Why I Decided to Choose this Profession

Why I Decided to Choose this Profession

Before I finished school I had dreamed of becoming … It’s a very interesting and attractive profession. But when I grew older, I understood that it’s not an easy task to make the right choice of a job because of their wide differences. When I left school, I knew I would continue my education because I decided to work in tourist industry. I want to become a tour operator or a travel agent. As far as I know, this kind of job is not well paid. But it will be the beginning of my independent life, the examination of my abilities and character.

I know that it’s very difficult to become a good specialist. There is a lot of overlap between the two roles. But a tour operator buys the separate elements of transport, accommodation and other services and combines them into a package. A travel agent sells this product and other services to the public and provides a convenient location. So a tour operator has to decide what tours and holidays to organize – it might be inclusive tours, or independent holidays. They’ll probably investigate and research new markets to find out what people actually want.

Then, when they are putting together a tour, they’ll have to negotiate with the various airline companies, hotels and other principals.

They’ll probably charter aircraft, recruit and train staff to be resort representatives guides, and so on. When that’s all sorted out, they’ll be able to concentrate more on promotion – designing and printing a brochure, and planning an advertising campaign.

Once the tours are being sold, the tour operator deals with the agent in accepting bookings.

So a tour operator doesn’t usually have so much direct contact with the customer. The travel agent, on the other hand, is in direct contact with the customer, advising on resorts, carriers, and travel facilities in general, helping arranging corporate travel.

Then, when they are actually selling holidays they’ll be involved in recording and confirming reservations, sending invoices to customers, and issuing tickets and vouchers. They’re also involved in services like arranging car hire or selling insurance.

A travel agent or a tour operator should know perfectly the subject, be well-educated and well-informed, need a good level of computer skills and some experience. More and more people realize that every educated person should know a foreign language because “He, who doesn’t know a foreign language, doesn’t know his own language”. But, of course, English only is not enough. There are still countries and people who prefer to use their native languages.

Fortunately, there are a lot of people you can turn to for advice and help in making your decision. There are teachers who can give you detailed information about job qualification. And you can talk over your ideas with family members and friends who are always ready to listen and help.

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