talented artists. And I’ve met some amazing tattoo artists travelling the world and paying their way through freelance work in hostels and backpacker hangouts. Talk about a creative travel job!

The better you get at your craft, the more doors that will open up to you. You don’t even need a gun! I’ve met and befriended some phenomenal stick-and-poke artists who earn money working while they travel.

Plus getting paid by people to inflict large amounts of bodily harm on them really isn’t too bad either!

• $500 – $15000 per month (be prepared to adjust your rates to reflect the country you’re in – ain’t nobody stupid enough to pay $100+ an hour in Mexico).

35. Join the Peace Corps

This is certainly one of the noblest travel jobs on this list and it deserves a mention! Providing a different work and travel experience, the Peace Corps is no joke and essentially makes you an international aid worker in a foreign country.

It’s a two-year commitment, you have very little influence on where you are stationed, and you only get two days off per month.

You don’t get paid much but, hell, you will be earning and you will get paid to travel to somewhere new. And what’s more, is relevant work experience can take the place of a college degree.

Check out:  This Peace Corps volunteer’s blog all about her experiences volunteering in Vanuatu.

Do You Need Insurance as a Working Traveller?

If you are going to be living and working outside of your home country, you really do need to think about getting health insurance. If you have an accident or get sick, then those hospital bills are going to completely nullify any money you’ve earned and saved.

For long term cover, we recommend SafetyWing . They specialise in covering digital nomads and those working outside of their home country. It’s basically a subscription model – month to month payments – on international health insurance without the need to provide an itinerary.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to work! Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are so many ways to work and travel; sometimes you just gotta get a bit creative! As long as you are cutting the costs of travel and picking up a job where and when needed, you’ll find a way.

Not every traveling job needs to be a career. Covering your living costs is a fantastic start, and all the skills and confidence will take you soooo much further in life than one simple job ever could.

Taking a leap of faith on a new vocation on the road is fantastic. It’s a step outside of your comfort zone and right into the growth of travel. In many ways, that’s what it means to BE a broke backpacker .

You don’t have to be broke to be a broke backpacker. Nay, being resourceful, willing, and kind-hearted with a good work ethic – that makes you more of a broke backpacker than holes in your undies and lack of consistent showering ever will.

So get out there and work on the road! Start with a shit-kicker job. Then once you’ve levelled up appropriately (and with some ingenuity), you’ll find a job that involves travelling and where you get paid to travel and live in a new country. Maybe you’ll even live in a mini-campervan conversion and start rockin’ the super nomad life. Then, you’re not just hunting for the best travel jobs anymore.

No, that’s a travel career: a whole new adventure!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

Share or save this post

Conservation Careers

Putting the people into conservation, careers in ecotourism | your conservation adventure awaits.

Do you have an overzealous case of wanderlust AND a burning passion for conservation? Why not fuse them in an ecotourism career that offers the best of both worlds?

“Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel” – The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

Ecotourism can give participants the opportunity to see conservation research and projects first hand – such as mist-netting to monitor bird species. Credit: Andy Young / Wildimages.org .

In many ways, careers in ecotourism have it all: the opportunity to make a difference for wildlife, habitats and local communities; the adventure and excitement of travel; meaningful global connections; and perhaps even a chance to explore your entrepreneurial side. 

Careers in ecotourism can also offer more opportunities (and pay) than other highly-competitive Conservation Job Types that rely primarily on donor funding.

We’ve designed this Ultimate Guide like a travel guidebook – to give you a glimpse of some of the exciting adventures in store if you embark on a career in ecotourism.

Feel free to explore everything cover to cover, or travel straight to the section you need.

Table of Contents

Download this ultimate guide to read later!

This is a detailed review of careers in ecotourism, and takes a little time to digest. Download your copy of Careers in Ecotourism  to read and reference anytime!

What is ecotourism? | Conservation through experience

Ecotourism generates benefits for conservation and local communities and involves education and interpretation. Credit: NATUCATE.

A leading definition of ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. That last bit is for both guests and staff.

Another useful way to think about ecotourism is sustainable tourism (which strives for social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability), which takes place in natural areas and focuses on providing benefits for conservation and local communities.

Ecotourism can be a powerful way to achieve conservation impact by making conservation part of a successful business model. In some parts of the world – like African parks and conservancies, for instance – it’s often the best tool we currently have to protect wildlife and habitats.

While we’re on the topic of definitions, it’s worth mentioning that there are other related types of tourism out there. These include nature- and nature-based tourism, sustainable tourism , responsible travel , conservation tourism , wildlife tourism and protected area tourism, to name a few.

Many volunteer and internship opportunities in conservation also encompass aspects of ecotourism within their programmes.

What types of ecotourism jobs exist?

Experiencing the Serengeti, Tanzania. Credit: Hu Chen on Unsplash.

Before we do a deep dive into the conservation job market, let’s quickly touch on what we define as an ecotourism job. For Conservation Careers, an ecotourism job is any role where your activities aid the conservation or enhancement of wildlife or habitats through ecotourism.

This includes jobs which directly benefit conservation like a Community Liaison Officer who helps local communities engage with and benefit from ecotourism in Africa. It also includes roles which indirectly benefit conservation efforts, such as a Sales Manager, who ensure guests continue to visit to provide reliable alternative livelihood opportunities for local people.

If the role aids conservation efforts through tourism, it’s an ecotourism job.

Ecotourism is a broad theme of work, encompassing most of the 15 key conservation job types . But ecotourism is also uber-diverse, encompassing many areas of focus – such as protected areas, guiding and certification.

If you’re worried about whether your skillset is needed in careers in ecotourism, you can put that fear to rest!

