tourism careers list

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

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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

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The magazine of Glion Institute of Higher Education

List of careers in hospitality and tourism: opportunities for learning and travel

HOSPITALITY UNCOVERED

In this article

World-class hospitality qualifications

Our bachelor’s degree in hospitality will give you the platform to launch your career in hotel management.

The hospitality and tourism industry is booming thanks to accessible international travel and consumers’ enthusiasm for discovering new places.

Continuing growth in the industry means there is an enticing range of  career paths in hospitality  and tourism you can consider when deciding on your future, such as event manager, luxury manager, marketing manager, and more.

If you’re curious about what type of role might be best for you, there are plenty of options that combine exciting opportunities for personal development and working around the world.

In this article, we’ll go over the different hospitality and tourism career pathways you could aim towards.

We’ll also discuss what the different roles entail and how you can gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in hospitality and tourism.

Why pursue a career in the industry?

With tourism and hospitality booming after Covid, there are more reasons than ever before to consider a career path in this rewarding sector.

Hospitality venues are keen to employ skilled and qualified individuals who can help their businesses thrive.

The industry itself can be an exciting and endlessly interesting area to work in. In this field, you’ll get to work with people from all over the world.

You’ll also be able to work in a range of appealing locations, since hospitality is truly a global industry. It’s also a great option for people who like to challenge themselves to continuously improve.

Hotel operations

Hotel operations roles include everything that makes a hotel run smoothly. These include:

• Front desk and guest services
• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Food and beverage services

For each of these, there will be management roles responsible for overseeing staff in their specific department. For example, a  front of house manager  supervises staff at the front desk. Generally,  hotel management  careers are all about organizing staff, monitoring projects, solving problems and making sure consumers are happy.

What are the different departments in a hotel?

There are a range of different departments in a hotel, including:

• Front of house
• Back of house and housekeeping
• Maintenance
• Event management
• Guest experience

Hotels also need general managers who handle the overall operations of all these departments.

What skills are required to work in hotel operations?

To work in hotel operations, you should work on building skills such as:

• Time management
• Team leadership
• Organization
• Analytical skills
• Communication

These useful transferable skills will set you up well for a hospitality and tourism career and in other areas too.

How can I start a career in hotel management?

There are two main routes to working in hotel management. You can either start working your way up from entry-level roles via other  careers in the hotel industry  or you can study for a  hospitality degree .

Travel and tourism 

There are also a wide range of travel and tourism industry jobs, such as:

• Travel agency management
• Tour guide positions
• Event planning and coordination
• Transportation and logistics in the tourism industry
• Adventure and eco-tourism careers

These will have many of the same requirements as hotel roles. However, they can lead to working in varied environments, especially if you work in  luxury management , which focuses on high-end services.

Restaurant and culinary services

Hospitality careers also include food and beverage services work, which includes:

• Restaurant management positions
• Culinary arts and chef careers
• Front-of-house and back-of-house staff for restaurants
• Sommeliers and beverage professionals
• Catering and  event management

What skills are required to work in restaurant management?

As well as the management skills you’d need for any of these hospitality careers, you’ll also be expected to have culinary experience for a role in restaurant management. You could gain this either through specialized study or by working in a professional kitchen environment, a bar or with a catering company.

What is the role of a sommelier?

A sommelier is a wine expert. They are usually responsible for choosing and updating a venue’s wine list. They’ll also work with chefs to make sure dishes have suitable wine pairings and they can often give advice to customers on wines that enhance their menu selections.

Hospitality marketing and sales

Another career option in hospitality is to work in marketing and sales. This can mean being responsible for:

• Sales and revenue management
• Digital marketing strategies for hotels and travel companies
• Branding and public relations
• Customer service and guest relations

How can I pursue a career in hospitality marketing?

For one of these hospitality careers, you will need a good knowledge of both the hospitality field and marketing. You can learn the skills you need from a college or  hospitality school in Switzerland  to give you the best chances of success.

What skills are essential for a sales manager in the hospitality industry?

Vital skills for a marketing or sales job in hospitality and tourism, such as marketing manager, include:

• Project management
• Data analysis

Transitioning into a career in hospitality and tourism

If you are looking to start your career in the hospitality and tourism professions, the important steps are:

• Education and training to get you the skills and qualifications needed for hospitality employment prospects
• Learning transferable skills, such as those listed in this article, to help you in whatever hospitality career you move into
• Networking and making industry connections to help you find job opportunities in tourism and hospitality
• Doing a  hospitality internship  or apprenticeship to give you real-world experience

What qualifications do I need to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism?

The best qualifications for hospitality careers are specialist hospitality certificates.

Whether you’re thinking about a bachelor’s degree, a diploma or an advanced qualification, these courses will give you the experience and skills necessary to compete for the most sought-after careers in the industry.

If you are looking at a career as a restaurant manager, you should also look for some culinary qualifications.

If you’re looking at degree options, you should aim to choose a course that includes internships. These will provide vital on-the-job training, as well as giving you a chance to network with professionals who are already established.

Learn more about Hospitality Careers

Hospitality Careers

Guide to career paths in hospitality

What is tourism and hospitality?

Hospitality and tourism careers: how to get started.

Open for business: showcasing our entrepreneurial alumni

What are the job prospects and growth potential in the industry.

The hospitality and tourism industries have huge potential for growth due to the demand for quality travel experiences from a global customer base.

This means there are many opportunities for career advancement, especially in luxury management and other high-end hospitality sectors.

Once established in hospitality and tourism, there are also plenty of options to either specialize in area-specific management roles or to aim for general management or executive management roles.

All of these jobs in hospitality will have their own challenges and benefits.

What skills are important for success in hospitality and tourism?

There are many skills you can develop to improve your prospects in the  hospitality business . Some of those you should work on consolidating include:

• Communication, both written and verbal
• Organizational skills
• Time management skills
• Team leadership skills
• Analytical and data handling skills
• Problem solving

All of these are transferable or soft skills, which you can use in any job role. You’ll also need to learn specific skills relating to the role you want.

For example, if you want to work in restaurant management, you should aim to build culinary skills alongside those listed above.

If you want to work in sales management, you should aim to develop skills in finance and marketing.

Hospitality and tourism careers: conclusion

Working in hospitality and tourism can be a great career for people who want to challenge themselves, travel, be constantly learning and work in a truly global enterprise.

The sector is experiencing healthy growth and consumer enthusiasm for travel and new experiences is not likely to diminish. You can expect rewarding career prospects with the possibility of advancement.

There are roles to suit all talents, including front of house, food and beverage management, hotel manager, general manager and lots more.

If you want to embrace any of the roles on our hospitality job list, the most efficient route is to get a world-recognized hospitality degree that ensures you gain the skills and knowledge to succeed.

