Tourism Specialist

We're looking for people who:	love to travel and help others enjoy their travels.
What you will do:	You will investigate different travel destinations, tours, and accommodations, and help others make travel plans. Some specific tasks you will be asked to complete include: Use a computer and/or telephone to make travel arrangements, including mode of transportation (plane, train, or boat), hotel reservations, and tours. Compute and inform clients of travel costs, and then collect and distribute funds to those providing transportation and accommodations Research, plan, describe, arrange and sell group tours to various destinations
Knowledge required for this job:	Solid understanding of customer service, including how to respond to customers' reactions A working knowledge of world geography, climate, and cultural traditions, and current conditions in various parts of the world that affect the travel experience Knowing how to show, promote and sell travel Understanding the costs and relative benefits of travel by air, rail, sea, or road Mastery of the English language and a familiarity with other world languages
Skills required for this job:	Listening carefully to clients and knowing when to ask questions Actively looking for ways to others enjoy themselves. Effective time management The ability to convey information accurately and effectively
What education you need:	Most tourism specialists' have at least some college experience. A majority (47.3%) of people ages 25-44 who currently hold this kind of job have had some college experience. 32.5% have a bachelor's degree, and 203% have a high school diploma or lower.
Salary:	Nationally, people working in this job earn between $8.70 and $22.25 an hour. In Maryland, the pay scale ranges from $9.16 - $5.15 an hour. (Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) 2007)
Future job prospects	Nationally, all tourism specialists' jobs are expected to decrease from 102,700 positions in 2004 to 96,400 in 2014. (-6%) In Maryland, jobs numbers are expected to decrease as well, with 1,730 positions in 2004 and 1,640 in 2014. (-5%)

Watch a video that shows what a tourism specialist does.

According to the Maryland Commission on Higher Education, training for this career is available through these resources:

The private training programs listed here

The Maryland Career Clusters help students prepare for their future education and careers while they are in high school. The job of Tourism Specialist is part of the Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism Career Cluster, in the core area of Hospitality and Tourism.

You can explore other careers in the Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism Career Cluster here.