Tourist information centre assistant

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 Award in the Principles of Customer Service in Leisure, Travel and Tourism
• Level 2 Diploma in Travel and Tourism
• Level 3 Applied Certificate in Tourism

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
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You could apply directly for jobs. There are no set entry requirements but it may help if you have:

• a good knowledge of the local area and its attractions and facilities
• experience of customer service and cash handling
• the ability to speak one or more foreign languages
• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C)

You may get tested on local knowledge and your ability to research queries. 

Further information

You can find out more about working in travel and tourism from the Hospitality Guild.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• answering customer queries in person, by phone and email
• finding information using computer systems, leaflets, timetables, guidebooks and national tourist information centre (TIC) reference kits
• making bookings for coach travel, theatre performances and accommodation
• setting up displays within the centre and re-stocking literature
• keeping up to date with local accommodation, places to visit, activities and events

You could work at an information centre, at an airport, at a port or in a museum.

You may need to wear a uniform.