If you want to pursue any of these  hospitality careers , from hotel general manager to  becoming an event planner , getting a quality education can be the first and most essential step.

Photo credits Main image:  Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Setting the standard in hospitality degrees

Our world-leading hospitality master’s degree is an intensive mix of developing skills and making priceless connections that mean access to roles at the highest levels of the hospitality industry.

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Careers in Travel

A comprehensive overview of the dominant career paths in the travel industry..

CareerExplorer is a free career test made for success seekers and the curious minded.

Do you find yourself daydreaming of far away places? For people with a sense of adventure and a love of new experiences, a career in travel can be incredibly rewarding. But with the rise of new technology and a constantly changing economy, jobs in this area look almost nothing like they did just a couple of decades ago.

What does a career in travel look like today? Here, we’ll explore some of the most common professions in this area and how they can help you see the world.

Flight Attendant

Also known as in-flight crew member, cabin crew member, cabin attendant, air host(ess), and airline steward(ess).

Of all the careers in travel, flight attendant is probably one of the most people-focused. These friendly professionals are the face of the airline industry, responsible for ensuring passengers are safe and comfortable for the duration of their flight. You may remember them from the last time you traveled—perhaps more for the drink cart in front of them than for their personality.

But flight attendants do much more than people assume. In addition to providing basic customer service, they also secure the plane during takeoff, landing, and bouts of turbulence, and assist in emergency situations when they occur by leading evacuations, administering first aid, and even doing some firefighting. Maintaining a pleasant disposition is important in this career, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg.

What are the perks of being a flight attendant?

Many people enter this career because they love to travel. And, for those with wanderlust, that’s probably the best part of the job: flight attendants literally get paid to fly. Airlines provide staff with free accommodation on long haul flights, plus, in most cases, a daily food allowance, so long-haul flights can essentially become mini all-expenses-paid vacations. There may only be a little bit of extra time to explore the destination between landing and takeoff, but it’s still an incredible way to see the world.

Other perks include the downtime. Although the work itself can be intense, it also involves a lot of leisure. On lengthier trips, flight attendants even get to sleep on the job! They also have more control over their schedule than people in more “typical” careers; every few weeks, attendants “bid” on all available flights to decide who flies when and where. Shifts are assigned by seniority, which means that, with enough time and experience, flight attendants can craft their dream schedule.

These perks, plus the fact that it’s possible to get hired right out of high school, makes flight attending an appealing line of work for many.

How much time do flight attendants spend away from home?

A career as a flight attendant isn’t all fun and games. Full-time attendants usually spend between 75 and 100 hours a month in the air, and another 50 hours on the ground, doing paperwork, waiting for planes, and preparing for flights. This can translate to a lot of time away from home, often working long, variable hours.

Perhaps because of the bizarre schedule, about one in four flight attendants work part-time. This option is obviously less lucrative than working full-time, but can make it easier to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle and raise a family.

Flight attendants are paid to see the world…sort of

Not only does flight attending require a lot of time away from home, it also involves a lot of unpaid work. Salaries are completely dependent on the number of hours spent in flight, so flight attendants aren’t compensated for the time they spend boarding, taxiing, or commuting to and from the airport. If a flight gets cancelled or delayed, so does the attendant’s pay.

In the US, the average salary is about $45,000. But depending on the airline, as well as the attendant’s schedule and level of experience, that number can range anywhere between $23,000 and $80,000.

Travel Agent

You’ve probably seen her before in an old movie: a smiling woman in a headset, stationed at her computer against a backdrop of faded tropical posters. But the day-to-day of today’s travel agents looks very different from what it did even ten years ago.

What do travel agents do?

At the most basic level, travel agents help simplify the trip planning process for their clients. They research fares and schedules; book flights, tours, and hotels; and advise clients on how to make the most of their time away. The specifics of their day-to-day vary a lot depending on where and for whom they work. But no matter what their focus, all travel agents share a common goal: customer satisfaction. This is a people-focused profession, committed to ensuring clients have the most pleasant, safe, and rewarding travel experiences possible.

There are two kinds of travel agents…

....each with very different lifestyles:

• Leisure travel agents work primarily with individuals, organizing everything from family vacations to honeymoon getaways. Although some of them work independently, most choose to work under a host agency. These businesses “employ” home-based agents through independent-contractor agreements, offering them services like marketing, training, and technology in exchange for a cut of their commissions.
• Corporate travel agents , on the other hand, primarily work with businesses, booking accommodation and flights for employees attending sales meetings, conferences, and more. Whereas leisure agents often work remotely on their own schedule, those in corporate positions tend to work in offices. It’s a standard 9-to-5 job, or something similar.

How do travel agents make money?

Travel agents earn their income in three ways, through commissions, service fees, and salary. Typically, vendors pay a 10-15% commission whenever an agent books a car rental, hotel, or cruise for a client. They also pay about 20-30% on travel insurance sales, though all of these rates can vary depending on the vendor, the agent, and how the booking was made.

In addition to commissions, some travel agents also charge clients a service fee for the time spent researching and creating their itinerary. These usually range somewhere between $75 and $200, but can be as high as $500 for more complicated trips.

Finally, many agents who work for an employer—either a host agency or a corporate sector company—also earn a salary on top of their commissions, adding a bit of stability to their income.

How much do travel agents make?

Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of variation in how much travel agents make. The average annual wage for US travel agents is just shy of $40,000 , but agents can earn as little as $23,000 or as much as $68,000.

Do travel agents get to travel themselves?

The bulk of a travel agent’s time is usually spent indoors: either at home, if they work remotely, or in an office. Most of their day is spent on the phone or the computer, talking to clients, airlines, hotels, and other vendors or preparing itineraries.

That said, many do spend some time visiting the destinations they promote in order to make better-informed recommendations to their clients. While away, they might visit restaurants, resorts, or hotels, or even try a guided tour.

Plus, many agents are able to use their connections to travel at a discount price. So seeing the world may not always be part of the job—but it definitely can be.

Is travel agent a doomed profession?

Online booking is only getting easier, and travelers are increasingly choosing to organize their own flights and accommodation. Although many travel agents are still running successful businesses, employment opportunities are expected to decrease by 12% in the next 10 years. For the right person, a career in this industry is still possible—but staying afloat will take dedication, adaptability, and a healthy dose of optimism.

People skills, local knowledge, and a sense of adventure—these are just some of the traits that make for a stellar tour guide. For extraverted explorers, a career in this field can be fun, varied, and rewarding.

Do tour guides get paid to explore the world?

At the most basic level, tour guides help travelers make the most of their trip by providing cultural, historical, or environmental information about their local surroundings. Working on foot, bus, bicycle, or even riverboat, they guide their clients through some of the most stunning destinations on earth, offering safety tips, expert knowledge, and helpful advice along the way. From the calm Tuscan countryside to the busy streets of Tokyo, tour guides really can work anywhere.