15 Key Conservation Job Types

• Animal Welfare Ecotourism Jobs | Caring for animals . Examples of early career job titles: Veterinarian, Programme Manager – Breeding. Examples of employers: Macaw Recovery Network.
• Communications & Marketing Ecotourism Jobs | Raising the profile of conservation Examples of early career job titles: Communications Officer/Specialist, Marketing Officer, Social Media Assistant, Magazine Editor, TV Assistant, Writer, Wildlife Journalist, Presenter or Blogger. Examples of employers: The world’s your oyster! Almost every organisation needs support with this. Some examples include Audley Travel, African Impact, African Conservation Experience, Ecotourism Australia. Note: Some ecotourism companies hire communications experts to train aspiring students in these skills.
• Community-based Ecotourism Jobs | Helping people to be part of the solution Examples of early career job titles: Community Outreach Officer, Local Empowerment Officer Examples of employers: Blue Ventures, Global Vision International (GVI), Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon, Fauna Forever, MAD Travel. Note: because “ ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel ,” many ecotourism jobs have elements of community-based conservation.

Credit: Aivar Ruukel via Flickr .

Ranger Ecotourism Jobs | Saving key sites for nature Examples of early career job titles: Assistant Ranger, Park Ranger. Examples of employers: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, African Parks.

• Ecotourism Jobs | Helping people experience the natural world Congrats! You’re already here!
• Environmental Economics & Ecosystem Assessment Ecotourism Jobs | Putting a value on nature Examples of early career job titles: Economics Programme Officer, Junior Environmental Economist. Examples of employers: Fauna Forever.
• Environmental Education Ecotourism Jobs | Increasing awareness and support for nature Examples of early career job titles: Environmental Educator, Field Guide, Tour Guide, Naturalist. Examples of employers: NATUCATE, Lindblad Expeditions, Fuze Ecoteer.
• Fundraising & Development Marine Ecotourism Jobs | Raising money to save nature Examples of early career job titles: Fundraising Officer, Development Officer. Examples of employers: Any organisation that needs funding! Note: Many ecotourism ventures combine donations and profits as part of their business model – sometimes within two complementary organisations.
• Marine Ecotourism Jobs | Protecting the blue planet . Examples of early career job titles: Marine Program Officer, Marine Assistant, Assistant Marine Ecologist, Scuba Instructor. Examples of employers: Blue Ventures, Love The Oceans.

Environmental education doesn’t have to start and stop in the field. Photographers can capture images that engage a much wider audience. Credit: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab via Flickr.

Photography and Film-making Ecotourism Jobs | Storytelling for change Examples of early career job titles: Freelance Photographers, Photo-journalists, Film-makers, Editors, Producers, Nature Photography Coordinator. Examples of employers: NATUCATE, GVI, African Conservation Experience, Fauna Forever. Note: Some companies hire photographers and filmmakers to help teach volunteers, interns and tourists.

• Policy & Advocacy Ecotourism Jobs | Saving wildlife through law Examples of early career job titles: Varies (often combined within other roles). Examples of employers: Fauna Forever. Note: Many ecotourism organisations provide data to local governments to help inform decision making. Tip: look for organisations that partner with local agencies.
• Programme & Project Management Ecotourism Jobs | Saving the world one project at a time Examples of early career job titles: Project Officer, Project Assistant, Programme Officer and Programme Assistant, Project Manager, Programme Manager. Examples of employers: GVI, Blue Ventures, African Conservation Experience.
• Science & Research Ecotourism Jobs | Answering the key questions to tackle biodiversity loss Examples of early career job titles: Field Assistant, Research Assistant, Science Officer. Examples of employers: Operation Wallacea, Para La Tierra, British Exploring Society, Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development.

In practice, it’s very common to find ecotourism jobs that combine several different job types – such as Science & Research, Environmental Education and Community-based Conservation.

Sector-specific ecotourism jobs

Let’s explore some of the sub sectors within ecotourism. We’ve compiled some of the most common – but the possibilities are endless. You might even create your own!

Nature and field guides play an important role in environmental education and interpretation. Credit: Rock Staar on Unsplash.

Guides are responsible for helping tourists and other visitors create the experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re seated at a bird hide, guiding a group through the rainforest at night in search of amphibians, or pointing out wildlife as a diver , you’re an educator, storyteller, organiser and conversationalist all in one. 

Your conservation superpower: Helping people discover or deepen their connection with nature.

Tip: Wildlife may be the star attraction, but guiding usually relies on excellent people skills.

Guiding Ecotourism Jobs | Career Stories & Advice – Search for the latest here .

• Adventurer at heart: exploring the marine world with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic’s Alyssa Adler
• James Lowen | Wildlife Photographer, Author & Travel Guide
• From intern to inspiration story: landing an adventure job in the Peruvian Amazon
• Sail to the Ecotourism Job of Your Dreams
• How to Scuba Dive Into an Epic Ecotourism Job

Consulting / Certification 

Consultants, Certification Coaches and Managers help guide ecotourism destinations and businesses move towards sustainability and more responsible practices. You might even guide a destination or business through the process of becoming certified at global or national standards. This might involve everything from wildlife practices, through to waste management, business plans and benefits for local staff. 

Your conservation superpower: helping destinations or businesses operate in a way that minimises negative impacts and maximises positive benefits for wildlife and habitats.

Tip: There is a growing focus on sustainable destinations and certifications for destinations.

Consulting & Certification Ecotourism Jobs | Career Stories & Advice – Search for the latest here .

• Sustainable tourism ecopreneurs: transforming the way the world travels

Don’t see your ideal job here? Don’t worry! Careers in ecotourism are open to everyone from boat drivers and sustainable agriculture experts to gender specialists and CEOs. Photo by Nareeta Martin on Unsplash.

Lodge / Base Camp / Research Station Manager  

These managers are responsible for managing a lodge, research station or base camp – from guest safety and satisfaction, to sustainable operations, to construction and staffing. Sometimes these posts are offered on a temporary basis for singles or couples. 

Your conservation superpower: being a jack of all trades and a problem solver. On any given day you might need a combination of customer service, carpentry, communications and conservation skills!

Other ecotourism jobs

In practice there are many other ecotourism jobs available, such as:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Sales Manager
• Destination Manager
• Business Owner

What are the different types of ecotourism employers?

Photo by Chastagner Thierry on Unsplash.

