travel & tourism professional

The Journal

Travel Advisor Resources

Fora’s Guide to the Best Career in Travel and Tourism

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/career-in-travel-and-tourism

Interested in a career in travel and tourism? We’re detailing the current state of travel, the various opportunities available and tips for dipping your toes in the field. 

Interested in the coolest career in travel and tourism? Skip the reading and apply to become a Fora Advisor today.

Travel careers vs. tourism careers: is there a difference?

Technically, all tourism careers can be called travel careers. But the opposite doesn’t hold up. Tourism is largely associated with leisure (and, to an extent, education) while travel can be leisurely or professional. 

What’s the job outlook for careers in travel and tourism?

Most jobs in the travel industry are on the upswing right now, so now’s a good time to start a career in travel and tourism.

Travel is currently at an all-time high

Since pandemic restrictions waned, travel has come back with a vengeance (there’s actually a term for it ). As a result, most careers in travel and tourism are thriving. 

A word of caution: seasonal travel jobs are less secure long term

No matter how popular travel becomes, seasonal jobs are not the best option if you’re looking for long-term work. 

On the flip side, most seasonable jobs in travel and tourism are only intended to be part-time. If you’re explicitly interested in a career, you’ll probably avoid seasonal positions anyway.

Want a career in travel and tourism with unmatchable flexibility? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor .

Tips for securing a career in tourism and travel

There are a few skills and tips that are broadly applicable to careers in travel and tourism. Read on for a quick breakdown.

Develop critical skills: most travel or tourism careers require excellent communication skills

At their heart, virtually all careers in travel and tourism regularly deal with people. As such, having great interpersonal skills will go a long way regardless of your career path.

Marketing skills may also be helpful if you choose a career that requires self-promotion, as with tour operators or travel advisors.

(Looking to boost your marketing skills? Fora offers extensive advisor training: we’ll teach you everything from optimizing your social media to how to build a sales funnel within a travel context .)

Learning multiple languages can be helpful

Few careers will put you in contact with so many people of different backgrounds than travel and tourism. Likewise, learning additional languages — even a few basic phrases — can make a big difference in your prospects.

Of course, this isn’t a requirement to work with a global travel agency like Fora, so consider this a boost rather than a requirement.

While traveling isn’t usually a requirement for tourism and travel careers, it can help

On one hand, having extensive travel experience can broaden your perspective, which can be beneficial to a career in travel and tourism. 

On the other hand, needing prior travel experience is one of the great myths about becoming a travel advisor . In this case, simply having a passion for travel and knowing when to lean on research tools — like Fora’s community app Forum and integrated advisor portal — is more than sufficient to be successful.

Understand industry trends

Having your finger on the pulse of the travel industry may provide helpful context for a career in travel. 

For instance, France has been the most-visited country for the past three years. Travel planners who were aware of this and conducted a little bit of extra research for France itineraries may have had an edge over competitors who weren’t as prepared. 

There are no guarantees when it comes to industry trends — that’s their nature — but simply having context for what’s going on in the business can make a difference in your career.

Network with travel and tourism professionals

Running a successful business in a vacuum is nearly impossible. Just about every career, in travel and tourism or otherwise, can benefit from networking. Not only can this be an excellent source for business, but it can help you land a career in the field in the first place.

Consider your education options

Many careers in travel and tourism are more accessible to candidates with degrees or some type of formal education.

That being said, if travel planning is appealing, you should know that Fora doesn’t require any experience or education to join. Rather, we provide all the travel agent training and travel agent certification you could need to be successful.

Interested? Apply to become a Fora Advisor .

8 options for a career in travel and tourism

There are dozens of different careers in travel and tourism, but here are a few of the more popular choices (all of which are doing fairly well at the moment).

1. Tours: operators & guides

Perhaps on the lower end of the income spectrum, tour guides in coveted destinations get to wax poetic about all sorts of subjects, from haunted houses in NOLA (see our guide to New Orleans, off the beaten path ) to old battlefields, historic castles and more.

Tour operators, the entities responsible for employing guides, tend to make a more lucrative living at the expense of working in more of an administrative role.

The former often requires extensive knowledge on the subject while the latter may be relegated to entrepreneurs and / or those with business degrees.

2. Hospitality: hotel staff & managers

Hospitality jobs — think hotels and resorts — are seeing an explosion right now in the United States.

Entry-level positions, including labor-intensive roles like housekeepers and customer-facing roles like receptionists, rarely have strict hiring criteria. But they also tend to pay on the lower end of the spectrum as far as careers in travel and tourism are concerned. 

Senior positions such as hotel managers, on the other hand, can be very fruitful careers. The trade-off, of course, is that they require a degree in hospitality or years of experience.

3: Sommeliers

Sommeliers may be an unexpected addition to our list of travel and tourism careers. But most wine tastings occur in sought-after destinations like Napa Valley, one of the best places to visit in California (see our guide to Napa hotels ), or Tuscany in Italy (read about where to stay in Tuscany ). 

This rare profession is reserved for oenophiles, however. And, perhaps just as important, it often requires plenty of experience in the industry before a livable wage is achievable, especially considering most sommeliers live in areas with a high cost of living.