However, the life of a tour guide isn’t always full of novelty and excitement. While some tour guides do travel on the job, many work primarily in a single destination, showing visitors around a particular city, cultural site, or museum.

What are the different kinds of tour guides?

Tour guides can look dramatically different depending on where they work and what kind of travel experience they offer. Some of the most common tour guide variations include:

• Heritage Guides provide historical, archeological, or architectural information about ancient sites such as tombs, temples, and museums.
• Culture Guides offer knowledge about the lifestyle, religion, or cuisine of the local population. They might focus on one particular city, specialize in certain sites (like vineyards or ancient temples), or cover an entire geographical region.
• Adventure Guides lead clients on active, experience-based tours of the destination. Guides typically focus on one or more sports, such as trekking, skiing, or scuba diving, and have undergone some form of outdoors and first aid training.
• Nature/Eco Guides help visitors enjoy the local wildlife and landscapes, offering tours or safaris of deserts, gardens, forests, and more.
• Special Interest Guides play a similar role as adventure guides, offering targeted experiences such as golf, shopping, or wedding tours.

There are different roles available within each of these areas. Tour guides simply offer commentary about the destinations they visit, whereas tour directors are also responsible for planning the itinerary, coordinating the logistics, and trouble shooting any complications that arise along the way.

Do tour guides actually get paid?

Tour guiding is a fun gig, but not a particularly well-paid one. The average tour guide salary punches in just under $24,000 US , although experienced tour guides earn about $35,000 per year. Of course, this can vary depending on location, specialization, experience, and clientele.

Luckily, it’s also a relatively low-barrier career, usually requiring little more than a drivers license and an eager attitude. You may need to pass a first aid course or some other form of professional training for certain jobs, but you probably won’t be paying off any major student loans.

Travel Blogger

Equally low-barrier and adventurous is the world of travel blogging. Requiring little more than a laptop, a strong internet connection, and an entrepreneurial spirit, this exciting career can open doors all across the globe.

How do travel bloggers make money?

It may not look that way from their websites, but travel bloggers do a lot more than just write and explore. That’s because, like most bloggers , they rarely make money from the posts they produce. Instead, travel bloggers rely on a mix of advertising, sponsored campaigns, freelancing, and affiliate linking to generate income, using their blog primarily as a platform to attract potential partners. Many even sell related products, such as books, travel guides, podcasts, or public speaking services, on the side to make extra cash.

Because of this, the finances of travel blogging can look extremely different from one person to the next. While there are some bloggers who report making as much as $150,000 a year, others are barely able to break even. According to a survey of more than 1000 bloggers, only about 17% are able to sustain their lifestyle on their blog salaries, while more than 80% never make more than $100.

But although it’s a tough industry, it is possible to succeed. By diversifying their income and investing enough time and effort, well-established travel bloggers can make a stable $2,000 to $5,000 a month.

How do I become a travel blogger?

One of the reasons so many travel bloggers fail is because it’s so easy to become one. The real question isn’t “How do I become a travel blogger?” but “How do I become a successful one?”

To get started, aspiring travel bloggers will need a laptop, a working website, a passport, and enough cash to live and travel for at least two years. That’s because building a large enough audience to monetize takes time. Those who don’t have the savings required will likely need to take on additional part-time work while they get started.

Next, most new bloggers dedicate their time to posting lots of high quality, interesting, and useful content. The content itself can be about almost anything—travel tips, photography, hiking recommendations, etc—as long as it’s relatively frequent (one-two times a week) and provides real value to readers. Many bloggers also pitch stories to major media outlets, write guest posts on popular blogs, or invest in digital advertising to gain further attention. But no matter the strategy, the goal for any beginner travel blogger is the same: get readers first, revenue second.

Super Yacht Crew

Celebrity clients, a luxurious lifestyle, months and months on the open ocean: could any career sound dreamier? Jobs on a super yacht may not look quite like they do on Below Deck , but there’s no denying this is a fabulous way to see the world.

What is a super yacht?

Super yachts are massive, luxury boats measuring anywhere from 24 to 100 metres long. Expensive to buy and even more expensive to maintain, they are usually owned by the extremely rich and famous and their families. While some super yachts never make it out of the harbor, others will travel to some of the most exclusive destinations on earth, making them one of the most attractive work settings for those with wanderlust.

What does a super yacht crew do?

No matter what its size, almost every super yacht is manned by a group of skilled professionals: the super yacht crew. These personable and hard-working individuals live on board the vessel during long journeys, assisting with everything from cleaning to navigation.

Roles are varied, and can differ from yacht to yacht, but the most common positions include:

• Captain and First officer
• Mate and Deckhand
• Chief and Junior Steward(ess)
• Chef and Sous Chef
• First and Second Engineer

Some of these positions, like first engineer, are more technical, requiring extensive mechanical or seafaring knowledge. Others, like junior steward, are primarily service based. But no matter what their role, all members of the super yacht crew share a common goal: ensuring their employers and their guests are comfortable and safe for the duration of the voyage.

What’s the best thing about working on a super yacht?

For most people in this profession, the top attraction is the travel. Although real vacations are rare during the yachting season, most captains will try to give staff an occasional day off whenever possible. It may not offer a lot of time for sight seeing, but it does provide an opportunity to explore some of the world’s most exotic destinations—all expenses paid.

Is the super yacht life as glamorous as it sounds?

Many people are attracted to a super yacht career because of the lifestyle involved, but the daily reality of the super yacht crew is a little less glamorous than you’d expect:

• Living Conditions: Crew members live, eat, and work together closely for the duration of the voyage, which can be weeks or even months long. Accommodations are usually small and simple—either solo cabins or shared bunk rooms—and although privacy is possible, it’s usually rare. If you need a lot of alone time, this probably isn’t the career for you.
• Food: Meals aboard are usually prepared by the crew chef, which means they tend to be delicious, extremely high quality, and—best of all—free.
• Schedule: Super yacht crew live and work in the same space for months on end, which can make it difficult to maintain any real separation between work time and down time. Crews tend to be small and the clientele are often demanding, so working 12- to 14-hour shifts isn’t unusual.

Do super yacht jobs pay well?

Depending on the crew member’s experience and the size of the vessel, super yacht crew salaries can vary significantly. But in general, this is a very well-paid line of work—especially relative to other travel careers. Chief stewards can expect to make anywhere from $3000 to $8000 a month, and it’s not uncommon to see salaries as high as $90,000 on larger vessels.

Corporate Travel Careers

Got the travel bug but looking for a something more stable? Don’t fret—there are a plethora of corporate jobs in the travel sector. Providing all of the benefits of more “traditional” work, these exciting options offer a chance to see the world and plan for the future.

What kinds of travel companies offer corporate careers?

