"Better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times." - Travel quote
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If you enjoy having a demanding on-the-go career where you have to always have a suitcase and passport ready, tourism could be the perfect career path for you. If you have always dreamed of waking up to different views in exotic locations, then you would love the tourism industry. From trying out new foods and experimenting other people’s cultures to educating others about significant tourist attractions you have far-reaching prospects in tourism.
The tourism sector is for people who enjoy sharing their passion for places and things with people who have the same interests. The economic statistics of the tourism industry in SA reveal that it significantly boosts the economy and creates a large number of job opportunities.
The travel industry is a highly competitive industry that is innovative and always adapting new trends that are exciting. Your earning potential is vast and in most tourism fields and you can write your own cheque which is rewarding.
The prospects for the tourism industry are infinite and ever-growing. From outdoor adventures to art, technology and being part of prestigious events the opportunities in this sector are endless.
You can travel the world
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine
When you are in the tourism sector you can travel to beautiful places and enjoy new adventures. It’s an opportunity to explore different countries, cultures and meet fascinating people. You get to learn the diverse lifestyles of other nations which are an intriguing experience many people would love to have.
Get insider access to international hotspots
As you get immersed in the tourism industry, you become part of significant events and experience first-class festivities. This is a career that allows you to access to those kinds of prestigious tourism events you would only dream of being at.
This means you have the pleasure of attending great events and delighting in the entertainment. The perks of the tourism field include insider free access to events, getting discounts, free gifts and tickets to name a few.
Gain transferrable skills
The travel industry allows you to develop convenient skills that edify your personal growth. You have the pleasure to interact with people and enhance their travel experiences by being available to them. You increase your passion for bettering the knowledge and understanding of guests or visitors. You easily begin engaging with people and sharing valuable information to enlighten them.
Another skill you learn is preparing to deal with a crisis that visitors might face and controlling the outcomes to be positive. You also get to learn new things through the people you meet and what they share with you.
New experiences and leisure
The travel industry is a satisfying and fulfilling sector that allows you to live life to the fullest and enjoy exhilarating experiences. You get to learn interesting facts and revelations about popular tourist attractions so that you may impart this to others. You have thrilling experiences such as of trying out cultural foods, learning the traditions people follow and where it comes from, which is quite interesting
This is a career that allows financial freedom, travel freedom and countless benefits that come with being in the sector.
Popular tourism jobs
An amazing travel career that is prominent is that of a travel blogger. As a travel blogger you get to share incredible travel experiences on your blogs or Instagram page and have people in awe of your amazing surroundings. You get to learn about the unique features of different regions around the world. Watching the experiences of other travel bloggers can enlighten you more on the freedom and happiness tourism brings to those in the field.
As a tour guide your job would entail educating people on historic places and monuments. This requires you to know the facts and be able to answer questions visitors might have.
A travel agent career entails selling accommodation, transportation and making travel arrangements for clients. Nowadays more people consult the services of travel agents to arrange their trips.
Other prominent career paths could come from the aviation industry, which involves a lot of travel and meeting new people. Here you can work as a flight attendant, reservations or tickets attendant.
The cruise ship sector also offers jobs such as cruise line traveller, reception manager, food service manager to name a few. You can also go into the food and beverage sector and become a chef, cook or restaurant manager.
A career in any of the fields in tourism can offer a lot of skills and earning potential as you set your own sales goals and generate a lot of money. This career path is for hardworking and enthusiastic people with sales skills.
You have diverse career opportunities
The wonderful thing about the tourism industry is that the jobs are versatile and spontaneous, it’s not an ordinary and mundane job function.
These are the jobs and sectors you can get into after obtaining a qualification in tourism:
- Travel agent
- Tour guide
- Visitors centre
- Transport, cruising, events and tourism services
- Holiday manager
- Outdoor activities manager
- Travel blogger or writer
- Tourism and hospitality manager
- Tourism entrepreneur
What course can you study?
Being passionate about the tourism industry is vital in order to fuel your success and determine your longevity in the sector.
When you study a tourism qualification, it helps you climb the ladder in this sector and opens you up to a variety of possibilities. You also get to enjoy the incentives offered by employees or clients as you are appreciated for your input and enthusiasm towards your job.
