How to Be Tourist Consultant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 17, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing demand of international tourism has caused a surge in the need for tourist consultants. Tourist consultants provide a range of services including travel planning, booking flights and accommodation, arranging visas and insurance, and offering advice on tourist destinations. This surge in demand has led to an increase in specialised companies and individual consultants who are equipped to offer professional and personalised services to travellers.

These services are essential in helping travellers have a safe, enjoyable and hassle-free experience. Furthermore, effective tourist consultants can help to boost the economy of a country by promoting local attractions and businesses and by creating a positive image of the destination.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in hospitality management, tourism, or a related field is often required for a career as a tourist consultant. Programs offer courses in tourism marketing, geography, cultural studies, and business management, as well as hands-on experience through internships and cooperative education programs.
Get Certified. Many employers prefer to hire tourist consultants who have obtained certification. The National Tour Association offers certification programs. Applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements.
Gain Experience. Gaining experience in the travel industry is essential to become a tourist consultant. Applicants should look for opportunities to work as a tour guide, travel agent, hotel concierge, or customer service representative.
Stay Up to Date on the Industry. As a tourist consultant, it is important to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the travel industry. This includes attending industry conferences, networking with other professionals, and reading industry publications.
Obtain Additional Skills. Tourist consultants should have strong communication skills and an aptitude for problem solving. They should also be proficient in a variety of computer programs, such as Microsoft Office and reservation systems.
Build an Online Presence. Tourist consultants should create a professional website featuring their qualifications and a portfolio of past projects. They should also promote their services on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

Travelling is a great way to explore new cultures, meet new people, and learn about the world. To ensure a successful journey, it is important to plan well in advance and to consult a reliable tourist consultant. A tourist consultant can provide valuable advice on the best routes to take, the most suitable accommodation, the most interesting attractions, and the best deals on flights and other travel services.

Furthermore, they can provide insight into local customs, laws and regulations, as well as safety information. By consulting with a tourist consultant, travellers can have peace of mind knowing that their trip will be enjoyable, safe, and cost-effective.

You may want to check Tourist Attraction Supervisor, Tourist Bus Driver, and Tourist Shuttle Driver for alternative.

Job Description

Provide advice to clients on local attractions, accommodations, transportation, and other tourism-related services.
Respond to inquiries from potential tourists regarding packages, tours, and other travel-related topics.
Research and recommend destinations that best match the interests and budgets of potential tourists.
Create and manage customized packages for clients based on their individual needs.
Create promotional materials to increase the visibility of the destination and its associated services.
Cultivate relationships with local businesses to ensure competitive rates for clients.
Monitor industry trends and developments to stay current with new products and services in the area.
Maintain accurate records of reservations, payments, and client feedback.
Handle customer complaints in a professional manner and strive to provide satisfactory resolutions.
Develop and deliver presentations regarding the destination, its services, and related topics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong knowledge of travel industry and customer service
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to negotiate and problem-solve
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Computer literacy and proficiency in booking software
Knowledge of geography and foreign cultures
Knowledge of local customs and regulations
Awareness of safety and security protocols
Knowledge of visa and passport requirements
Organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

A successful tourist consultant must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills in order to effectively assist customers. Good customer service skills are essential for a tourist consultant, as they need to be able to respond to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner. they must also be knowledgeable about the destination they are promoting, as they need to be able to provide accurate information to their customers.

Furthermore, the ability to multitask, stay organized and handle stressful situations are also key skills for any tourist consultant. Finally, a strong understanding of the travel industry, including regulations, booking systems, and customer service strategies, is necessary for success in this role. All of these skills are essential for a successful tourist consultant, as they help to ensure that customers have an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Tourist Information Center Manager, Tourist Escort, and Tourist Liaison Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the tourism industry?
How do you stay up to date on changes in the tourism industry?
What strategies do you use to develop relationships with clients?
How do you ensure customer satisfaction?
What methods do you use to plan and coordinate tours?
Describe the most challenging tour you have organized.
What challenges have you faced when dealing with clients from different cultural backgrounds?
How do you handle difficult customer requests?
How do you prioritize tasks when time is limited?
Tell us about a successful tour you have organized.

Common Tools in Industry

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software . This tool helps to manage customer relationships, track and analyze customer data, and generate leads. (eg: Salesforce)
Online Booking System . This tool allows customers to search for and book services and products online. (eg: Expedia)
Flight Search Engine . This tool helps customers to find and compare the best deals for flights. (eg: Skyscanner)
Tour Guide App . This app helps tourists to find the best places to visit and explore, with detailed information about the attractions and activities. (eg: Tripadvisor)
Tourist Package Creator . This tool helps travel agents to create customized packages for tourists with the best deals and discounts. (eg: TourCrate)
Online Chatbot . This tool helps customers to get quick answers to their queries about destination, hotels, flights and more. (eg: Chatfuel)
Travel Advisory Database . This database contains all the latest travel advisories and updates from different government agencies, helping customers to plan their trip safely. (eg: World Travel & Tourism Council)

Professional Organizations to Know

Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
National Tour Association (NTA)
Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
US Tour Operators Association (USTOA)
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

We also have Tourist Information Officer, Tourist Destination Manager, and Tourist Interpreter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tour guide. A person who leads and provides information on tours and sightseeing for visitors.
Tour operator. A business that specializes in arranging and organizing tours for travelers.
Travel agent. A professional who provides advice and assistance to travelers in planning their trips.
Destination management company (DMC). An organization that provides services to travelers, such as transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and activities.
Adventure travel. A type of tourism that involves exploration or travel to remote areas, often with a significant physical challenge or risk.
Ecotourism. A form of tourism in which tourists seek out natural areas and activities that minimize environmental impact and benefit local communities.
Sustainable tourism. A type of tourism that seeks to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while maximizing positive ones.
Cultural tourism. A type of tourism involving visits to sites that represent a culture or ethnicity other than ones own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Tourist Consultant do?

A Tourist Consultant provides advice and information to travelers and tourists about travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, activities, and other related services.

How can a Tourist Consultant help travelers plan their trips?

A Tourist Consultant can help travelers plan their trips by providing information on local attractions, recommending accommodations, helping to arrange transportation, providing tips on local customs and culture, and offering assistance in obtaining visas, if necessary.

What qualifications are required to become a Tourist Consultant?

In order to become a Tourist Consultant, individuals must typically possess a college degree in tourism and hospitality, or related field, along with knowledge of various cultures and languages.

What type of salary can a Tourist Consultant expect?

The salary of a Tourist Consultant depends on their experience level, qualifications, and the type of business they are employed by. According to PayScale.com, the average salary for a Tourist Consultant is $35,827 per year.

What other career paths can a Tourist Consultant pursue?

Depending on their experience and qualifications, a Tourist Consultant can pursue various career paths such as travel agent, tour guide, event coordinator, or customer service manager.

Web Resources

Diploma in Travel & Tourism Consultant (DTTC) - IATA - COTHM cothm.edu.pk
Tour Desk Consultant Salary and Job Outlook | Open Colleges www.opencolleges.edu.au
International Travel Consultant Salary and Job Outlook - Open www.opencolleges.edu.au