Corporate travel careers exist in a wide array of settings, each of which comes with its unique set of opportunities, perks, and drawbacks.

Because of the diversity of options, it can be hard to know where to look for a corporate travel job. But some of the most common work settings include:

• Airlines and airports
• Travel agencies
• Tour organizations
• Tourism offices
• Cruise companies (boat, bus, rail, etc.)
• Hotels, resorts, and hostels

What corporate jobs can I get in the travel industry?

Finding the right travel career isn’t just about deciding where to work; it also involves choosing the right kind of position. Corporate tourism jobs come in all shapes and sizes—too many to cover here—but here’s a quick list of some of the most popular ones:

• Marketing and publicity: From buying ads to writing website content, there are lots of ways to get involved in the promotional side of travel. Tasks might include crafting blog posts to boost an airline’s SEO, pitching news stories to travel magazines about an edgy new adventure tour, or designing an email newsletter to encourage signups for an upcoming cruise.
• Sales: Sales jobs in travel can include everything from cold calling potential customers to encourage tour signups to managing an entire sales department at an airport. Some standard duties in this line of work include creating sales plans, identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), training sales staff, providing customer service, and more.
• Finance: Even train companies need accountants! There are a variety of financial jobs in the travel industry, which can include everything from managing a hostel’s A/R and A/P processes to working as an in-house auditor at a major resort.
• IT: As the travel industry becomes more and more digital, a career in IT can be a lucrative option. Whether it’s building online booking software or creating a new tourism app, there are lots of opportunities for technologically savvy wanderers.

What are the benefits of a corporate travel career?

Although corporate jobs may not be as hands-on as others travel careers, they do offer many of the same perks. Many hotel chains offer discounted (or even free) accommodation to their employees, making it easy to travel on a budget. The same is true for many airlines, tour companies, hostels, and travel agencies. In the right career, you can expect to travel at low cost almost anywhere in the world.

At the same time, corporate careers often come with advantages that other travel jobs can’t provide: excellent benefits, a flexible work schedule, an impressive salary, and a high level of job security. This added stability can make the corporate route an appealing option for travellers with children, mortgages, or other responsibilities at home.

A writer, researcher, and occasional spoon carver, she knows that the "right" career sometimes looks nothing like what you expected.

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What Is Food Tourism? A Guide to Culinary Career Opportunities

Foodie adventures and dream jobs await! Explore how you can combine culinary passion and travel with a career in food tourism.

Take the Culinary Career Survey

We’ve compiled a checklist of all of the essential questions into one handy tool: career options, culinary interest surveys, educational opportunities, and more.

Clicking the "Get the Survey Now" button constitutes your express request, and your express written consent, to be contacted by and to receive automated or pre-recorded call, texts, messages and/or emails from via phone, text, and/or emails by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number(s)/email you provided, regarding furthering your education and enrolling. You understand that these calls , texts, messages and/or emails may be generated using an automated or pre-recorded technology. You are not required to agree to receive automated or pre-recorded calls, texts, messages or emails as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. You can unsubscribe at any time or request removal of street address, phone number, email address via Escoffier website .

Listen to This Article:

Imagine your ideal vacation. Maybe you’re relaxing under a palm tree on a white sandy beach or backpacking through rugged mountains featuring breathtaking views. Or maybe you’re like a growing number of travelers who enjoy experiencing a new culture through unique dining experiences and locally sourced ingredients.

Picture unwinding in a private villa in the Napa Valley vineyards, partaking in private tastings, and indulging in local Meyer lemons and Dungeness crab. Food can serve as a powerful lens, allowing us to more fully experience new destinations, which is one reason food tourism is a growing trend.

According to some private-sector research, a majority of travelers research restaurants before heading out on vacation . But some travelers take it a step further. A recent report by the World Travel Association (WFTA) found that 34% of travelers select their destination based on food .

This growing interest in connecting travel and the culinary world raises the questions: What is food tourism and what careers exist in the industry?

What Is Food Tourism?

What are some examples of food tourism.

• Traveling to New Orleans to try authentic dishes and drinks like Creole Jambalaya, beignets, and a hurricane cocktail
• Visiting Italy, to indulge in pizza, pasta, and gelato the way it was meant to taste
• Staying in Spain, to experience heritage recipes for paella, tapas, and churros
• Venturing over to Japan, to experience sushi, ramen, and tempura made by locals

Tourists enjoy interacting with chefs as their meals are prepared.

Travelers are looking to learn more about the regions they travel to through food experiences such as farm-to-table tours and restaurants, trips through local markets, and interacting with the chef as their food is prepared. They’re looking for local flavors and specialties they can’t find anywhere else, which is creating unique opportunities for creative chefs.

Food tourism experiences can also help preserve traditional cooking methods and regional cuisines, ensuring their legacy lives on for future generations. It’s a win-win situation for locals and travelers alike.

Why Is Food Tourism so Popular?

While the term “foodie” arrived on the food scene in the 1980s, it began to gain steam in the 1990s when food television grew in popularity. The foodie community began to connect even more once the internet and social media made it easier to share and follow each others’ experiences and the works of celebrity chefs .

Food trucks grew in popularity along with the foodie scene.

In fact, the majority of Millennials and Gen Z would rather spend their money on experiences like traveling instead of saving for the future. In addition, they have become more interested in experiencing authentic culture as they travel instead of wanting to see landmarks or visit popular theme parks.

The younger generations want to move past sightseeing and see how the locals are living—and eating. Why visit a predictable amusement park when you could take a small catamaran to an island off the coast of Mexico where you can eat homemade tortillas prepared by the locals?

And it doesn’t appear to be a fading trend. The food tourism market is strong and expected to continue growing by 15.20% through 2033. With this in mind, it brings new and innovative opportunities for chefs looking to put a different spin on their careers.

Culinary Tourism Creates Exciting Career Opportunities

The increasing popularity of culinary tourism is creating unique opportunities for both chefs and food influencers . There are many ways you can combine your passion for food, culinary experiences, travel, or your local area into money-making opportunities.

Opportunities for Those Who Love to Travel

Do you want to see the world? Or do you have a favorite destination that you’d love to live in long-term or temporarily? There are many opportunities around the world for chefs and others passionate about cuisine in the food tourism industry. If you want to be part of it, here are some ideas for how you can combine your career and hobbies:

1. Partner with Tour Companies

You can partner with travel agencies and tour operators to create one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers. This could include taking groups to local farms and markets to purchase ingredients and educating them on the significance of the ingredients in the local culture throughout history. Escoffier’s Farm To Table Experience offers great examples of how local farming can influence culinary culture.

Food tourists are interested in learning more about the local food scene, including where to source ingredients, like the farmer’s market.