4. Airlines: flight attendants & general staff

Perhaps the most widely available career in travel and tourism: general airline staff. That’s essentially everyone from security at airport doors to flight attendants on planes. Most positions require limited experience or education, if any, and most pay decent hourly wages or salaries. 

Flight attendants get to travel regularly, which is a fun perk. But the prospect of working with unruly passengers may not be appealing to all.

5. Airlines: pilots

Airline pilots enjoy one of the more enviable salaries of careers in tourism and travel. But they also require tons of specialized training and education that’s not readily accessible across the country. In fact, this requirement is partly why there are so many openings for pilots across the airline industry, despite great pay and benefits.

6. Cruises: general staff & cruise directors

One of the most grueling careers in the travel and tourism industry: cruise staff. Lower positions typically have unforgiving schedules and mediocre pay while director positions are, though often very well paid, extremely selective.

On the flip side, working on a cruise ship can be a blast, and some cruise lines allow their employees to go on shore leave (in case you wanted to check out Bahamas resorts , the most beautiful cities in Mexico …you get the idea).

(P.S. If you’re a fan of swanky cruises but aren’t necessarily jumping at the chance to live aboard, perhaps selling trips as a Virgin Voyages travel agent is the opportunity you’re looking for.)

7. Cruises: navigation, engineering & other specialists

Specialist roles on cruises are often even more selective than airlines and client-facing roles, requiring lengthy experience in adjacent fields (e.g., shipping, the military and so on). Examples might include cruise ship mechanics or engineers, ship captains and even onboard doctors. 

The pay for these travel and tourism careers is often substantial, but again, the education and experience criteria are tip-top.

8. Travel advisors

What does it take to become a travel agent (a.k.a travel advisor or travel consultant )? Compared to other top careers in travel and tourism, not much — and yet, top earners among travel advisors enjoy very generous salaries (see more about Fora travel advisor salaries ). In fact, learning how to become a travel agent is fairly straightforward — at least if you join us, as we provide all the training you need to be successful. 

It’s also one of the most flexible careers in travel, and the only major career in the field that allows professionals to operate their business as an independent entity. Not to mention you get to sell adventure and happiness to excited clients, making it a wholly enjoyable job for established advisors.

So what do travel agents do exactly? They plan trips and make reservations on their clients’ behalf. 

Interested? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor and enjoy an extensive suite of benefits unparalleled among modern travel agencies.

Career in travel and tourism FAQs

Have more questions about careers in travel and tourism? We have a few answers for you.

What career is best for traveling?

Looking for jobs where you travel — or desire an income source to fund your ventures while traveling the world ? Cruise and airline positions allow you to travel often, but considering most jobs are either low paying or have very tough requirements, these careers will only appeal to some. 

If you’re looking for a career that allows you to travel whenever you like with practically no experience or education stipulations, travel planning may be your best bet.

What’s the highest-paying job in travel and tourism? 

This is hard to answer because there is a lot of nuance involved. 

Specialist positions on cruise ships and hotel managers tend to be lucrative travel or tourism careers. Successful travel advisors make comparable income, too, though. That’s especially true for corporate and luxury travel advisors who work with more discerning clients.

(BTW: how much do travel agents make anyway ?)

Is the tourism industry right for you? Is corporate travel a better alternative?

The tourism industry isn’t for everyone, particularly for people who aren’t overly social. That being said, if you’re more interested in professional discourse, you may still consider being a corporate travel agent . There’s a different vibe to this sort of travel planning that may be more appealing to some.

Will a niche or specialization help you land a travel or tourism career?

In terms of travel planning, certainly; there are tons of different travel agent jobs . 

Beyond that, it depends on the role. For example, a niche can certainly be beneficial if you’re interested in being a tour guide or operator. But there’s no real benefit if you’re applying for a position at an airline.

Do any tourism or travel careers allow you to be fully remote?

Administrative positions within the hospitality and cruise industries allow some workers to be remote. Plus, remote travel agents have become the norm rather than the exception. 

Otherwise, most careers in travel and tourism aren’t remote (it’s pretty hard to fly an airplane from home…for now at least). 

(Looking for the best remote jobs for moms or jobs you can do remotely while traveling? Check out our guides.)

Want the best career in travel and tourism? Become a Fora Advisor

If it wasn’t obvious, our favorite career in travel and tourism is travel planning. And there are a lot of reasons to become a Fora Advisor if this path intrigues you. (Don’t take it from us,: see what our advisors have to say about it.)

If you have a passion for travel and love the idea of making your own schedule, sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

Still on the fence? Check out more travel advisor resources below:

Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It? Fora Discuses the Pros & Cons  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent? Fora Tells  

How to Become a Travel Agent Online: Fora's Full Guide  

How Do Travel Agents Get Clients? Fora's Top 5 Tips  

Everything You Need to Know about a Fora Travel Advisor Salary (and How Our Advisors Get Paid)  

How to Market Your Travel Business Like a Pro: Tips from the Experts

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ASTA Appreciates American Airlines Recognizing the Value of the Travel Agency Distribution Channel, Supports Robert Isom’s Rollback of NDC and AAdvantage

Zane Kerby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), issues the following statement in response to the recent news that American Airlines will adjust course on AAdvantage and NDC implementation

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Travel Agent Certifications

Explore the top Travel Agent certifications that are important to a successful career.