Understanding the main employer types can help you navigate careers in ecotourism. They are:

• Academia – Help create the research base that ecotourism practitioners need to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative impacts of tourism. Employers are typically universities and colleges, such as the University of Kent  (UK), the University of Queensland (Australia) and the University of Victoria (Canada).
• Charity – Contribute to not-for-profit and non-governmental conservation activities through ecotourism with the Charity, NGO or ‘Third Sector.’ Examples include WWF, Fauna & Flora International, Blue Ventures and Love The Oceans .
• Business – Work with for-profit private companies or consulting firms that practice or support ecotourism, such as Audley Travel or African Conservation Experience.
• Government – Help set regional, national or international policies, and enforce best practice with the public sector or civil service. Examples of government institutions and agencies include the Department of Tourism (South Africa), the Ministry of Tourism (Canada), Tourism New Zealand and the Guyana Tourism Authority.
• Enterprise – Join the start-up, social enterprise or innovation movement, applying commercial strategies to maximise improvements in environmental and human well-being. Examples include Blue Ventures , GVI and Fuze Ecoteer .

Note: many ecotourism organisations have a business and charity arm – to ensure their conservation work has the resources it needs to run year-round. 

What kind of people suit careers in ecotourism?

Wading through tropical rivers is good fun, but if fieldwork isn’t your thing, there are a wealth of other job types in ecotourism. Credit: KAL VISUALS on Unsplash.

Do you think careers in ecotourism are just for extroverted adventure-lovers? Many field-based guiding and environmental education roles do require an adventurous spirit and excellent people skills.

But this diverse sector has plenty of space for all personality types and working preferences. For example, you might choose a desk-based job focussed storytelling and marketing, or become a veterinarian at a rescue centre who prefers spending most of their time with animals, rather than people. 

Ecotourism can employ people with a diversity of skills, from front line people skills, to business acumen, to planning, communications and marketing. Ecological expertise is not necessarily a prerequisite and switching careers into ecotourism is a great option!

If you research the ecotourism sector and know your niche , chances are you can find the right fit for you!

What top skills, education and experience are in demand in ecotourism?

You might be surprised to discover that the most in-demand skills in ecotourism are easily transferable from other sectors. Credit: NATUCATE.

To give you a snapshot of the education, experience and skills needed to work in the ecotourism sector, we analysed a sample of 30 ecotourism jobs posted on Conservation Careers in the past 3 years.

Alyssa Adler used her dive experience to work for Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic as an Undersea Specialist .

These jobs came from 28 different employers from around the globe. Among them were African Wildlife Foundation , Audubon, BirdLife South Africa , Department of Conservation, Lindblad Expeditions, Love The Oceans , Macaw Recovery Network, Project Biodiversity , RSPB , The Wildlife Trusts and WWF.

Would you like to discover more ecotourism organisations in your region of interest?

As a Conservation Careers Academy member you can access every job ever posted on Conservation Careers on our Expired Conservation Jobs Board . It’s the perfect place to find organisations that match your interests and explore the types of opportunities available!

Here’s a quick overview of the types of education, experience and skills required for ecotourism jobs (and their frequency). Keep in mind that this is just a tiny sample of the thousands of ecotourism jobs available worldwide every year!

Over half of all roles required a Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (or an equivalent combination of work and education). None of the jobs specifically required a master’s degree.

Industry experience (very frequent)

• Interest in, passion for or commitment to conservation (very frequent)
• Experience in the tourism or travel industry, or a specific sector such as nature-based tourism, sustainable tourism (frequent)

Some field stations are so remote, it can take 2 to 4 days just to get to work!

Experience in a relevant environment (very frequent)

• Experience living or working in a relevant setting, such as the developing world, a multicultural or cross-cultural setting, the tropics, Africa, an NGO or a specific country (frequent)
• Physical capability to work outdoors and walk long distances, sometimes in challenging conditions, such as heat and humidity (frequent)
• Ability to work in remote / isolated areas, often with limited support and/or logistical challenges (occasional)
• Ability to work flexible / irregular hours and/or travel for work (frequent)

Career switcher and career-starter alert: you’ll notice that the top skills in demand for ecotourism careers can come from any sector, not necessarily conservation!

They include the 15 Key Conservation Job types , as well as more general (but very important!) competencies such as leadership and communication skills.

Interpersonal skills are likely to make you a stronger candidate for a career in ecotourism. Credit: Wade Lambert on Unsplash.

Interpersonal skills (very frequent)

• Leadership and/or people management, such as leading groups, developing a team or managing volunteers (very frequent)
• Teamwork (frequent)
• Customer service (occasional)
• Building and maintaining relationships (occasional)
• Experience working with groups (occasional)
• Being friendly / approachable (occasional)
• Experience working with youth (occasional)
• Facilitation (occasional)
• Other skills: collaboration, influencing people, working with the public (occasional)

IT skills (very frequent)

• MS Office (very frequent)
• Other software / applications – e.g. Microsoft Teams, Google online suite (occasional)

Are you comfortable working independently? This ability could be an asset in an ecotourism career. Credit: Ulrike Langner on Unsplash.

Communication skills (very frequent)

• Oral communication (very frequent)
• Written communication (very frequent)
• Presenting to groups (occasional)

Working independently (frequent)

• (Self) motivation (frequent)
• Time management (frequent)
• Organisation (frequent)
• Problem solving (occasional)
• Resourcefulness (occasional)
• Responsibility, dependability (occasional)

Organisational management (frequent)

• Accounting and finance
• Business development (e.g. owning or running a company, developing business plans, generating income)
• Administrative experience

Local communities are a core component of true ecotourism. Credit: Julia Rubinic on Flickr .

Community conservation (occasional)

• Specific skills and experience varied by role but included things such as: community organising, facilitation, empowerment, knowledge transfer, safeguarding and social policies (e.g. gender, human rights), community development and alternative livelihoods.

Communications & Marketing (occasional)

• Social media
• Campaigning
• Other: press, branding, graphic design 

Project and Programme management (occasional)

Environmental Education (occasional)

Science & Research (occasional)

Sector-specific and other skills (occasional)

• Guiding experience 
• Logistics 

Personal attributes

• Flexibility / adaptability (frequent)
• Positive attitude and/or sense of humour (occasional) 
• Patience (occasional)
• Open-mindedness and/or cultural sensitivity (occasional)
• Maturity (occasional)

Qualifications

• Driver’s licence (frequent)
• Second language (frequent)
• First Aid (occasional)
• CPR (occasional)
• PADI certification (occasional)

How do I know if ecotourism is doing good?