2. Cook for Guests as a Private Chef on a Yacht

Create a luxurious dining experience by working as a private chef on a yacht. You can personalize multi-course meals for private clients or charter guests while incorporating local ingredients from exotic destinations. You get the bonus of stunning ocean views day and night. Several professional organizations exist that can help you on your personal chef journey, including the United States Personal Chef Association and the American Personal & Private Chef Association (founded by friend of Escoffier Candy Wallace).

3. Join Adventure Groups as an Expedition Chef

If you enjoy trekking through the mountains, join an adventure tour company like Overland Cookery . You can prepare meals for hikers and campers throughout their journey. Or, you could prepare delicious meals for travelers to return to after an adventurous day of spotting animals on a South African safari. Get creative thinking about your favorite place to travel and how you could be a part of creating an unforgettable food experience for others.

4. Hit the Road as a Food Influencer

Professional chefs have a unique voice and experience to add to the world of food influencers. If you enjoy travel, you could spend your time traveling while learning about and sharing food experiences with others online. You can help foodies plan their next vacation by covering the best food to try and experiences to participate in throughout the world.

The Food Entrepreneurship Courses at Escoffier include classes in social media content development, food blogging, and hospitality marketing that can help you take the next step.

5. Provide Services as a Restaurant Consultant

Lend your culinary knowledge and experience to restaurants around the world. You can assist restaurants in menu development, improved food quality, and staff training. Become known as the expert in a specific culinary area and travel to teach others how they can do the same. Explore ways a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Operations Management can help.

Opportunities for Those Who Want to Stay Local

You don’t have to travel to work in and support the world of culinary tourism if you want to stay close to home. There are plenty of opportunities, including the following, for chefs looking to stay local.

1. Host Cooking Classes

Host cooking classes to teach tourists about local culinary techniques and regional dishes. Educate participants on the differences in your local ingredients. Incorporate pieces of local history and storytelling throughout the experience to engage tourists and help them learn more about your area and culture.

2. Participate in Food Festivals

Food festivals , such as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, are popular among foodies. Join a festival in your area or partner with other food experts to start a food festival to attract tourists. You can provide culinary demonstrations to showcase your skills and promote your region’s culinary heritage.

3. Work as a Private Chef

With the help of companies like Airbnb, many travelers enjoy staying at a house instead of a hotel or resort while traveling. You can help them enjoy an authentic experience by working as a private chef for their trip. You can prepare a lavish spread using local ingredients while customizing the menu for specific travelers.

Private chefs can help tourists enjoy authentic cuisine at every meal.

4. Food Tour Guide

Help take travelers past the tourist hotspots to find the best authentic dishes and culinary experiences the locals love in your city. Lead groups to the best restaurants, sharing what dishes will meet their needs. Take them on behind-the-scenes tours of the restaurants or create experiences where they can meet the Executive Chef.

5. Develop Local Food Tourism Opportunities

With the increase in food tourism, cities are working to create new experiences to help draw tourists. There are many ways you can partner with local government and business owners to put your city on the food tourism map. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Create themed menus for restaurants in your local area.
• Collaborate with local producers, from farmers to cheesemakers and artisanal bakers, to source fresh local ingredients for your dishes.
• Offer special tasting events featuring local ingredients and specialties.
• Work as a food tourism advocate. Connect with other local chefs, restaurants, and food businesses to bring new culinary offerings to your area.

The food tourism industry is wide open. Look for ways to pair your culinary skills with other passions to create one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers from near and far.

Providing unique culinary experiences and behind-the-scenes experiences can draw tourists.

If the food tourism industry is calling your name, you can set yourself apart from other chefs by developing additional skills that will help you serve in these unique career opportunities.

Non-Culinary Skills for Success in Food Tourism

Food tourism is about more than just local ingredients and cooking. Outside of your culinary skills, the following skills can help you succeed in a career in the culinary tourism industry:

• Storytelling Skills : Creating the authentic experience tourists are looking for includes good communication skills and being a captivating storyteller. Share local heritage and cultural narratives throughout the culinary experience. Engage with people to share your local knowledge and answer their questions to create a personalized experience.
• Business Acumen : Understanding business principles such as marketing and promotion can help you attract customers to your culinary experience while understanding the numbers behind the business will help you price your offerings right.
• Cultural sensitivity : Food is deeply connected with local culture, and having cultural sensitivity helps you communicate local and historical traditions in a meaningful way.

Combining these skills can help you create one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers while establishing yourself in a career that you can enjoy personally and professionally. If you’re interested in starting your own business in the food tourism industry, explore how a food entrepreneurship program can help you get started.

How to Take the Next Step for a Career in Food Tourism

Food tourism is a travel trend that is here to stay. It provides transformative experiences for travelers, allowing them to immerse themselves in unique flavors, local culture, and regional traditions.

The travel landscape continues to evolve with the changing generations, creating new and exciting opportunities in the culinary and hospitality world. If you’re passionate about food and enjoy creating unique experiences along with delicious cuisine, a career in food tourism might be right for you. Contact us to learn more about how you can combine your interests and passions with an exciting career in culinary tourism.

CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES NEXT!

• Career Options For Culinary School Graduates
• What Skills Do You Need for a Career in Hospitality and Tourism?
• How You Can Get a Job on a Cruise Ship

*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.

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Monday 13 May 2024 16:15, UK

• Gen Z would rather deliver parcels than work in restaurants, Michel Roux Jr claims
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Gordon Ramsay's restaurants tripled losses to £3.4m last year, as the chef warned businesses in the industry were facing a "challenging" climate. 

The chef's group spent millions opening five new restaurants in 2023, including a Lucky Cat in Manchester, a Bread Street Kitchen in Battersea Power Station and a Street Pizza in Edinburgh. 

Sales at his wide-ranging establishments rose, however, by 21% to £95.6m in the year to August, according to The Telegraph. 

"It's been a really hard-fought year, but at the same time an exciting year, and in tough times it amazes me how strong and vibrant our industry is," Ramsay told the news outlet. 

"It's challenging out there and businesses are battling to stay afloat, rising costs, rent and food costs, multiple strikes. It's a battle" 

He was optimistic, however, saying there hasn't been "so much passion and vibrancy" in the industry since he opened his first restaurant in 1998.

"We've still got something wonderful to celebrate, and I truly believe the industry has never been so exciting."

Once the UK's favourite alcoholic beverage, beer's popularity seems to be fading among the younger drinking generation... 

In fact, only 30% of people aged 18 to 24 ever drink it, according to a study commissioned by the Society of Independent Brewers. 

Instead, younger drinkers say they prefer drinking spirits, wine and cider. 

Pub visits appear to be suffering as well, with almost a quarter of the 2,000 people surveyed saying they have never visited their local. 

SIBA's 2024 Craft Beer Report paints a more positive picture for small and independent brewers, however, with more than 55% of beer consumers saying they now drink "local craft beer". 