Getting Started as a Travel Agent

• What is a Travel Agent
• How To Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Examples

Getting Certified as a Travel Agent

Top travel agent certifications, best travel agent certifications, certified travel associate (cta).

• At least 18 months of travel industry work experience.
• Completion of the CTA coursework provided by The Travel Institute.
• Passing the CTA certification exam.
• Agreement to adhere to The Travel Institute's Code of Ethics.
• Commitment to earning 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each year to maintain certification.
• Payment of applicable enrollment and exam fees.

Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)

• Minimum of five years of full-time industry experience.
• Completion of the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program or equivalent experience and education.
• Submission of an enrollment form along with the appropriate fee.
• Completion of a series of leadership and management courses provided by The Travel Institute.
• Passing of a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge and application of advanced travel industry concepts.
• Submission of a white paper or case study project that demonstrates the application of skills and knowledge gained during the coursework.

Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)

• A minimum of five years of travel industry experience.
• Current employment in the travel industry at the time of application.
• Completion of a self-paced study program provided by The Travel Institute.
• Submission of a white paper or case study project, which demonstrates the application of leadership principles within the travel industry.
• Passing the CTIE exam, which assesses knowledge and application of leadership and management principles.

Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP)

• High school diploma or equivalent educational qualification
• Understanding of basic English language to comprehend the training material and instruction
• Completion of the IATA Travel and Tourism Consultant course or relevant work experience in the travel industry may be recommended
• Access to a computer and the internet to take the course if opting for online training
• Payment of the applicable fees for the TTP certification exam
• Agreement to abide by the professional standards and code of conduct set by IATA

Certified Destination Specialist (CDS)

• Membership with The Travel Institute is recommended but not required.
• Completion of a destination specialist course for a specific region or country offered by The Travel Institute.
• Passing the final exam for the chosen destination specialist course with a score of 70% or higher.
• At least 12 months of travel industry experience is recommended.
• Commitment to continuing education by earning 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every year to maintain certification.
• Payment of applicable fees for the course and examination.

Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS)

• Membership with the American Bus Association (ABA) is required.
• Current employment in the travel and tourism industry.
• Completion of a series of educational courses provided by the ABA.
• Engagement in a self-paced study program that may take 1-2 years to complete.
• Passing the final certification exam to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to maintain certification status.

Travel Marketing Professional (TMP)

• Employment in the tourism industry, preferably in a marketing-related role
• Membership with the Southeast Tourism Society or employment with a member organization
• Completion of the three-year Marketing College program offered by the Southeast Tourism Society
• Attendance at all required courses and workshops over the three-year period
• Submission and approval of a final project or capstone presentation demonstrating the application of learned marketing strategies
• Commitment to continuing education in tourism marketing as required for certification maintenance

Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC)

• Membership in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as an individual agent member.
• Completion of the Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) certification, which is a prerequisite for the MCC program.
• Completion of a specified number of CLIA training courses and elective courses related to the cruise industry.
• Personal experience sailing on a set number of cruises of varying lengths and cruise lines.
• Conducting a number of ship inspections to gain firsthand knowledge of different cruise products.
• Achievement of a minimum amount of verifiable cruise sales within a certain time frame.

Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC)

• Membership in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is required to enroll in the certification program.
• Completion of CLIA's online training courses, which include Introduction to the Cruise Industry, Geography of Cruise Travel, and Customer Service.
• Successful completion of elective training courses offered by CLIA to accumulate a required number of credits.
• Personal cruise experience, which includes conducting a certain number of cabin inspections and going on a specified number of cruises of varying lengths.
• Proof of cruise sales experience, demonstrating practical application of the knowledge gained through the certification training.
• Submission of a completed application for the ACC certification, including documentation of completed requirements and payment of any associated fees.

Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC)

• A minimum of 1800 hours of travel industry experience
• Completion of the ACTA Travel Studies Program or an equivalent recognized by ACTA
• Passing the Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) exam
• Adherence to ACTA's Code of Ethics
• Membership in good standing with ACTA
• Continuing education credits to maintain certification status

A Better Way to Present Certifications

Benefits of having a travel agent certification, how to choose the best travel agent certification.

• Identify Your Specialization: Determine the niche or area within the travel industry where you want to excel, such as luxury travel, cruises, adventure tourism, or corporate travel management. Choose a certification that enhances your expertise in that particular area, ensuring that you become a go-to specialist whom clients and employers can trust.
• Consider Market Demand: Research the market to understand what skills are in high demand. Certifications that cover emerging trends such as sustainable travel, digital nomad lifestyles, or wellness tourism can set you apart in a competitive market. Aligning your certification with these demands can make you more attractive to potential clients and employers.
• Evaluate Educational Content: Scrutinize the curriculum of the certification programs. Look for comprehensive content that covers a broad range of topics, including travel regulations, destination knowledge, customer service excellence, and technology use in the travel industry. A well-rounded certification can provide a solid foundation for your career.
• Assess Flexibility and Support: Consider the format and duration of the certification program. If you are currently working, you may need a program that offers flexible scheduling or online learning options. Additionally, check for support resources such as mentorship, career services, or access to industry tools and software.
• Review Success Outcomes: Investigate the track record of the certification program. Look for success stories, testimonials, and the career progression of past participants. Certifications that have a proven record of helping travel agents advance in their careers can be more valuable investments for your future.