Did this jeep drive too close to a herd of elephants, or was it parked at a safe distance while the elephants approached? Credit: redcharlie on Unsplash.

Ecotourism has enormous potential to conserve some of the world’s most biodiverse places – and there are many success stories of ecotourism benefiting conservation and local communities around the world

But like any sector, a few bad apples can spoil the bunch. It is an unfortunate reality that some companies mislabel themselves as ecotourism, making people wary of all companies.

If words like ‘eco’ and ‘green’ send your ethical radar flashing, the good news is that some quick research will usually confirm if a company is ethical. Here are a few great suggestions and questions:

• Research their reputation. What does online research say about the organisation? Check out their website and social media platforms; look for project updates, results and outcomes; and read reviews. What do past participants have to say?
• Check for partners. Good organisations rarely work in isolation. A good ecotourism operator will usually collaborate with others, such as local community organisations, government agencies, conservation organisations, etc. Many share data and results with in-country NGOs as a minimum. If the organisation is stand alone, you may want to question why.
• Look for true sustainability. Look for evidence that the company is actively working to minimise negative impacts and maximise positive impacts (rather than just highlighting a few green initiatives for marketing purposes). These can include environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts.
• Consider conservation impact. A good ecotourism company will know what problems it’s working to solve. A great question to ask is if the conservation is there purely for the tourists, or if the tourists are contributing to conservation?
• Ask questions. Want to know what percentage of tourist dollars go to conservation? Ask. Want to know what the organisation accomplished for conservation in the past year? Ask. Most organisations will be more than happy to answer. Check out this Ethical Ecotourism Code of Conduct by Terra Incognita for key principles that should be part of ethical ecotourism.

Take home messages for careers in ecotourism

Careers in ecotourism are diverse, accessible to conservationists and career switchers alike, and can create positive impact for wildlife, people and the landscapes they share. Credit: Greg Girard/CIFOR via Flickr .

If you enjoy skimming to the bottom of posts, or sharing what you’ve learnt with your friends and family, here’s a summary in seven bullet points:

• Ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” – The International Ecotourism Society .
• Ecotourism can be a powerful tool for achieving conservation impact by making conservation part of a successful business model that benefits local people.
• Ecotourism is a broad theme of work, encompassing most of the 15 key conservation job types , plus specific areas of focus – such as protected areas, guiding and certification.
• Ecotourism employers span the Academic, Business, Charity, Government and Enterprise sectors.
• There are careers in ecotourism to suit people from all backgrounds, including people switching careers into conservation . 
• Many of the skills and experience in demand for careers ecotourism can be easily transferred from other sectors.
• Ecotourism has enormous potential to conserve some of the world’s most biodiverse places, and there are many success stories from ethical organisations. Asking a few key questions can help ensure you’re supporting one of the good guys.

Need some help finding an ecotourism job?

Not sure which direction to head in next? Credit: Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash.

Phew! That was a lot of information and well done if you made it this far. And hello those who skim to the bottom of blog posts.

Understanding the job market is so important in your quest to find an ecotourism job . Unless you fully understand all your options, you won’t be able to find your niche, and without that you’re far less likely to be happy, impactful and competitive.

A big part of this also is to understand yourself. What do you love doing? What are you great at? What are your biggest needs right now?

At Conservation Careers we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you to get clarity on your career options, form a plan of action, and secure your dream job.

The ecotourism sector is ready to be explored! If you need our help, we’re here for you.

Useful links and free stuff

Bottoms up! It’s time to take the plunge into your dream career! Credit: Krabiman via Flickr .

To help you navigate your options, please select which best describes you:

• You want to work in conservation but you’re feeling lost, disillusioned or confused?!? Check out our Kick-Starter training designed to help you understand the job market, to navigate your career options, and to get hired more quickly. It’s designed for students, graduates, job-seekers and career-switchers. We’re proud to say it also has 100% satisfaction and recommendation ratings. We know you’ll love it. Find out more about our Kick-Starter – Online Course and Kick-Starter – UK Workshop .
• You need answers to top questions about working in conservation? Check out our free Ultimate Guides covering topics like the 15 Key Conservation Job Types , Top Conservation Internships | Paid or Free and  Marine Conservation Jobs , and answering questions like How to Switch Careers into Conservation , Do I need a Master’s Degree?  and much more!
• You feel ready to be applying for jobs in conservation? Check out our membership packages for job seekers which provide access to the world’s biggest conservation job board – with over 8,000 conservation jobs shared each year – plus a range of other benefits. Check out our monthly memberships here .

• You’ve got an interview (well done!) and would like our help to prepare for it? We know what employers want, and have helped many people prepare for and deliver successful interviews. Check out our practice interviews here .

JOIN THE CONSERVATION CAREERS ACADEMY!

Supercharge your career with support, jobs, community and resources from the leading experts in the wildlife conservation sector..

START YOUR FREE TRIAL

Wealth of Geeks

9 Jobs That Can Be Done While Traveling

Posted: December 24, 2023 | Last updated: December 24, 2023

In a world of high-speed living and remote jobs, earning money anywhere is possible. Travel isn’t cheap. It costs a lot of money, and working in an office does not leave much time for leisure. If you are on vacation and have seen all there is to be seen, you may look for something else to pass the time.

Remote jobs don’t have to be boring. In fact, many of them are great options for earning free or discounted travel. You just have to know how to choose which of these travel jobs is right for you.

1. Blogging

Blogging while traveling is a great way to earn some money. Your office is wherever your laptop is, so you are never tied down to one place. This can help you travel the world with just a laptop and a bit of data, which you can always find in local cafes or restaurants . It’s even better if you do travel writing, so you can combine firsthand experience with creative writing that helps others plan their travels.

