Visitor attraction general manager

There is no set entry route to become a visitor attraction general manager but it may be useful to do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• tourism
• resort management
• marketing
• business management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course in a subject like leisure and tourism or business management.

This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need and may help you to get a job as a trainee assistant manager.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

It may be possible to work your way into this job by starting in a customer service or hospitality role, with an attraction, and apply for promotion when you've got enough experience.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and knowledge. For example, you'll have an advantage if you've worked in visitor attraction management, or have experience in leisure, hospitality, catering or retail management.

Career Tips

You could find work with:

• local authorities
• theme parks
• national parks
• museums
• sites of cultural and historical interest

Further Information

You can get more information about careers in the wider tourism industry from Take Off in Travel .

As a visitor attraction general manager, you could:

• manage budgets
• work with suppliers, local government, trade bodies and the media
• oversee health and safety procedures
• recruit and train staff
• manage staff and lead meetings
• develop new business opportunities
• promote the attraction to increase visitor numbers

You could work at an information centre, at monuments and castles, in a museum, at an art gallery or at a zoo.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.