Explore 12 exciting career paths in tourism and hospitality. Discover job roles, skills needed, and how to start your career in travel, events, sustainability, and more.
Tourism is one of the world’s most diverse and rewarding industries, offering countless opportunities across business, culture, travel, sustainability, and education. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a seasoned professional, this guide to 12 career paths in tourism and hospitality will help you navigate your next move.
As someone who has worked across the industry—from EU-funded tourism projects to business development and education—I’ve seen how interconnected and dynamic this sector truly is. From tech to sustainability and events to academia, tourism blends passion with purpose.
I started working in tourism as the only developing industry in Greece and then due to personal fulfilment continued working in several roles at the industry for 20 years. I have noticed that people either hate tourism or love it. You know, working with tourism is not like any other industry, you need to have passion for it! But should you need to change there are alternatives that you can be directed according to your personality and your future goals.
🧳 1. Travel Consultant or Advisor
This classic role has transformed in the digital age. Today’s travel consultants design tailor-made itineraries, often for niche markets like wellness, eco-tourism, or luxury travel.
You will need focus on the below:
– Destination knowledge
– Customer service
– GDS platforms (e.g. Amadeus, Sabre)
2. Tour Guide or Experience Designer
Tour guides now offer more than historical facts—they provide immersive storytelling and personalized experiences, often via platforms like Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide. We have seen even some traditional cooking experiences that I really really like!
You will need focus on the below:
– Communication
– Language skills
– Cultural understanding
Pro Tip:
Certify locally or take a sustainability-focused guiding course.
🏨 3. Hotel Manager or Hospitality Leader
From front desk to general manager, the hotel industry offers clear progression and transferable skills worldwide.
You will need focus on the below:
– Operational management
– PMS tools (Opera, Cloudbeds)
– Staff leadership
Entry Route:
Start with a hospitality diploma or work through trainee programs.
4. Destination Manager (DMO Roles)
Destination managers work with tourism boards or municipalities to develop strategic plans, support local businesses, and manage sustainability goals.
You will need focus on the below:
– Stakeholder engagement
– Policy understanding
– Project management (especially EU-funded projects)
My Tip:
Leverage EU projects and regional initiatives to gain experience in cross-sector tourism planning.
5. Event & MICE Coordinator
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) is a growing sector in tourism. Planners design events with a mix of logistics, creativity, and client care.
You will need focus on the below:
– Budgeting and vendor negotiation
– Time management
– Event tech tools
Certify With:
CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or local event planning programs.
6. Digital Tourism Marketer
Tourism businesses need skilled digital marketers for online visibility, content creation, and customer acquisition.
You will need focus on the below:
– Canva, Google Analytics, Mailchimp
– Meta Ads Manager
– SEO and blogging (like this one!)
Great For:
Creative professionals who love content and data.
7. Revenue Manager
Revenue managers work behind the scenes to improve pricing and maximize profits, especially in hotels and airlines.
You will need focus on the below:
– Yield management
– Excel & data analytics
– Forecasting models
Career Tip:
Start in hotel operations, then specialize in pricing strategy.
8. Sustainable Tourism Consultant
With ESG becoming essential, this career focuses on helping destinations or companies reduce their footprint and improve ethics.
You will need focus on the below:
– Sustainability standards (GSTC, Travelife)
– Carbon reporting
– Supplier management
Start With:
Courses in sustainable tourism or green certifications.
9. Corporate Travel Coordinator
Corporate tourism requires structure and planning. You’ll manage business travel logistics for employees, conferences, and client visits.
You will need focus on the below:
– Project management
– Compliance
– CRM platforms (SAP Concur, TravelPerk)
10. Cruise Line Careers
Cruise ships are floating hotels. Roles span entertainment, logistics, food service, and even event planning.
Good Fit For:
– Multilingual professionals
– Team players
– Those who love adventure
Tip:
Apply directly via cruise line recruitment portals.
11. Tourism Lecturer or Trainer
This role is ideal for experienced professionals who want to teach and shape future talent in tourism and hospitality.
You will need focus on the below:
– Academic background
– Teaching skills
– Industry experience
My Note:
I’ve found this path personally rewarding—combining consulting and teaching makes for meaningful, well-rounded work.
12. Tourism Consultant or Project Manager
This role ties together strategy, innovation, and partnerships. You might work with local governments, DMOs, NGOs, or SMEs on digitalization, product development, or funding.
You will need focus on the below:
– Proposal writing
– EU project coordination
– Market research
Where to Start:
Volunteer on regional tourism projects or work with small businesses first.
Why Tourism Is a Cross-Sector Career
Tourism overlaps with urban development, environmental policy, business strategy, education, and tech. In my work with EU-funded initiatives, I’ve seen how tourism careers are tied to innovation, funding, policy, and education—making this one of the most adaptive fields to grow in.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re exploring your first step or pivoting into a more strategic role, the tourism and hospitality industry offers you more than jobs—it offers a purpose.
💡 Stay tuned: I’ll be launching a free downloadable Tourism Career Planner PDF with practical steps, role comparisons, and tools you can use to take your career further.
Want 1-on-1 Career Guidance?
Have a question about your next step or need help aligning your tourism experience with a new role?
👉 Contact me
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