Preparing for Your Travel Agent Certification

Certification faqs for travel agents, is getting a travel agent certification worth it, do you need a certification to get a job as a travel agent, can travel agent certifications help pivoters make the transition into customer service from another career path.

Travel Agent Tools & Software

Related Certification Lists

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Driving customer satisfaction and loyalty through proactive relationship management

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Crafting unforgettable journeys, tailoring travel experiences to individual desires

Start Your Travel Agent Career with Teal

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Internships and placements

Eight top skills for travel and tourism careers.

21 Jun 2023, 15:41

The skills needed for jobs in the travel industry can be developed anywhere, including closer to home. Discover what these are and why they are valued by employers.

Your days won’t follow a rigid structure and you won’t always be able to anticipate what happens next.

Many tourism roles are open to applicants who don’t have a degree as well as graduates from any degree discipline. So, your skills and attributes are more important than your academic qualifications when applying for tourism graduate jobs.

With that in mind, we’ve listed some of the skills that are applicable to most jobs in travel and tourism, along with reasons for why this is the case. It’s not an exhaustive list, and the skills will vary slightly for different roles, so take a look at our job descriptions if you have your sights set on a particular career path.

The good news is that you don’t need to work abroad to gain these skills, or even have work experience directly in the travel industry – though it won’t hurt your chances if you do. They’re all transferable, meaning they can be picked up from alternative work experience, extracurricular activities or other areas of your life. At the end of each skill description, click through to our more in-depth explanations of what each skill involves and ideas for how you can develop them.

1. Customer service

The tourism industry is all about giving people a great experience when they travel, from helping them book a holiday to greeting them at a resort or leading a sightseeing tour. So, it’s no surprise that good customer service is vital.

You’ll need to make sure each customer feels valued while resolving any issues as efficiently as possible so you can go on to serve others. Working in the travel and tourism industry can sometimes mean dealing with people who are angry, anxious or upset when things go wrong, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of helping to make some of their most memorable moments.

Find out what good customer service involves.

2. Communication

Getting a message across clearly and checking that the other person has understood you is an essential part of most travel and tourism jobs. You could be providing directions at an information desk, telling interesting stories about the history of a region, giving a health and safety briefing or contacting air traffic control. You’ll need to adapt your approach depending on your role and the situation at hand and be ready to answer unexpected questions.

Clear, concise written communication might not come to mind when considering travel and tourism jobs but it is essential in some roles: for example, airline cabin crew are required to write a flight report after each journey.

Read more about how you can develop communication skills.

3. Adaptability and flexibility

Travel is by nature an area where there’s a lot of potential for last-minute changes. Flights can be cancelled, natural disasters can jeopardise plans – and in 2020–21 the tourism industry has seen more uncertainty than ever with travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in a state of constant change. As a graduate working in travel, your days won’t follow a rigid structure and you won’t always be able to anticipate what happens next. Accordingly, you’ll need to remain calm in emergencies, deal with difficult customers and respond to spur-of-the-moment requests. It’s likely you’ll also experience unpredictable working patterns, unsociable hours and, in some roles, being away from home for months at a time. Building your adaptability will help you to embrace these challenges and enjoy a career that’s not nine-to-five.

Learn how to become more adaptable and flexible.

4. Language skills and cultural sensitivity

Being bilingual isn’t essential for a career in travel and tourism, but it certainly helps. If you plan to work abroad, a good grasp of the local language will be beneficial even if you’re mainly working with tourists from English-speaking countries. Likewise, in the UK you could be working with people who are visiting from around the world and will appreciate it if you are able to speak their language.

However rusty or lacking your language skills are, being able to relate to people from different cultures and backgrounds is a must. You’re more likely than in many other sectors to be working with people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, so it’s important that you treat everyone with respect and help them feel comfortable. You may need to adapt your approach to prevent miscommunications, for example.

Read about how being bilingual can benefit your career.

5. Business acumen and commercial awareness

Keeping customers happy is important, but you’ll also need to be aware of how your employer fits into the wider travel industry and what its competitors are doing differently. As well as following industry news, consider how developments in the wider world will affect travel. The coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and the climate crisis are all obvious examples that will have long-term impacts, but can you think of any more – and predict how employers might respond?

Discover how you can demonstrate commercial awareness.

6. Leadership and responsibility

You’re unlikely to be leading a team of colleagues as a fresh graduate, but at any stage in your career or work experience you can take opportunities to make decisions, use your initiative and motivate other people in your team. Roles such as tour guide, activity instructor and cabin crew will involve taking on leadership of your customers by showing them where to go, what to do and how to do it safely.

See how leadership skills can be developed as a student or recent graduate.