2. Vlogging

Similar to blogging, video blogging, also called “ vlogging ,” is a visual form of content. You can write blogs for your website but also work as a freelancer for other people’s websites. When it comes to vlogging, however, people usually vlog for their own channels. It takes more time to succeed but can also be more rewarding monetarily. All you need is a smartphone with a nice camera, or if you want to be fancy, a laptop with some video editing software like Adobe PremierePro or DaVinci Resolve.

3. Video Commercials

This one is both fun and rewarding. If you have a smartphone with a decent camera and invest in an excellent DJI drone, you can earn some nice money on your travels. Combine this with an investment in a decent laptop and a video editing course, and you have a recipe for success. When I was on vacation in Corfu , I discovered an opportunity with their beautiful beachfront Tavernas. I packed my drone, visited a few of them on foot, and offered them my services. I scored two jobs for filming a video ad and one logo redesign job, which made me a nice profit for less than a full day of work.

4. Singing and Playing an Instrument

Singing or playing an instrument is another excellent way to earn some surprisingly good money. If you are a good singer and can play an instrument, you can always play in the city center or other popular spots. Many great talents have been discovered performing in public this way. You can also offer your skills to local restaurants or lounges if they are in need of live music or other entertainment.

5. Haircuts for Tips

If you know how to cut hair, another great way to earn money is to offer free haircuts and keep profits from their tips if they decide to give you one. You only need hair clippers for this one, so you can be flexible and earn well in countries where haircuts are expensive. Pro tip : You can combine this with vlogging and use this as your content on your vlog to increase exposure.

6. Exposure for Businesses

This travel job is for those with a well-developed online business. If you already have a travel blog , you can always ask restaurant owners, bar owners, hotels, and others who provide services in tourism if they would like to collaborate on a promotion on your website. The business will get exposure to your audience, and you can negotiate payment or exchanges for that promotion, like a one-night hotel stay or a free meal.

7. Bartending

A good barista is always a much-needed part of the crew. If you know how to mix drinks or make a killer espresso, you can always offer your services to nightclubs or cafes and earn a decent wage, plus tips.

8. Temporary Tattoos or Hair Styling

Unlike the classic tattoo industry, where laws and regulations can tie up employment approval, temporary tattoos can be done anytime, anywhere, and do not fall under any laws and regulations. There is a low risk of infection with temporary tattoos or paints, unlike classic tattoos that are created by piercing the skin. Hair braiding or wrapping is popular at beach destinations and can also be done anytime, anywhere.

9. Working on a Cruise Ship

Working on a cruise ship is more permanent, but it still fits within the scope of travel jobs. There are numerous jobs that you can do on a cruise ship, and each of those offers some nice wages. Understandably, a captain makes much more than a cabin steward, but all employees receive benefits and gratuity. You can use the time between shifts to discover beautiful cities wherever you stop. 

Read More From Wealth of Geeks

• Best Countries To Live In Across the World

12 Record-Breaking Roller Coasters Across the Globe

More for You

Donald Trump Hands 'Win' to Prosecution in Hush-Money Trial: Attorney

We Ordered 7 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches to Find the Best One

25 human foods you should never give your dog—and 25 foods you can

One of the best British spy dramas of all time is finally streaming on Netflix

‘FBI' Showrunner Rick Eid to Step Down

Every Naruto Uzumaki Form, Ranked by Strength

How many litres of water should you drink a day and does tea count?

13 Things You Need to Order from the McDonald’s Secret Menu

52 Fun Facts About Dogs You Never Knew

How to Clear Your Browsing History Quickly With a Keyboard Shortcut

Certain snacks, drinks could be banned in some states due to cancer-causing ingredients

VW Workers Vote to Join UAW in Historic Southern Win for Union

5 Bad Habits To Avoid For Extending The Life Of Your Car's CVT Transmission

2024’s Canceled Shows, for Your Final Consideration

Ukraine Strikes at Heart of Russia With Massive Drone Attack

Are Pit Bulls Dangerous? Experts Set the Record Straight on These Lovable Dogs

55 Easy Graduation Desserts Worth Celebrating

Here are 5 foods and drinks to avoid if you have high blood pressure

Tech trick: How to tell who’s calling when you don’t recognize the phone number

Is It Safe To Grill Frozen Hamburger Patties Straight From The Freezer?

We use cookies to collect information about how you use the National Careers Service. This information is used to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services.

You’ve accepted all cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

beta Complete an independent survey to give us feedback about our website.

• Explore Careers

Travel and tourism

There is a problem, airline customer service agent, airline passenger service agent, air travel assistant.

Airline customer service agents make sure passengers and their luggage safely board the right aircraft at the right time.

Airline pilot

Aircraft pilot, co-pilot, first officer, captain.

Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.

Airport information assistant

Airport information assistants help passengers in airports.

Flight attendant, air steward, air stewardess

Air cabin crew help make sure that airline passengers have a comfortable, safe and pleasant flight.

Cruise ship steward

Cabin steward.

Cruise ship stewards clean and service cabins on board cruise ships.

Commercial diver

Divers work underwater at sea, or in rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs.

Heritage officer

Historic buildings officer, listings officer.

Heritage officers support teams to take care of buildings, monuments and places valued for their cultural and historical importance.

Hotel manager

Guest house manager, hotel general manager.

Hotel managers are in charge of the day-to-day running of a hotel.

Hotel porter

Hotel porters welcome guests, carry their luggage and answer their questions.

Hotel room attendant

Hotel room attendants make sure that hotel rooms are clean, tidy and inviting for guests.

Housekeeper

Hotel housekeeper, housekeeping manager, head housekeeper.

Housekeepers organise hotel staff to make sure that all the rooms are kept clean and tidy.

Interpreter

Interpreters change spoken words from one language into another, either face-to-face or remotely.

Museum attendant

Visitor experience assistant, museum assistant.

Museum attendants take care of customers and security in museums and galleries.

Port operative

Stevedore, port worker, passenger operations worker.

Port operatives work with cargo, passengers and marine craft in ports and harbours.

Resort representative

Holiday rep, customer services rep, overseas rep.

Resort representatives look after holidaymakers during their stay.