It also found average beer production volumes among independent breweries has risen by 14% since last year - a return to pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 4 years. 

"Demand for local, independently brewed beer in the UK is strong, with independent brewers reporting production volumes up by 14%, meaning they have returned to 2019 volumes again," Andy Slee, SIBA's chief executive, said. 

But, he said, it's time for "cautious optimism" only, with the industry still plagued with a number of issues. 

"The short-term issue for small independent breweries isn't demand; it's profitability, rising costs and financial pressures such as lingering COVID debt," he said. 

"Far too many breweries are simply trying to survive rather than thrive, so while there are many positives signs highlighted in the report, for now it's cautious optimism."

Earlier this year, our Money reporter Emily Mee explored whether the UK's big night out culture was dying out. 

Nightlife experts warned we're losing one club every two days at the moment - and if we stay on this trajectory, we will have none left by 2030.

You can read more about her findings here...

A total of 583 skyscrapers are "queuing up in the pipeline" to be built across central London, a development thinktank has said. 

That is more than double the 270 built in the past decade. 

In the eastern borough of Tower Hamlets alone, 71 tall buildings were completed in that time that time, the report by New London Architecture found. 

A further 24 were in the City of London and 27 in Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs. 

The report said the rapid change has been fuelled by a "burgeoning demand" for office and residential space, overseas investment and a supporting planning environment. 

"Tall buildings have changed the face of London substantially over the last 20 years and will continue to do so - the pipeline that NLA has tracked means there is at least 10 years' supply that has already been defined," Peter Murray, the organisation's co-founder, said. 

"London's population continues to grow, passing the 10 million mark at the end of this decade.

"We'll still need tall buildings; and NLA will continue to keep a close watch on what's going on." 

Restaurants might only be able to open three or four days a week due to staffing problems, Michel Roux Jr has warned. 

Speaking to The Telegraph as he gears up to open his new restaurant Chez Rouz, the Michelin starred chef admitted the industry needs to change to accommodate flexible working hours. 

"Just because I worked 80 hours a week or more doesn't mean the next generation should," he said. 

"Quite the contrary. That is something that we have to address in our industry."

But, he warned that the move will come at a cost... 

"It will mean ultimately that going out is going to be more expensive, and that maybe your favourite restaurant is no longer open seven days a week - it's only open three or four days a week," he said. 

The industry is known for its long, unsociable working hours, and Roux Jr explained that the real issue hit after the pandemic, with people no longer wanting to work weekends. 

"People don't want to work unsociable hours and would rather work delivering parcels as and when they want to. It's as simple as that," he added. 

Earlier this year, Roux Jr said goodbye to his famous restaurant Le Gavroche in London. 

It had been opened by his father Albert Roux and uncle Michel Roux in 1967. 

Now, he said it's "brave" to open a new restaurant, with the market "very, very tough". 

"I really feel for anyone that is brave enough to open up a restaurant now. It's incredibly difficult," he added. 

Chez Rouz at The Langham in Marylebone, central London, is due to open on 22 May. 

By James Sillars , business news reporter

A pause for breath on the FTSE 100 after a 3% gain over the course of past week that took the index to a fresh record closing high.

The rally of recent weeks - significant for London's standing and pension pots alike - has been broad based and reflects several factors.

A major driver has been sterling's weakness versus the US dollar.

The US currency has been strong as the Federal Reserve, its central bank, has hinted it will be some time yet before it begins to cut interest rates.

Language out of the Bank of England last week sparked a flurry of bets that UK rates could be cut as early as next month.

A weaker pound boosts dollar-earning constituents on the FTSE 100 because they get more for their money when dollars are converted to pounds.

Also at play is the view that UK stocks represent good value, as they are cheaper compared to many of their international peers.

A few moments ago, the FTSE 100 was trading 6 points lower at 8,423.

A major talking point is the possibility of the Chinese fast fashion firm Shein listing in London.

According to Reuters, the company has shifted its focus to the UK after receiving a lukewarm reception in the United States.

The news agency, citing two sources, reported that Shein was stepping up its preparations for an initial public offering in London that would be expected to be one of the biggest carried out globally this year.

By Emily Mee , Money team

No one likes the date in their calendar when their MOT rolls around. 

But to make things a little less stressful, consumer expert Scott Dixon - known as The Complaints Resolver - has given us some tips on what to look out for to help your vehicle pass with flying colours. 

Some of the most common failures are faulty steering, brakes, suspension, worn or damaged tyres, cracked windscreens and faulty lights. 

Mr Dixon recommends you get your car serviced a couple of weeks before your MOT, in case there are any complex or costly issues. 

This will give you time to get them fixed and get your car through first time without any advisories. 

Aside from taking your car for a service, there are also some easy checks you can run yourself... 

Listen for unusual clunks while you're driving - this could be a sign of a damaged suspension. 

You could also check by pushing the car down on each corner. It should return to normal without bouncing a few times. 

Another option is to look with a torch under the wheel arch, as this should reveal any obvious defects. 

Blown bulbs are a common MOT failure, but they're cheap to fix. 

Walk around your car and check all the bulbs are working - this includes the headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and the number plate bulb.

Mr Dixon says it's "not an easy job" to change the lightbulbs yourself on most modern cars, as the MOT will also check the positioning of the light. Therefore he recommends getting this done professionally. 

Squealing or grinding noises may be a sign your brake pads need replacing. 

You should also check whether your car stops in a straight line, or whether it pulls in different directions. 

Don't forget about the handbrake, too. Test it out on a slope and see if it securely holds the car. If it doesn't, you should get it adjusted. 

It's easy to check if your wipers work okay, but you should also make sure to inspect the blades for tears and rips. 

They should be able to clean the windows with no smears. 

Mr Dixon says you don't need to pay Halfords to change your wiper blade as you can "do it yourself in seconds". All you need to do is look for a YouTube tutorial. 

He also recommends buying the Bosch wiper blades, as he says these are good quality and will also be a sign you've looked after your car well when you come to sell it. 

One thing to look out for is tread depth. You can do this by looking for the "wear bar" that sits between the tread. 

If it's close to 1.6mm and is low, you should get the tyre replaced so it's not flagged as an advisory. 

Also check for perished tyre walls, which can happen when a vehicle is standing for any length of time. 

Uneven tyre wear is another potential issue, and if there are signs of this you should get the tyre replaced and tracking and suspension checked. 

These must be in good condition and working order, with no tears or knots. 

Registration plates

Your number plates should be clean and visible with a working light bulb at the rear. You may need to give them a wipe and replace the bulb if necessary. 

This should be in good condition, without damage such as loose bumpers or sharp edges. 

Mr Dixon advises against using automatic car washes during your car's lifetime, saying they "wreck your car". 