7. Teamwork

Working efficiently as part of a group will keep things running smoothly for customers. Even if your role involves a lot of independent working, you’ll be representing your employer’s brand and be in regular contact with your colleagues and other travel industry professionals. Sometimes you’ll need to negotiate or reach compromises in order to do the best job possible as a team.

Find out what kinds of work experience make good examples of teamwork.

8. Enthusiasm and dedication

Alongside all of the above skills, make sure that your passion for travel and tourism shines through. Some roles might also require knowledge of key destinations or your local area, but this can generally be learned on the job and ultimately employers are looking for potential. A can-do attitude will encourage you to accept and overcome challenges and stay upbeat even when you’re exhausted from being on your feet all day. While working in travel and tourism is hard work (it isn’t just one long holiday!), it can be fun and exciting so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm in applications and interviews.

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Travel and Tourism Professional (4976)

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• 4876-39/40 will be given automatic approval to all 4976

Centres can also apply to offer Level 3 4976 if they currently offer 4876-26 by completing the fast-track approval found under centre documents.

Level 2 Award in Travel and Tourism (4976-01)

Level 2 award in travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6755/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
• Credits: 7 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 49 - 60 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 70 The total time for the qualification
• Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
• Last Certification: 31/12/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
• Qualification fees in the UK: £57.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Certificate in Travel and Tourism (4976-02)

Level 2 certificate in travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6760/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Credits: 17 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 112 - 156 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 170 The total time for the qualification
• Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
• Qualification fees in the UK: £168.40 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism (4976-03)

Level 2 extended certificate in travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6758/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Credits: 26 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 173 - 236 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 260 The total time for the qualification
• Qualification fees in the UK: £163.20 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Diploma in Travel and Tourism (4976-04)

Level 2 diploma for travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6762/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Type: Technical This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
• Credits: 50 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 357 - 447 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 500 The total time for the qualification
• Qualification fees in the UK: £203.20 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism (4976-07)

Level 3 extended certificate in travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6759/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Credits: 28 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 209 - 293 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 280 The total time for the qualification
• Last Certification: 31/08/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
• Qualification fees in the UK: £177.90 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism (4976-08)

Level 3 diploma for travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6757/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Credits: 54 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 407 - 520 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 540 The total time for the qualification
• Qualification fees in the UK: £285.20 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism (4976-09)

Level 3 extended diploma for travel and tourism.

• Accreditation No: 600/6763/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
• Credits: 105 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
• Guided Learning Hours: 810 - 949 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
• Total Qualification Time: 1050 The total time for the qualification
• Qualification fees in the UK: £352.40 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to  Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

4976 Level 2

Assessment materials.

• 4976 L2-Answer pack v1-7 pdf 518 KB 26 Mar 2021
• 4976 L2-Assessment pack v18 pdf 1 MB 26 Mar 2021
• 4976-212 full resource pack V1 pdf 11 MB 24 Jul 2018

Centre documents

• 4976 L2 Qualification handbook v4-6 pdf 932 KB 22 Jul 2021

4976 Level 3

• 4976 301 Practice test answers v2 pdf 67 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 301 Practice test v2 pdf 72 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 Answer material v2 pdf 316 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 L3-Assessment pack v4-0 pdf 2 MB 26 Mar 2021
• 4976 L3 Qualification handbook v1-11 pdf 1 MB 18 Apr 2023

Additional documents

• 4876-343 and 4976-352 non-equivalence pdf 41 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 L3 Fast track approval from 4876-26 v1 rtf 386 KB 15 Aug 2018

Purpose and Recognition

• 60067573 KS5 L3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism Purpose pdf 62 KB 22 Apr 2021
• 60067627 KS5 L2 Diploma in Travel and Tourism Purpose pdf 74 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 60067639 KS5 L3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism Purpose pdf 61 KB 22 Apr 2021

Recognition

• 4976 Recognition Letter ABTA pdf 44 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 Recognition Letter Guildford pdf 75 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 Recognition Letter ITT pdf 166 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 Recognition Letter Southampton CC pdf 130 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 4976 Recognition Letter Worcester pdf 40 KB 24 Jul 2018
• 60067627 L2 Dip in Travel and Tourism Purpose pdf 275 KB 24 Jul 2018

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5 Careers That Let You Travel the World

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5 Careers That Let You Travel the World was originally published on Vault .

You don't have to wait until you retire to travel the world. If you choose the right career, you'll be able to see the world while you earn a living. In fact, there are many career paths that support location independence or require a nomadic lifestyle. So, if you dream of a life on the road, you'll want to consider the following five careers. 

1. Travel nurse

Although most people don't associate a career in medicine with wanderlust, there's always a need for traveling nurses to help fill staffing gaps at medical facilities all over the world. And today, as many countries' populations of senior citizens are rising, demand for careers in the medical profession is increasing. In particular, aging populations are boosting demand for ongoing care for chronic conditions. 

Typically, travel nurses work as  contractors in 13-week blocks , caring for patients while easing the burden on permanent hospital staffs. Travel nursing is a challenging but exciting profession that's perfect for people who are adaptable, like to experience new places, and want to work in medicine and make a difference in people's lives. Sometimes, travel nurses even receive free housing or a housing stipend when they take an assignment.

