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Tourist Information Officer

Also known as Tourist Adviser and Visitor Information Officer.

Tourist information officers provide travel, hospitality and accommodation information to tourists, promote tourism, and assess tourist opportunities for local communities.

TASKS

Tourist information officers may perform the following tasks:

answer questions from tourists, visitors, local residents and other tourism industry colleagues, in person, over the phone, via email or online
make suggestions on tours, travel routes, accommodation and local attractions
provide literature and information on local, interstate and international tours and places of interest
maintain literature and brochure stocks
sell souvenirs and other merchandise
discuss transport, accommodation and tour availability and cost
arrange bookings and documentation for travel and accommodation, and collect payment
assist travel agents and tour operators in preparing itineraries for tourists
undertake general clerical and office duties
coordinate volunteer or part-time staff
put together statistics concerning the number and nature of enquiries
be responsible for overall presentation of the information centre

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy working with people
good interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
good organisational skills
comfortable working with computers
good geographical knowledge

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Tourism Manager - manages a tourism information centre, which includes business management, staff supervision and development, office systems management and the provision of services. Tourism managers may also act as the executive officer for the local tourism committee and make sure services are in place to respond to day-to- day tourism enquiries. They check and regularly report to management on the status of the tourism marketing budget and on tourism awareness or new initiatives on behalf of the employers to industry, media, community or interest groups. They may also contribute to the planning, development and implementation of tourism marketing strategies and encourage community involvement and awareness.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a tourist information officer without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a tourist information officer through a traineeship in Information and Cultural Services, Tourism or Travel and Tourism.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, or Library, Information and Cultural Services Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

A highly desirable skill amongst tourist information officers is the ability to speak a second language. Most people are expected to have a strong retail background or qualifications in hospitality and tourism.

Tourist information officers have to be familiar with all the tour operators and the various attractions and services in their region. As part of ongoing training, they take part in industry familiarisations, going to hotels or motels to personally rate the accommodation.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Tourist information officers are employed in a wide range of agencies in the tourism and hospitality industry, and in private and government organisations involved in tourist promotion, planning and development. Tourism officers can be involved in providing information on and promoting travel to the local area, the state or international destinations.

Despite tourism being important in the Australian economy, some small tourist information centres are staffed by volunteers and do not hire professional staff. Some larger centres are broadening their scope and employing staff with higher levels of training.