"It's not just your paintwork but they can also damage the wiper blades and the bodywork," he says. 

Check for warning lights

You'll need to take your vehicle to a trusted garage or mechanic for this. 

Exhaust emissions

Some diesel vehicles can fail their MOTs based on emissions. To avoid this, you can buy a fuel treatment pack and take your car for a good run to clear the fuel lines and tank.

Driving for at least 30 to 50 minutes at a sustained speed on a motorway or A-road should help to clear the filter. 

You should make sure the driver's view of the road isn't obstructed, so check for stone chips at eye level and remove any obstructions such as air fresheners and mobile phone cradles. 

What else should you think about? 

Make sure your car is clean beforehand, as a tester can refuse to do your MOT if the vehicle is filthy and full of rubbish. 

Giving your car a clean can also give you a chance to inspect it, Mr Dixon says. 

Another thing to do is to check last year's MOT for any advisories that might crop up this time. 

These potential issues will still be there - so it's best not to ignore them. 

You can check your vehicle's MOT history using  https://car-check.co.uk . 

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I have worked at a bank for 24 years - the facilities are outsourced. This new company is bringing in a system where the staff have to click in and out and are then paid by the minute? Is this allowed? Amber

Ian Jones, director and principal solicitor at Spencer Shaw Solicitors, has picked this one up...

Your rights depend on your contract and what it says about payment. Does it specify an annual salary, or payment by time? Does it allow for changes to how payment is calculated?

If the contract does not allow for this type of payment, your employer may be trying to vary the contract of employment unlawfully.

If you're directly employed by the bank, and your pay arrangements are changing because of a new monitoring system, this would be an internal contract variation. If you work in the facilities department and the new contractor is taking over as your employer, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) 2006 may apply. 

In this case, your current terms, conditions and previous service will transfer to the new employer.

TUPE may make the issue sound more complicated but, in practice, either way the changes will be valid only if the employee agrees to them.

If you have not agreed to the change, then this could be a breach of contract. This could give rise to a successful claim in the civil courts or the employment tribunal. 

If the breach is serious (for example, you're paid less than agreed in the original contract) and you resign in response, this could amount to constructive dismissal for which a claim can be made in the employment tribunal. 

It would be sensible to get the contract reviewed by a solicitor for advice. But act swiftly - if you continue working for the employer, you are effectively waiving the breach and accepting the change to your contract.

To make it possible to pay by the minute, employees may be monitored while at work. When collecting and processing data and using it to make a decision, the employer must comply with data protection laws. If not, the employee could be entitled to compensation, depending on the breach, or the employer could be at risk of a sanction by the regulator the Information Commissioner's Office.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

Please make sure you leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a reader's employer is bringing in a new clock-in system to pay workers by the minute - but is this allowed?

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the PIP. 

Wednesday : We speak to one of London's top chefs for his Cheap Eats at home and in the capital.

Thursday : Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

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The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

By Jess Sharp , Money team 

Money saving trends are constantly popping up on social media - but one in particular has been gaining huge amounts of attention.

Created accidentally by a comedian, loud budgeting is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money.

The idea is based on being firmer/more vocal about your financial boundaries in social situations and setting out what you are happy to spend your money on, instead of "Keeping up with the Joneses". 

On TikTok alone, videos published under the hashtag #loudbudgeting have garnered more than 30 million views - and that figure is continuing to climb. 

We spoke to Lukas Battle - the 26-year-old who unintentionally created the trend as part of a comedy sketch. 

Based in New York, he came up with the term in a skit about the "quiet luxury" hype, which had spread online in 2023 inspired by shows like Succession. 

The term was used for humble bragging about your wealth with expensive items that were subtle in their design - for example, Gwyneth Paltrow's  £3,900 moss green wool coat from The Row, which she wore during her ski resort trial...

"I was never a big fan of the quiet luxury trend, so I just kind of switched the words and wrote 'loud budgeting is in'. I'm tired of spending money and I don't want to pretend to be rich," Lukas said. 

"That's how it started and then the TikTok comments were just obsessed with that original idea." 

This was the first time he mentioned it...

Lukas explained that it wasn't about "being poor" but about not being afraid of sharing your financial limits and "what's profitable for you personally". 

"It's not 'skip a coffee a day and you'll become a millionaire'."

While talking money has been seen as rude or taboo, he said it's something his generation is more comfortable doing. 

"I've seen more debate around the topic and I think people are really intrigued and attracted by the idea," he said. 

"It's just focusing your spending and time on things you enjoy and cutting out the things you might feel pressured to spend your money on."  

He has incorporated loud budgeting into his own life, telling his friends "it's free to go outside" and opting for cheaper dinner alternatives.

"Having the terminology and knowing it's a trend helps people understand it and there's no awkward conversation around it," he said. 

The trend has been a big hit with so-called American "finfluencers", or "financial influencers", but people in the UK have started practising it as well. 

Mia Westrap has taken up loud budgeting by embarking on a no-buy year and sharing her finances with her 11.3k TikTok followers. 

Earning roughly £2,100 a month, she spends around £1,200 on essentials, like rent, petrol and car insurance, but limits what else she can purchase. 

Clothes, fizzy drinks, beauty treatments, makeup, dinners out and train tickets are just some things on her "red list". 

The 26-year-old PHD student first came across the idea back in 2017, but decided to take up the challenge this year after realising she was living "pay check to pay check". 

She said her "biggest fear" in the beginning was that her friends wouldn't understand what she was doing, but she found loud budgeting helped. 

"I'm still trying my best to just go along with what everyone wants to do but I just won't spend money while we do it and my friends don't mind that, we don't make a big deal out of it," she said. 

So far, she has been able to save £1,700, and she said talking openly about her money has been "really helpful". 

"There's no way I could have got this far if I wasn't baring my soul to the internet about the money I have spent. It has been a really motivating factor."

Financial expert John Webb said loud budgeting has the ability to help many "feel empowered" and create a "more realistic" relationship with money.

"This is helping to normalise having open and honest conversations about finances," the consumer affair manager at Experien said. 

"It can also reduce the anxiety some might have by keeping their financial worries to themselves." 

However, he warned it's important to be cautious and to take the reality of life into consideration. 

"It could cause troubles within friendship groups if they're not on the same page as you or have different financial goals," he said.

"This challenge isn't meant to stop you from having fun, but it is designed to help people become more conscious and intentional when it comes to money, and reduce the stigma around talking about it." 

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Analysis In its 2024 budget, the Victorian government forgets debt, dreams big and crosses its fingers

There's a clear and simple message you get from reading the Victorian government's budget papers : don't panic.

Sure, there's a few numbers that will widen your eyes.

Money the government gets in (revenue) for the next financial year is $96.1 billion, which is less than projected it will spend (expenses) of $98.3 billion.