Requirements for traveling nurses vary, but in the U.S. you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in nursing and a multi-state license if you want travel opportunities. If you want to take your nursing career abroad, you may want to consider opportunities like medical mission trips, which give nurses the opportunity to help people in countries with limited medical facilities and resources.

Organizations that facilitate missions can help nurses get the necessary paperwork in order, but it's important to note that these trips can be emotionally and physically challenging. No matter how you choose to become a traveling nurse, it's crucial to understand what the expectations are for your assignment and to be flexible and willing to learn and dive right in.

2. International FEMA worker 

Want to make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling with the aftermath of a disaster while getting to see the world? While you probably won't be sipping many piña coladas on the beach in the role of international FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) worker, you will be able to see the world while helping people who are at their most vulnerable.

International FEMA workers respond to disasters ranging from earthquakes and tsunamis to fires and even acts of terrorism. The working conditions can be extremely harsh, but it's a career that can be very fulfilling, as you may save lives and help people get back on their feet.

U.S. citizens can apply for FEMA positions . Applicants must be able to pass a background and drug test and should be motivated, empathetic, innovative, and adaptable. Self-discipline is also key for FEMA workers, as they will sometimes have to work under limited supervision and in difficult conditions.

It's important to know what you're getting into before you become a disaster worker, but if you're trying to find a way to give back while making a living, working with FEMA to respond to disasters could be a perfect fit.

3. Travel blogger

It's the dream for so many: traveling the world and getting paid to do it. The good news is that it is possible. Sponsorships, ad revenue, courses, eBooks, and traditional book deals can offer bloggers multiple streams of income over time if their blogs are popular enough.

You may have heard that travel blogging is dead, but that's simply not true—it's just changing as time goes on, and it can take some time to build your audience and start making money. If you're interested in becoming a travel blogger, it's important to think of your blog as a business from day one. But it's also important to make sure that you're not relying on making money until you've found your stride and built an audience.

There are no educational requirements for becoming a travel blogger, but you must have something of value to offer your audience that they can't find elsewhere. With thousands of travel blogs out there, yours needs to have a unique aesthetic or angle if you want to stand out. The good news? That unique angle could be almost anything.

It's easy to get started in travel blogging . You just need to be tech-savvy and invest in a domain name and hosting to build your site. From there, it's all about delivering value and consistent content on your blog and social media. Can't afford to go too far from home yet? Start with local destinations and work your way up.

4. Hospitality and tourism professional

What better way to build a career around travel than to get into the field of hospitality and tourism? Now that air travel has become more accessible to the average person, this field is only becoming more important. In the U.S., some regions have huge tourism industries fueling their GDP. Florida, for instance, earned  $90 billion in 2017 from tourism alone.

The hospitality and tourism field offers a huge range of career options for those who love to travel. You don't have to just stay in one place and work at a hotel—there are dozens of options that could open the door for your own travel opportunities.

Travel agents' roles have shifted, but if you want to create your own agency, you can easily fit your own travel into your life, partnering with different providers and previewing restaurants you can add to your clients' itinerary. Another option would be an event planner—you could help arrange conferences or retreats and plan destination weddings.

Some jobs in this sector do involve committing to one place and often not traveling much yourself. But there are also many different options for travel within the field, whether it's overnight tour guiding or working behind the scenes to help travelers have an amazing experience. A degree in hospitality and tourism is definitely helpful but not required for all careers in this sector.

5. Performing arts entertainer

If you love to be on stage, then you have lots of options for simultaneously traveling and working. Many orchestras, bands, theatre companies, and dance troupes hit the road to seek out new audiences and to share their entertainment with the world.

One of the best ways to see the world as a performer is by taking a job on a cruise ship. Since the same passengers need to be entertained night after night on cruises ships, a variety of performers are need on board. Not only does a cruise ship job allow you to make a living performing, but it also gives you room and board, making it easier to save money and reach your financial goals.

Talent and persistence are important if you want to pursue a career in the performing arts . While a degree can help, it's also important to take as many jobs or gigs as you can while you're working to get your name out there. The more people who see you on stage, the more likely you are to land a traveling gig. You'll also need to learn to ace auditions, keeping your cool under pressure.

Even though performing and traveling can seem dreamy, it's important to remember that the work can be physically and mentally taxing and you might not always have the time or energy to see the sites. Work and your health come first, and you should be prepared to take care of yourself when you get tired.

A final note

These five careers are just a few of the many work options that could take you around the world. With the number of location-independent careers on the rise, more and more people are living nomadic lifestyles and exploring the world while they work. You don't even have to take a travel-related job to travel—just one that allows you to work remotely.

In the history of the human race, there has never been a better time to travel, with so many different ways to make it happen. Travel isn't just for the rich anymore—it's for everyone with enough determination and will. If you're able to adapt and take opportunities as they come your way, then you may be well-suited to life on the road.  

If you've been dreaming of your next adventure, then it's time to get started and stop saying, “I wish.” Now is the time to start working on your destiny. Turn your dreams of international travel into reality by taking the first step toward launching your new career.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in multiple industries, including health and wellness, wearable technology, nursing, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her two children. When she’s not watching the New York Yankees play, Sarah enjoys practicing yoga and reading a good book on the beach. 

