1. There are many career paths available to someone who wants to work in the tourism and travel industry and a variety of job roles. You could end up working in the aviation sector, as an accommodation provider or as a leisure and business travel agent. However, if you are that interested in working in the sector, you will almost certainly find a position to suit you!

2. The perks are good. The travel industry provides rewards that not many other industries do. Those who work as travel agents can get reduced travel fares and even pay discounted accommodation rates. Then there are the familiarisation trips that those who work in the industry have the opportunity to take. Just think of an all expenses paid trip to somewhere like France – the land of exquisite food, the exotic Seychelles or the magical Kenyan coast of Mombasa to name just a few!

3. It is a growing industry. Despite the recession, travel industry players are optimistic about its growth. With more places becoming accessible because of air travel and with flights and hotel rates coming down, the travel industry will continue to grow and more markets will be reached which is good news for service providers.

4. It is never boring. Working in travel & tourism means that you frequently meet new people that share a love of travel. This is especially true for those who work as frontline staff in travel agencies, airline offices or hotels. Working in the industry can give you the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world, visit different towns and cities and see and experience different cultures. Not bad for a days work!

5. In simple terms, you get the privilege of playing a key role in peoples lives. Whether it’s transporting businessmen and women across the world for important board meetings or planning a newlywed couple’s honeymoon that they’ll never forget, whichever role you play, you will be integral in the overall success of a trip.

FACT:

• According to the World Bank assessments, tourism today is the largest and most intensively developing world industry.

• According to Wildjunket.com, In 2011 France was the most visited country with 76.8million tourists, the UK came 6th with 28.1 million. Obviously Bognor Regis beach is more appealing than we thought?!

• A few Arabic countries (especially Syria) will not let you enter carrying a passport with an Israeli stamp.

• The Isle of Wight has more sunshine hours than any other UK resort, which may explain why two of the UK’s most popular festivals, Bestival & The Isle of Wight Festival, (and Cowes week) are held there…

So why not consider one of the 3 Travel industry roles we currently have on WEXO:

1. Like yoga? Believe that it’s better to come back from a holiday feeling healthier than when you left? You could be the paid intern that The Healthy Holiday Company are looking for…

2. Fancy helping house some of the aforementioned festival punters? Southern Parks need you…

3. Want to work for one of Britain’s up and coming polar explorers and adventurers?

Deep into my third week working for UPS in the logistics department for the Olympics, I can proudly say that so far, this has been the most interesting and informative job of my career to date. I have learnt more during the last three weeks than I would ever have thought possible. It has confirmed that the future of my career firmly lies within sporting events.

Having previously worked for a company which staged, marketed and produced sports events across the UK, I already had a clear understanding of what to expect working at a sporting event but it was nothing on the scale of the Olympics. I’m now learning the logistics side and I hadn’t realised its sheer significance to the overall success of an event. From working in marketing and sales before, I feel that the logistics element is a lot more challenging and involves a more prolific approach.

My role for UPS is Customs and Freight Advisor and Delivery Coordinator. In English, this means answering questions that National Olympic Committees (including team athletes, press and broadcasters) have regarding getting their sports equipment, kit, technical devices and general belongings into the UK. There is a team of 10 of us that also coordinate the deliveries coming in and out of the Olympic park.

The team are all fantastic people and come from many different walks of life with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our team manager, Kelly Wilton, has shown great patience; teaching us thoroughly and comprehensively, step by step , everything I now know about logistics.

Amy