And yes, debt is $156.2 billion rising to $187.8 billion by 2027-28 – which by that time will be 25 per cent of the value of all the goods and services produced in the state in a year (called gross state product or GSP).

And OK, that means a daily interest bill on the debt of about $15 million, climbing to more than $25 million a day by 2027.

But why worry? This is Victoria. Get with the program.

That program — if you buy into the government's vision — is a rapidly-growing population that will buy property, find employment and get around on mega-transport projects due to open just before the next state election.

There are schools, tunnels, hospitals and roads to service this swelling growth, as Melbourne (where the vast majority of Victorians live) becomes the nation's largest city, overtaking a waterside resort for squillionaires to the north that also houses normal people.

All that needs to happen is for employment to stay strong, inflation and construction costs to keep moderating, interest rates to go no higher, workers to find housing that is being built at a far slower rate than people are moving here and a few other "risk factors".

Fingers crossed, eh?

The problems

With the immense debt and still unfunded mega-projects like a circular underground railway (the Suburban Rail Loop) about to start digging, you would expect a state government 2.5-years from an election would raise money and cut costs — hard.

There's a bit of that, but not much. It's more Facebook Marketplace than selling a kidney.

The government is making extra cash by:

• Shifting commercial and industrial properties from a stamp duty (cost when sold) system to one that kicks in 10 years after the sale and is then annual.
• People dumping stuff at the tip will pay more, bringing it into line with fees for New South Wales and South Australia.
• Lifting the Fire Services Levy from where it started a decade ago to a higher level.

The savings are also pretty minimal. There's things like ending the Sick Pay Guarantee, a COVID-era pilot of paying sick leave to casuals. With a more "worker friendly" regime in power federally (the government's words) the pilot is over for now.

The Jacinta Allan-led government will also trim in costs by:

• Ending some COVID-era employment.
• Reducing office space as work-from-home and those reduced numbers impact the desks required. 
• Trimming in a program to expand state-funded pharmacy and care clinics.
• Making the money for Breakthrough Victoria, which funds speculative start-up tech businesses, stretch for 15-years rather than the original 10-years it was meant to.

It's not exactly ring all the alarms stuff is it? That's because they're not worried.

Get with the program and all cost is an investment. Public sector wages help pump private sector ones. Infrastructure unlocks value.

Remember the daily cost of that interest bill? Treasurer Tim Pallas calculates it as "1/4000th of one per cent of the economy" – an infinitesimal smidge of nothingness compared to the riches that await Victorians … if it all works out.

And there's a surprising group helping them get there.

Opposing forces

At the end of 2022 Victorians went to the polls.

After the painful repeated lockdowns in Melbourne — and with the exploding cost of keeping the state alive barely covered by a federal government accused of a lack of interest or care in the plight of the southern mainland state — there were a lot of predictions about the fate of the then eight-year-old government.

Plenty of interstate commentators had written Dan Andrews' political obituary, based on his bombastic personality, COVID-era decisions and ballooning debt.

But at the election the government didn't lose seats. It gained them.

By the time the next election rolls around Liberal-National opposition will have been in power for just four years between 1999 and 2026.

Some could say their show of unity, policy ideas and the cut-through they are making with the Victorian public show a resolute commitment to remaining in opposition.

What even is money?

Underpinning all of this are a few things that might not seem obvious.

One is the immense employment that's been delivered by infrastructure programs, public sector growth and things like "free TAFE".

Another is that the government has literally built credibility by starting and finishing big projects — new schools and hospitals, the removal of scores of level crossings — sprinkled in every corner of the state.

Adding to it is that COVID changed what people think about government, debt, and the role of the state in guiding the economy — we're seeing that federally too, as taxpayers invest billions in specific companies and industries.

If you think any government is going to leave the future to the invisible hand of the free market, you haven't been paying attention. That's gone.

A final element is that there's not a compelling competing vision about Victoria's growth and how it is being dealt with.

People can be unhappy about the untold millions spent on infrastructure, but when a new five-station underground rail line opens under the central business district next year, I don't expect a protest march out the front about the cost.

More likely is that people will use it, love it and ask a pressing question: When will there be one where I live?

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Biden announces $3.3 billion AI investment by Microsoft at scaled-back Foxconn site Trump once touted

President Joe Biden traveled Wednesday to Wisconsin to announce a $3.3 billion investment by Microsoft to build an artificial intelligence data center.

The data center will be built on the property of a planned $10 billion Foxconn facility that Donald Trump touted during his presidency as a major revival of tech manufacturing in the U.S.

But those plans never fully materialized. Foxconn, based in Taiwan, later drastically scaled back plans for the factory, which Trump once called “ the eighth wonder of the world ,” reducing the number of new jobs from 13,000 to the roughly 1,000 spots that are filled now, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .

In remarks Wednesday at Gateway Technical College in Sturtevant, in Racine County, Biden took aim at Trump multiple times for his "failed promises" about Foxconn, although he didn't mention his predecessor by name.

Biden said the failed Foxconn project during Trump's presidency left Wisconsin residents and workers behind, adding that it led to the bulldozing of 100 homes and farms and wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.

“They dug a hole with those golden shovels, and then they fell into it," Biden said.

"Foxconn turned out to be just that — a con. Go figure," he added.

Biden touted his administration’s "investing in America" agenda, which includes commitments to rebuild roads and bridges, developments in clean energy and creating $866 billion in private-sector investment nationwide as part of efforts to revitalize American manufacturing.

Biden hailed Microsoft’s investment in the AI data center as a “transformative” investment in infrastructure, especially for the people of Racine, who he said will have the opportunity to get training for new high-paying jobs that don’t require four-year college degrees.

“During the previous administration, my predecessor made promises which he broke more than kept, left a lot of people behind in communities like Racine,” he said. “On my watch, we make promises and we keep promises, and we leave no one behind.”

Microsoft’s investment in the AI data center is expected to employ 2,300 union construction workers and create 2,000 permanent jobs over time, the White House said , adding that nearly 4,000 jobs have been added in Racine, a third of them in manufacturing, and 177,000 in Wisconsin since Biden took office.

Microsoft also plans to partner with Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin to develop a training facility to prepare 1,000 residents for data center jobs and roles in science, technology, engineering and math by 2030, with the aim of employing up to 2,000 people in permanent roles at its Racine facility, the White House said. It will also invest in training 1,000 business leaders to adopt AI in their operations.

The Trump campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the economy during Biden’s presidency has been worse compared with his time in office, often pointing to rising inflation and interest rates in recent months.

Biden and administration officials have recently traveled to key battleground states to highlight his economic record, such as legislation investing in infrastructure and clean energy, which Biden has said leads to the creation of more well-paid jobs based in the U.S.

Summer Concepcion is a politics reporter for NBC News.