Sailing instructor

Sailing instructors teach people to sail yachts and boats.

Tour manager

Travel manager, tour supervisor.

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

Tourist guide

Tour guide, blue badge guide.

Tourist guides show visitors around places of interest like cities, historic buildings and art galleries.

Tourist information centre assistant

Tourist information centre assistants give information to visitors about transport, tourist attractions and local services and activities.

Travel agency manager

Travel manager.

Travel agency managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of travel agencies, meeting sales targets and promoting travel products.

Travel agent

Travel consultant.

Travel agents book business and leisure travel for customers.

Visitor attraction general manager

Visitor attraction general managers look after the operation and finances of an attraction, and the health and safety of staff and visitors.

Rate your experience

How satisfied are you with the website?

• Financial Analysis
• Corporate Stories
• Investigations
• Commodities
• Company Results
• Stock Market
• Fixed Income
• Market Views
• Company News
• Consumer Goods
• Corporate Updates
• Corporate deals
• Corporate Press Releases
• Entertainment
• Financial Services
• Hospitality & Travel
• Manufacturing
• Real Estate and Construction
• Nairalytics
• Research Analysis
• Public Debt
• Business News
• Career tips
• Personal Finance
• Billionaire Watch

UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector to expand, creating 23,500 jobs this year

The travel and tourism industry’s impact on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) economy is set to expand, with an addition of 23,500 jobs this year, raising the total employment figure to 833,000 by 2024.

This was reported by Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Simpson forecasted that by 2034, the Emirates’ travel and tourism sector will employ 928,000 people, with one in nine residents working within the industry. This signifies the creation of about 95,000 new jobs from 2024 to 2034. Additionally, the sector’s economic contribution to the UAE is projected to increase to Dh275 billion by 2024 and will contribute 12 to the UAE’s GDP, amounting to Dh236 billion.

According to her, spending by international visitors in the UAE is expected to surge by nearly 10 %, reaching Dh192 billion, while expenditure by domestic visitors is predicted to rise by 4.3 %, approaching Dh58 billion.

• “ There is a massive investment that the UAE government has been focusing on the travel and tourism sector. And it is really interesting the way UAE has not just maintained its position as a strong tourism destination, but it is actually beating all markets,” she said.

What she said

• “The UAE’s travel and tourism sector has not only recovered; it soared to new heights, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic landscape.
• “The remarkable growth in both employment and visitor spending is a testament to the UAE’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing its Travel and Tourism.
• “As the sector continues to set benchmarks for the global travel industry, it underscores the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies in driving prosperity,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC.

The growth of the Tourism sector in the UAE

The international organization highlighted that the UAE’s travel and tourism sector has eclipsed all previous benchmarks, illustrating the nation’s dedication to drawing global tourists to places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

• T he 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) report by WTTC reveals a surge in employment within the UAE’s travel and tourism sector, with an increase of 41,000 jobs in 2023, totaling over 809,000 and accounting for one in nine jobs nationally.
• The sector expanded by 26% to a record Dh220 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP, representing 11.7 % of the total economy. This growth surpassed the last peak achieved in 2019 by nearly 15 %, emphasizing its crucial role in the country’s economic structure.
• Domestic visitor spending, having fully rebounded in 2022, continued its upward trend last year, reaching over Dh55.5 billion—a nearly 40% increase from 2019 levels.
• According to WTTC figures, the Middle Eastern travel and tourism sector grew by more than 25% in 2023 to reach almost $460 billion. Jobs reached nearly 7.75 million and international spending grew by 50 % to reach $179.8 billion. Domestic visitor spending grew by 16.5 % to reach more than $205 billion.
• WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2024 with the GDP contribution set to reach $507 billion. Jobs are forecast to reach 8.3 million, international visitor spending is forecast to reach $198 billion and domestic visitor spending is expected to reach more than $224 billion.

What this means for Nigerians

For Nigerians seeking job opportunities in the UAE, the rapid growth and expansion of the travel and tourism sector in the UAE present significant prospects.

• With the sector poised to add 23,500 jobs in 2024 alone and an estimated 95,000 new jobs by 2034, there is a considerable steady demand for a range of skills and professions related to tourism and hospitality.
• The industry’s demand for a skilled workforce is likely to include a variety of roles—from customer service and hotel management to tour operations and event management.
• Moreover, the strategic emphasis on making the UAE a top global tourist destination suggests ongoing investment in infrastructure and services, potentially opening doors for international job seekers with various skill sets, including those from Nigeria.
• Additionally, the UAE’s focus on sustainable and inclusive growth within tourism could mean more emphasis on cultural diversity and inclusiveness, possibly enhancing job accessibility for international candidates.

Wema Bank announces call for entries for its youth-focused hackathon, hackaholics 5.0

Elon musk threatens to suspend x accounts doing engagement farming, ngozi ekugo.

A high-performing labour market analyst/ talent acquisition specialist providing research on labor availability, labour migration, workplace trends and career development opportunities. Having worked across various sectors such as the recruitment, consulting, investment banking (Goldman Sachs) and the media, both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, I possess a unique blend of competencies and experience to thrive in any industry.

Related Posts

Dubai airports shut down temporarily as stormy flood disrupts UAE

UAE: 7 volunteering platforms providing potential opportunities for residency permit

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Business News | Stock Market | Money Market | Cryptos | Financial Literacy | SME |

Recent News

Naira now best performing currency in the world, following fx reforms – cardoso, cbn’s ‘remittance task force’ to report directly to cardoso.

