Resort Representative
What is the work like?
As a resort representative you would look after holiday-makers at their holiday destination (usually abroad).
Your work would include:
- meeting groups of holiday-makers when they arrive at the airport
- accompanying holiday-makers by coach to their accommodation
- holding a welcome meeting to give information about resort facilities and local attractions
- meeting holiday-makers at pre-arranged times to make announcements and deal with enquiries and problems
- keeping an information board and a folder of useful information up-to-date at each hotel
- arranging, and sometimes accompanying, excursions and sightseeing trips
- arranging car or ski hire if necessary
- being on-call to give advice and deal with emergencies like lost passports or money, illness or difficulties with accommodation.
You would also keep records, and write reports of complaints and incidents such as illness.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would not need any set qualifications to become a resort representative, although employers may expect you to have GCSEs (A-C) or similar qualifications, particularly in English and maths. You would usually need a good working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
You should be at least 20 years of age. To work as a children's representative you may be accepted from the age of 18 or 19. You would usually be expected to have a qualification in childcare for this.
You could have an advantage if you have relevant experience, such as in another area of travel and tourism, or in customer service or administration. You may need specialist knowledge or skills for some holidays – for example, as a winter sports representative you may need to be able to ski at an advanced level.
Colleges offer a range of courses related to travel and tourism, including BTEC certificates and diplomas, BTEC HNCs/HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees. Although you may find these useful when looking for work, they are not essential.
What further training and development can I do?
Your employer would usually provide a short induction training programme in the UK and at the resort. Some large tour operators have overseas offices where they provide extra training.
You may be able to work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Travel and Tourism Services.
Where can I go for more information?
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550
http://www.uksp.co.uk/ (careers information)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Resort representatives may earn around £11,000 a year.
- Experienced representatives may earn £15,000 or more.
Resort representatives are also provided with free accommodation, insurance and usually a uniform, and can sometimes earn commission, for example by selling tours and arranging car hire.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your work as a resort representative would usually be seasonal. Depending on the resort or country, holiday seasons may run from April onwards, October to January, or January to April.
You would often work from early morning to late evening, including weekends, and could be on call 24 hours a day.
You may be responsible for a wide area and have to travel between hotels or other holiday accommodation.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- self-confidence and a pleasant and outgoing nature
- good spoken and written communication skills and clear speech
- the ability to speak one or more foreign languages if working overseas
- a patient, diplomatic approach
- good organisational skills
- the ability to work well under pressure and without supervision
- IT skills for completing paperwork and reports
- sales skills for promoting excursions
- flexibility and willingness to work long, irregular hours.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by tour operating companies ranging from large international organisations to small, specialist firms. You would usually work abroad, although some representatives are employed in the UK.
In large companies you may be able to progress to senior resort representative or regional manager.
Your experience as a resort representative could also be useful for moving into other areas of travel and tourism, such as tourist information centres, regional and national tourist boards, and travel agencies. Alternatively, you could become self-employed as a tour guide.
You could look for vacancies advertised in the press and on tour operators' websites, or you could contact tour operators direct for details of recruitment. Visit the Federation of Tour Operators and the Association of Independent Tour Operators websites for details of tour operators.
You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
traveljobsearch.com
Travel Trade Gazette
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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