Tourist information centre assistant

Tourist information centre assistants help people by providing information and books, leaflets and magazines relating to the local area. The work may involve booking accommodation, arranging displays and selling local materials, such as maps and souvenirs.

Work activities

Tourist information centres can be found in most cities and towns, in areas of natural beauty, places of historical significance and by the seaside. The main role of tourist information centre (TIC) assistants is to provide the public, particularly visitors and holidaymakers, with accurate information about a particular geographical area. Topics include accommodation, travel, entertainment and leisure facilities. They also make reservations and sell tickets and souvenirs.

Much of the work, especially in the peak summer holiday season, involves dealing with the public face to face and answering their queries. These questions can range from opening times and directions to more difficult questions that require further research. TIC assistants use computers, reference books and timetables on a regular basis. They store and file information so that it can be accessed easily. Some information materials, such as brochures and maps, are displayed. Larger TICs often have video facilities, which are operated or overseen by the assistants. Telephone work can be a major feature of the job. TIC assistants also answer emails and letters. In addition, they may visit tourist sites during the low season.

Personal qualities and skills

As a tourist information centre assistant, you need:

Good interpersonal skills - politeness and patience are important when working with the public.
A pleasant telephone manner.
A good memory for facts.
An enquiring mind and a problem-solving approach.
A willingness to do further research and a knowledge of how to go about this.
Knowledge of the area you will be working in.
The ability to work well in a team and on your own.
IT skills.
Good listening and questioning skills.
The ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
The ability to speak another language is useful in some tourist information centres.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Tourist information centre (TIC) assistants earn in the range of £15,000 - £25,000. Senior positions may attract a higher salary.

TIC assistants usually work a 28-30-hour week. However, this may include early starts, late finishes, shifts and work on weekends and public holidays. Part-time posts may be available. Some TIC assistants are employed on a seasonal basis.

Opportunities for TIC assistants occur in towns and cities throughout the UK and at other sites of interest. Smaller TICs may be attached to local libraries and heritage centres; larger ones are found at airports, rail and coach terminals and visitor attractions.

Employers throughout the UK include national and regional tourist boards and local authorities, although some private organisations also operate centres.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, on job boards, on employers’ websites, on the Government’s Find a Job and service.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career, although a good general education is preferred by most employers. You may be asked to take a timed written test - local knowledge - as well as an interview. You could also be observed in practical situations, such as working with the public or researching queries.

New staff are given “in-house” training in customer service, clerical duties, finding information, handling money and credit/debit cards, phone techniques and dealing with common queries.

Some assistants take work-based qualifications, such as travel and tourism services. Some also take qualifications in related areas, such as languages or marketing. Currently no apprenticeship programmes are available.

With experience, progression is possible to supervisory and management positions.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are needed for entry to this work. However, many employers prefer applicants to have some GCSEs (grades 9-4), such as English, maths and leisure and tourism. The ability to speak a foreign language is useful, especially in large city tourist information centres.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills and abilities gained while working with the public, such as reception or customer service work, are useful. Having a thorough knowledge of the local area is also an advantage.

Numerous private training providers offer courses in travel- and tourism-related subjects, at a variety of levels, by distance learning.

Related careers

Airport information assistant
Bus/rail passenger transport clerk
Courier/resort representative
Hotel receptionist
Library assistant
Office receptionist
Tour guide