Tourist Information Centre Assistant

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

28 to 30 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How To Become a Tourist Information Centre Assistant

You can get into this job through:

a college course
applying directly

College / University

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

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

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

Day To Day Tasks

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

Working Environment

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

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a TIC supervisor or manager.

You could also move into local authority tourism departments, regional or area tourist board jobs, or to other areas of the travel and tourism industry.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.