Tour manager

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like travel and tourism management, although this isn't essential.

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 take a college course in a related subject like tourism management. This would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You may be able to get into this job by applying to do a Travel Consultant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could move into this job after getting experience in a related role like a travel agent, tour guide or tour rep.

You can apply for jobs directly if you have:

• experience of working with people
• a friendly and approachable manner
• an interest in the culture, geography and history of the locations covered by the tour
• a good working knowledge of foreign languages if touring overseas
• experience of working overseas if the job you're applying for is based abroad

Employers will look for a good general standard of education, with GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Travel & Tourism , which offers industry training courses, news and networking opportunities to members.

Further Information

You can find more information on careers in the travel industry from the Institute of Travel & Tourism and Take Off in Travel .

As a tour manager, you could:

• meet and greet people
• explain travel arrangements and give details of stopover points
• make sure accommodation, meals and services are satisfactory
• help with passport and immigration issues
• give talks about places of interest or find local tourist guides to do them
• promote and sell trips
• advise on sights, local restaurants and shops at each destination
• record issues that may require follow-up after the tour
• give advice, solve problems and deal with emergencies like loss of passports or money, illness or difficulties with accommodation

You could work in a hotel or in holiday accomodation.

Your working environment may be crowded, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear a uniform.