Planning a summer trip: What you need to know about medical tourism

• Alia Willson | Freelance Writer
• Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Summer is vacation season. Many people opt to visit family, tour theme parks or relax on the beach, but there is a subsection of the vacationing population who travel for an altogether different purpose. For these people, summer travel is about medical tourism.

Many people view medical tourism as the ideal solution to seeking plastic surgery because of a tough economy and no help from medical insurance companies. Individuals looking to improve or change something about their appearance hop in the car or on a plane and travel to another city or country in search of the procedure of their dreams at a lower cost. Unfortunately, medical tourism carries real risks and can turn a person's dream "vacation" into a nightmare scenario.

Why do people leave the country for plastic surgery?

Why do so many people choose to seek medical procedures in foreign countries? ASPS Member Surgeons Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS , and Kristy Hamilton, MD , both agree that it all boils down to cost.

"Oftentimes, people will travel outside the United States for plastic surgery because it's being offered at a price point significantly lower than what is normally found domestically, even when factoring in travel costs," said Dr. Hadeed.

Dr. Hamilton's practice is in Houston, only a hop, skip and jump from the Mexican border. She often hears about people traveling there in search of cheaper plastic surgery options.

"I tell patients there are phenomenal plastic surgeons in Mexico, but you are not going to get them at the 'discounted' rate that leads people to seek plastic surgery tourism there," said Dr. Hamilton.

She said the price is 100 percent the draw of traveling abroad for plastic surgery. Additionally, she noted that while Mexico is a popular destination for low-cost body contouring procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tucks , Turkey takes the crown for rhinoplasty tourism and hair transplants for men.

Dr. Hadeed, located in Beverly Hills, also listed the Dominican Republic and Colombia as medical tourism hot spots.

The cost of medical tourism

Yes, in some instances, medical tourism and plastic surgery procedures cost less in foreign countries. However, what is the real cost of medical tourism? It doesn't always come down to simple dollars and cents. There are costs associated with travel, accommodations and the procedure itself. What about the costs to your health and safety?

"There are many risks associated with medical tourism," said Dr. Hadeed. "Broadly speaking, these risks can include health and safety, travel, financial, legal, ethical and public health. More specifically, there are risks associated with infection, blood clots, wound separation, quality of care, continuity of care, legal recourse, hidden costs and transmission of infection."

Dr. Hamilton recounted a particularly disastrous medical tourism experience she witnessed as a medical resident.

"We took care of some patients that had breast implants put in place, and they were growing a certain type of fungus," said Dr. Hamilton. "It wasn't even a run-of-the-mill infection. The thought was these weren't even sterile devices that were put in."

You may save money on the procedure itself, only to spend more than double on wound care and correcting medical errors down the road.

"Revision surgery is always more expensive than primary surgery because it's harder," said Dr. Hamilton, adding that revision surgery is significantly more complex due to scar tissue and managing the unpredictability of what you may find.

Patients should keep in mind that health insurance does not typically cover the cost of revision surgeries.

Individuals may also want to consider whether cheaper surgical options are worth the cost of their life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that at least 93 U.S. citizens died in the Dominican Republic between 2009 and 2022 following cosmetic surgery. Tragedy struck in 2023 when Mexican drug cartels killed several U.S. citizens who had crossed the border with a friend looking for a tummy tuck.

Medical tourism to a foreign country is not necessarily a bad thing. However, you must do your homework and assess the benefits and drawbacks. Understand that miscommunications and language barriers can also impact your care and cause complications.

ASPS offers the Find a Surgeon tool to help patients locate plastic surgeons across the globe who are board certified and focused on patient safety. This can help simplify the search, as medical tourists should be aware there can be confusing regulations for international surgeons since the requirements to become a plastic surgeon vary from country to country.

Coming to America: Plastic surgery tourism works both ways

Some Americans may seek healthcare options outside the U.S. border, but medical tourism works both ways. International travelers aren't just heading to the U.S. for sightseeing and Disney. They are coming to America to get plastic surgery.

Why are foreign travelers seeking medical care in the U.S.?

"Some of the reasons people are traveling to the U.S. for plastic surgery include the high quality of medical care and advanced technology, the widespread availability of procedures in the U.S., and sometimes combining medical care with tourism," said Dr. Hadeed.

At the end of the day, that's what it all comes down to – quality.

"They come to the United States because they are seeking that quality of service," said Dr. Hamilton.

Houston and the surrounding area have a robust oil and gas industry. So does the Middle East. Dr. Hamilton suggested that this connection may be why she sees so many patients from that region. She also mentioned that some countries are just beginning to explore cosmetic surgery. These places may not have solid, established physicians or medical frameworks, leading people interested in cosmetic surgery to the U.S. for the time being because they have limited access to the procedures and care they need.

Just because the U.S. has highly trained physicians and some of the best medical technology in the world doesn't negate the fact that, even in America, medical tourism still carries some risk.

"I ask patients to stick around," said Dr. Hamilton. "The further they are away, the longer I ask them to stay in town. I want to make sure they get through that acute window of healing, which varies depending on what type of surgery you're having."

