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Go Places with a Travel and Tourism Degree
April 19, 2007
by Francine L. Huff
Business Programs Columnist
When many people consider careers in the travel and tourism industry, they automatically think of travel agents. But the variety of tourism jobs extends beyond that: corporate travel counselors, cruise sales managers, reservationists, tour and convention sales managers, and property managers, just to name a few.
Travel Careers Take Flight
The travel and tourism industry generates $1.3 trillion a year in the U.S.. It is one of the country's largest employers, with 7.5 million direct travel-generated jobs, according to the Travel Industry Association. Although the Internet has won over some of the tasks traditionally handled by travel agents, there is still plenty of opportunity in this industry.
Earn Your Travel & Tourism Degree Online
An online travel and tourism degree can help you acquire skills in sales and marketing, travel operations, reservations methods, and computers. You'll also learn more about tourism and geography in an online travel and tourism degree program. Although some schools have travel and tourism degrees, many employers are also interested in people with degrees in computer science, geography, foreign languages, and world history.
First-Hand Travel Experience
If you become a travel agent you may be expected to have in-depth knowledge of destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Travel agent jobs often involve giving advice on hotels, customs regulations, required documents, and recreation. Becoming a travel agent is not a job for the arm chair traveler, as first-hand experience with certain travel destinations may be expected and can help establish you as an expert. You also may need to take continuing education courses to stay competitive with travel reservation sites on the Internet.
Becoming a travel agent or working in other tourism jobs may give you access to perks such as free or discounted plane tickets, hotel stays, sightseeing tours, and cruises. If you enjoy working with people and visiting new destinations, a travel agent or other tourism job may be right for you.
Sources
About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.
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