Do you look longingly at images of beautiful and exotic locations, and, do you wish that you could go to those places? Well, if you enter the field of tourism, then you may be lucky enough to live and work in the destinations of your dreams.

With the cost of living these days, going away for a weekend is something that fewer and fewer people can afford. This Valentine’s Day, your stretched budget may not even have been able to fit in a dinner at a romantic restaurant, let alone a stay at a destination that you long to visit.

If you’ve got the travel bug and want to experience what you currently can’t afford, then you could consider studying tourism.

What will a tourism qualification prepare you for?

Tourism is a broad field that offers a variety of job opportunities. And the good news is that studying a recognised tourism qualification will give you the general skills and knowledge needed for almost any job in the industry. By studying subjects such as travel communication, travel services, travel office procedures and tourist destinations, you’ll gain an all-round understanding of the field. And, you’ll be able to apply for jobs such as:

  • Travel agent
  • Tour guide
  • Tourism information officer
  • Activity co-ordinator
  • Flight attendant
  • Waiter
  • Hotel receptionist

These are just a few of the positions that are available in the tourism industry.

Where could you find yourself working?

Tourism jobs are available in a variety of locations and settings. You could find yourself working at a luxury hotel right next to the beach, a safari lodge in the middle of a Big Five game reserve, a guest house in a small town or city, or even on a cruise liner. Or, you could be travelling with guests to different locations either locally or abroad, being exposed to different cultures, exciting experiences and beautiful destinations on the way.

What is the lifestyle like?

Don’t expect a tourism career to be like a holiday. Tourism employees often have to work long hours, and they often have unusual work shifts. You also need to be prepared to deal with issues such as fussy guests or unexpected incidents that interfere with the proper running of the place you’re working at. And, you need to be able to handle all of this with a friendly and professional demeanour. After all, working in the tourism industry is about providing excellent customer service and upholding the reputation of your employer.

While the work can be stressful at times, there are some perks to the job too. Your food and accommodation are usually part of your employment package, and during your off days, you get to explore new places or simply soak up the atmosphere of the location you’re working at.

How do you take the first step towards a tourism career?

If what you’ve just read sounds attractive, then get started on your path to a tourism career by studying an N4 National Certificate! From here, you can progress further with your studies, apply for jobs in the field, or work towards a national diploma.

We’re here to travel the tourism journey with you. When you choose to study with us, you’re choosing the college that CARES. We have more than 20 years of experience in providing quality distance learning education to thousands of students, providing the support they need to follow their dreams.