Dr. Hadeed has similar requirements when treating patients from other areas.

"The length of time someone needs to stay in the U.S. before they can travel again will depend on the number and type of procedures they have," said Dr. Hadeed. "Generally speaking, a minimum stay of one week is recommended after any elective surgical procedure, and oftentimes, the plastic surgeon may recommend that the patient waits at least two weeks prior to traveling. We also provide our patients with detailed postoperative instructions and request that they promptly inform our office if they have any issues once they return home."

It isn't limited to international travel

Medical tourism doesn't have to entail crossing international borders. Both surgeons also said they regularly see patients from out of state. No matter where you come from, the most crucial part of medical tourism is ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.

"I want patients to have access to me," said Dr. Hamilton. "They'll have multiple virtual visits and then an in-person visit before we operate on them. That way, we have everything set up with them, whether that is home nursing, hotels or lymphatic massage appointments. It's tailored to their needs so they can come in and not know Houston or the city and still be taken care of."

What it really comes down to, regardless of whether you're going down the street or around the globe, is putting in the work to make sure you're in safe hands.

"Really do your research," said Dr. Hamilton. "Anyone can have a shiny website or cool social media presence. Do your research on the individual, where the surgery is being done, who is doing it and who the anesthesiologist is. These are all questions you should be asking. What is their certification and who is providing that certification? Just do your due diligence, particularly if it is in a different language."

No matter where your summer travel plans take you, you can have a positive medical tourism experience if you plan accordingly and understand the challenges.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area .

• Anxious to get in for a plastic surgery consultation? Why patience for patients is a virtue
• Understanding how medications interact with anesthesia and when to stop before plastic surgery
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• Uh-oh! It’s already swimsuit season: Procedures that will have you swimwear-ready fast
• Top five questions plastic surgeons want you to ask them

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New 'Bike Tennessee' tourism initiative is first in South, features rural cycling routes

T he Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is hoping to get more biking enthusiasts interested in vacationing across the state through a new program that's the first of its kind in the South.

Bike Tennessee features 52 newly-curated road cycling routes developed by a cycling tourism professional with a focus on bringing cycling to rural communities.

The initiative is so new, it's only offered in one other state, Oregon.

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“The governor’s first executive order was to promote initiatives supporting rural counties,” Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell said. “And that is exactly what this initiative does. (It is) a low-cost, sustainable program that benefits smaller communities.”

To locate and design the routes, the tourist development department partnered with Shannon Burke, owner of Velo View Bike Tours in Chattanooga. Burke moved to Tennessee from California a few years ago to be closer to family, he said, adding that he immediately fell in love with the diverse terrain.

“The state has every type of mountain, and you can also ride in all seasons,” Burke said. “It’s perfect for an initiative like this.”

As Burke searched for routes, he targeted roads that didn’t have a lot of traffic, but still felt safe and provided a scenic view of the area, he said.

“I would ask myself, ‘if I put this on a bike tour, would they get their money’s worth?'” Burke said. “The result is a mix of escaping civilization, while still making sure people are comfortable.”

Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development has also partnered with Ride with GPS, a navigation platform used daily by thousands of cyclists, for the program. The state's 52 Bike Tennessee routes are accessible to users of the app and are all designed as a loop to simplify parking, while still varying distance and difficulty, officials explained.

While Tennessee doesn’t boast casinos or beaches, tourism in the state's rural areas still accounts for about 20% of visitor spending, Ezell said.

“In 2022 alone, the state welcomed 141 million visitors, who spent a record $29 billion,” Ezell explained. “A big part of that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is still by far the most visited national park in America. This initiative gives tourists just another reason to visit our beautiful state.”

The initiative officially launched statewide in May.

For more information, visit tnvacation.com/biketennessee .

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New 'Bike Tennessee' tourism initiative is first in South, features rural cycling routes

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• HRAWI applauds Maharashtra Govt’s tourism policy for 2024

• ETHospitalityWorld
• Published On Jul 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM IST

• Updated On Jul 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM IST

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• Unlocking growth: Travel & tourism industry's wish list for Union Budget 2024

• Manas Dwivedi ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Jul 22, 2024 at 06:15 PM IST

New Maha tourism policy to attract significant investments, says hoteliers' body

The Maharashtra Cabinet had recently approved a comprehensive tourism policy for 2024, which aims to attract Rs 1,00,000 crore in investment and generate 18 lakh jobs over the next decade.The policy identifies key areas to boost tourism's contribution to Maharashtra's goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2028.It focuses on developing robust infrastructure and partnering with various stakeholders, including tour operators and MICE (meetings, incentives, conference, events) organizers, to double revenue generation in their respective sectors.

Uttarakhand launches homestay booking portal

The Uttarakhand tourism department has nearly 5,000 registered homestays. This initiative aims to provide small homestay owners with an online medium for securing bookings. The department provides subsidies under the Deendayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme to foster the development of homestays in the region. Owners also receive comprehensive training in various skills and services to elevate their customer service standards.

• By Manas Dwivedi ,
• Published On Jul 22, 2024 at 06:07 PM IST

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