Working In Visitor Information: What Does the Job Entail?

By working in visitor information, you become the face of a tourist destination, landmark, hotel or other hospitality industry location. Your job is to help business travelers and tourists get the most out of their trips.

Working in Visitor Information: What Does the Job Entail?

No day is typical for a visitor information professional, but some job duties are commonly executed. You will likely be involved in marketing, publicity, administration, statistics, records and more. One of your main responsibilities is to greet people, whether in person or on the phone, and answer whatever questions they may have,. This can include where to find the closest transportation, tourist attractions and other necessities, as well as how long it takes to get places and how safe certain areas are. You must also provide travel information, help plan itineraries, and respond to written inquiries in letters or e-mails. The work of a visitor information professional can be challenging and stressful during busy periods. Some days you may be preparing marketing materials, while another day selling souvenirs or creating an informational display. Visitor information professionals are increasingly being asked to leverage social networks and mobile applications to appeal to current and potential tourists.

Coursework for Visitor Information: Training for a Career in the Industry

Many professionals working in visitor information are college graduates with business experience in visitor services. Experience in customer service, public relations, market research or statistics are all helpful while trying to break into this industry. Other areas of study you may want to focus on, whether through a university or on your own are:

• History: Extensive knowledge of the region in which you want to work is a plus, both from a historical perspective and in its current condition. Try to stay up-to-date with local news, weather advisories and events.
• Language: You must be fluent in English in the U.S. to have a career in visitor information. Fluency in one or more additional languages, such as French, Spanish, German or Japanese, is often desired, as many tourists are international guests.

Visitor Information Careers: Where Can I Work?

Whether at a historical landmark, a national park, a hotel, a cruise ship or another aspect of the hospitality industry, visitor information professionals guide guests in the right direction. States and cities often hire professionals to coordinate visitor information services, specifically for locations near tourist attractions or off the highway. If you are interested in a job in customer service, but you don't want to be a part of the tourist industry, careers in catering could be a good option.