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Visitor attraction general manager

Alternative titles for this job include

Visitor attraction general managers look after the operation and finances of an attraction, and the health and safety of staff and visitors.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 41

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

There is no set entry route to become a visitor attraction general manager but it may be useful to do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • tourism
  • resort management
  • marketing
  • business management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course in a subject like leisure and tourism or business management.

This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need and may help you to get a job as a trainee assistant manager.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Work

It may be possible to work your way into this job by starting in a customer service or hospitality role, with an attraction, and apply for promotion when you've got enough experience.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and knowledge. For example, you'll have an advantage if you've worked in visitor attraction management, or have experience in leisure, hospitality, catering or retail management.

More Information

Career tips

You could find work with:

  • local authorities
  • theme parks
  • national parks
  • museums
  • sites of cultural and historical interest

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • leadership skills
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a visitor attraction general manager, you could:

  • manage budgets
  • work with suppliers, local government, trade bodies and the media
  • oversee health and safety procedures
  • recruit and train staff
  • manage staff and lead meetings
  • develop new business opportunities
  • promote the attraction to increase visitor numbers

Working environment

You could work at an information centre, at monuments and castles, in a museum, at an art gallery or at a zoo.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior roles like regional or group director, for example with a heritage or entertainment organisation.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a visitor attraction general manager right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Hospitality Management and Supervision (Food Service and Events) Level 3

  • Provider: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Colchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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