• Lagos officials crack down on illicit residential estates in Epe axis 

Follow us on social media:

• Download Nairametrics iOS App
• Download Nairametrics Android App
• Financial Literacy
• Ads Disclaimer

© 2024 Nairametrics

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

• Hi, My Account Subscriptions --> My KT Trading Contact Us Privacy Notice Sign Out

Sun, Apr 21, 2024 | Shawwal 12, 1445

Dubai 20°C

• Expo City Dubai
• Emergencies
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain

Life and Living

• Visa & Immigration in UAE
• Banking in UAE
• Schooling in UAE
• Housing in UAE
• Ramadan 2024
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines
• Cryptocurrency
• Infrastructure
• Currency Exchange
• Horse Racing
• Local Sports

Entertainment

• Local Events

Dubai World Cup

• Track Notes
• Big Numbers
• Daily Updates
• Arts & Culture
• Mental Health
• Relationships
• Staycations
• UAE Attractions
• Tech Reviews
• Motoring Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Book reviews
• Restaurant Reviews
• Young Times

Supplements

• Back To School
• Eid-Al-Adha
• It’s Summer Time
• Leading Universities
• Higher Education
• India Real Estate Show
• Future Of Insurance
• KT Desert Drive
• New Age Finance & Accounting Summit
• Digital Health Forum
• Subscriptions
• UAE Holidays
• Year of the 50th
• Latest News
• Prayer Timings
• Cinema Listings
• Inspired Living
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Notice

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Uae jobs: travel, tourism sector to have 23,500 vacancies in 2024, in 10 years, the sector with 928,000 positions is projected to employ one in 9 residents.

Waheed Abbas

• Follow us on

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Published: Thu 18 Apr 2024, 3:34 PM

Last updated: Thu 18 Apr 2024, 10:56 PM

Travel and tourism sector contribution to the UAE economy will continue to grow as 23,500 new jobs will be created this year, taking the total number of employment to 833,000 in 2024, said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

In 2024, WTTC said, the sector’s contribution will increase to 12 per cent of UAE’s GDP, reaching Dh236 billion.

International visitor spending in UAE is projected to grow by nearly 10 per cent to reach Dh192 billion and domestic visitor spending is forecast to increase by 4.3 per cent to reach almost Dh58 billion.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Simpson said the Emirates’ travel and tourism sector will be employing 928,000 people by 2034, with one in 9 residents working in the sector. This means, around 95,000 new jobs will be created between 2024 and 2034. While the sector’s contribution to the UAE will grow to Dh275 billion by 2024.

“There is a massive investment that the UAE government has been focusing on the travel and tourism sector. And it is really interesting the way UAE has not just maintained its position as a strong tourism destination but it is actually beating all markets,” WTTC president and CEO said during the interview.

Soaring past all previous records

According to the 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) report released by WTTC, the number of jobs in the UAE’s travel and tourism grew by 41,000 in 2023 to reach more than 809,000, representing one in nine jobs in the country.

The global body said that UAE’s travel and tourism sector in UAE sector is now soaring past all previous records, a testament to the country’s commitment to attracting tourists from around the world to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The travel and tourism sector in UAE grew by more than a quarter – 26 per cent – to a record-breaking Dh220 billion to the UAE’s GDP, representing 11.7 per cent of the entire economy. This exceeded the previous record set in 2019 by almost 15 per cent and underscores the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic framework.

While domestic visitor spending fully recovered in 2022, it continued to grow last year to reach more than Dh55.5 billion, which is almost 40 per cent higher than 2019.

“The UAE's travel and tourism sector has not only recovered; it soared to new heights, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the nation's economic landscape. The remarkable growth in both employment and visitor spending is a testament to the UAE's strategic vision and commitment to enhancing its Travel and Tourism. As the sector continues to set benchmarks for the global travel industry, it underscores the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies in driving prosperity,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC.

Middle East

According to WTTC figures, the Middle Eastern travel and tourism sector grew by more than 25 per cent in 2023 to reach almost $460 billion. Jobs reached nearly 7.75 million and international spending grew by 50 per cent to reach $179.8 billion. Domestic visitor spending grew by 16.5 per cent to reach more than $205 billion.

WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2024 with the GDP contribution set to reach $507 billion. Jobs are forecast to reach 8.3 million, international visitor spending is forecast to reach $198 billion and domestic visitor spending is expected to reach more than $224 billion.

• 'Job title inflation' in UAE: Would you accept a senior-sounding role without the salary to match?
• '7 years without salary increase': Some UAE expats send family home amid rising costs
• Newsletters
• [email protected]

More news from UAE

Uae floods: emirates ceo apologises in open letter as nearly 400 flights cancelled after record rains.

He acknowledged the 'unacceptable' wait times for passengers and outlined the airline's efforts to restore ops, which he called 'far from perfect'

uae 16 hours ago -->

Look: Concerts, animal safari, street food, dances, movies, rides at Al Ain Zoo festival

Visitors can enjoy movies with family favourites, including ‘The Jungle Book’, ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Zootopia’ to match the wild theme every evening from 8pm

uae 21 hours ago -->

Watch: UAE President honours wheelchair-bound woman for saving lives in fire

Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his congratulations to all eight honourees, recognising their inspiring efforts and significant contributions in service to society

uae 22 hours ago -->

UAE: Missing teenager in Sharjah found safe

His father thanked everyone who participated in the search mission despite the challenges posed by flooding in various parts of the emirate

uae 23 hours ago -->

Dubai: More developers offer free repairs to rain-damaged homes

Real estate developer MAG pledges to cover all the costs of necessary repairs for affected residents

uae 1 day ago -->

Dh600 towing cost: Motorists face hiked prices after abandoning cars amid floods

The substantial increase in charges left many residents financially burdened, as they strive to retrieve their stranded vehicles

From cancer medicines to baby food: UAE residents unite to help flood-hit neighbourhoods

Nearly 6,000 volunteers linked to a single support group are working tirelessly across the country to help those affected

UAE parents voice concern over potential academic regression amid prolonged school closures

While parents acknowledge the importance of safety as a result of inclement weather, they also expressed disquiet about extended holidays

Type your keywords

Plan Your Trip to Elektrostal: Best of Elektrostal Tourism

Essential elektrostal.

Elektrostal Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Plan Your Trip to Elektrostal: Best of Elektrostal Tourism

Essential elektrostal.

Elektrostal Is Great For

Eat & drink.

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Elektrostal'

Elektrostal' Travel Guide

Experience elektrostal'.

The Moscow Kremlin

Krasnaya ploshchad'

State Historical Museum

St. Basil's Cathedral

Great Moscow State Circus

Moscow State University

Moscow Metro

Moskva River

Arbat Street

Where to stay, gostinyi dvor hotel, house in pushkino, hotel pioner, recreation center dubki, yakhontovy les apartments, sloboda na klyazme, what to eat.

Cafe Vostochny Express

Kroshka Kartoshka

Coffee Shop Usy Teodora Glagoleva

Fabrika Obedov

Beer Club Tolsty Medved

Cafe Antresole

Quest-Cafe 4 Komnaty

Prima Bolshogo

Other recommended cities.

Popular Types of Attractions in Elektrostal'

Popular attractions in elektrostal', popular restaurants in elektrostal', popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, more things to do in elektrostal'.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

• International
• Today’s Paper
• Mumbai News
• Chandigarh News
• Bangalore News
• Lucknow News
• Ahmedabad News
• Chennai News

Want to go up there, see Earth… tell the tale: 1st Indian space tourist

For Gopi, who lives with his father in Atlanta and runs a wellness company in the United States, flying is not his day job any more, but he still does some experimental flying to witness the sunset.

When he was flying hot air balloons, Gopi Thotakura’s father told him to keep his dreams unbridled, and allowed him to do whatever he wanted. His father’s support would be unwavering when the 30-year-old Indian pilot, who is set to be the first Indian space tourist as part of the six-member crew on Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin’s New Shepard in its 25th flight, reaches beyond the azure.

“All of us wake up every day and look at the sky. For once, I want to go up there and see the Earth with my naked eyes. Flying is my passion and going to space is the ultimate dream,” said Gopi, who will be the first Indian astronaut to go to space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Although the dates are yet to be announced by the private space company, the mission is likely to take place much ahead of India’s own human spaceflight.

The private space company owned by billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos aims to democratise space and take artists, poets, and teachers beyond the Karman Line — the boundary of Earth’s atmosphere and outer space at a distance of around 80 to 100 km from the surface.

With the short duration flight, which is almost completely automated, the astronauts do not need to undergo rigorous training.

Jeff and his brother Mark Bezos were part of the first human sub-orbital flight of New Shepard. ‘Star Trek’ fame actor William Shatner was among the crew members during the second flight of Blue Origin.

ISRO has to perform several tests, test vehicle missions, and at least two uncrewed missions before humans can be sent to space. “I am indeed privileged to carry our blood up there. And to go and see what it is like up there and come back and tell the story,” he said.

Gaganyaan training is more rigorous since the astronauts will be spending more time in space. Passengers experience zero gravity for a few minutes on Blue Origin’s flight, but on the other hand, the Gaganyaan mission will take the astronauts to an orbit around the Earth for 3-7 days.

Since it is a sub-orbital flight, there is no regimented diet or training, he said, adding there are some medical tests and some training to learn about the g-forces. “We will be trained on how to get out of their seats after they hit the Karman line, what to do in zero gravity, and how to get back in when the buzzer goes off so that we can make it back home safely. They are phenomenal at what they do,” Gopi said.

In fact, the company website claims one can be trained fully in just 2 days. “Other than the physical aspect, there is also the mindset that no one talks about,” he said. He recounts his journey to Mt Kilimanjaro, stating it was his mindset that helped him succeed.

“I was able to climb Kilimanjaro without hitting the gym,” Gopi said, who is the founder of Preserve Life Corp, a holistic wellness centre in Atlanta, that emphasises nutrition among other things.

“We in fact grow organic food on the campus there,” said Thotakura. Born in Andhra Pradesh ’s Vijayawada , Thotakura did most of his schooling in Bengaluru’s Sarala Birla Academy. Blue Origin described Thotakura as the “pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive.”

After his education in aviation science, he said he did not want to become a commercial pilot. “I went on to manage an air ambulance for a private company in the US. I also did a lot of other things — I did some seaplane flying, hot air balloon instruction, glider and aerobatic flying. I absolutely loved it,” Gopi said. After this, he returned to India and became a commercial pilot, mostly on international medical missions “to give back to society doing what I loved to do”.

Any mission that sticks out to him? He says there are too many. “I have transported young people, old people, and organs. I have seen death on-board. You have to put a barrier between the aircraft and the rest of the plane. Early on, I tried to look at what was happening at the back of the air ambulance, but I realised I have to maintain my distance from the patients to ensure I safely transport them,” Gopi said. He has a rolodex of memories of medical flights and recalled ones where he had to fly “even from airstrips that were not used since the British left us”.

Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country’s space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University’s Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor’s Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the datesheet for the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2024. The exams will be held in Hybrid mode (CBT and Pen & Paper) for 13.48 lakh candidates at 380 centers in 380 cities. There are 63 test papers and the exams will be conducted between May 15 and 24, 2024.

• Chess Candidates 2024 Live Updates: 17-year-old Gukesh takes sole lead after defeating Alireza; Vaishali wins 4th in a row 1 hour ago
• Iran-Israel Crisis Live Updates: Air strike hits post of Iran-aligned Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, one fighter killed 6 hours ago
• Lok Sabha Election Live Updates: EC orders re-polling at 11 stations in Inner Manipur constituency on April 22 9 hours ago
• JEE Mains 2024 Result Live Updates: Final answer key likely tomorrow, result by Monday morning 14 hours ago

Best of Express

Buzzing Now

Apr 21: Latest News

• 01 Malegaon 2008 blast case: Court allows exemption to Pragya Thakur as a ‘last chance’
• 02 Banyan Tree’s World Jazz Festival comes to Pune showcasing maestros from across the globe
• 03 DC v SRH, what caught our eye: Another record-breaking night for Sunrisers powered by Head-Abhishek, Rishabh Pant struggles and more
• 04 Patient’s `rat bite’ death: Sassoon medical superintendent told to `hand over’ charge
• 05 Mumbai: 2 teen girls injured after speeding car hits them
• Elections 2024
• Political Pulse
• Entertainment
• Movie Review
• Newsletters
• Gold Rate Today
• Silver Rate Today
• Petrol Rate Today
• Diesel Rate Today
• Web Stories
• Premium Stories
• Express Shorts
• UP Board Results
• Health & Wellness
• Board Exam Results