You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job, for example:

• customer service in leisure, travel and tourism
• travel and tourism

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Local visitor information centres, national parks, museums and sites of cultural and historical interest often have volunteering opportunities for information assistants. This can be a good way to get experience in the tourism industry.

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set entry requirements but it can help if you have:

• a good knowledge of the local area and its visitor attractions and facilities
• customer service experience
• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C)

Further information

You can find out more about the tourism industry from Visit England.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• a desire to help people
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• administration skills
• active listening skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a tourist information centre assistant, you would:

• answer customer queries in person, by phone and online
• research information like travel guides, maps and timetables
• give advice on things to see and do, travel tips and places to eat and stay
• book tickets for travel, entertainment, attractions and events
• set up displays, re-stock literature and sell gift items and souvenirs
• keep up to date with what's available for tourists who visit your region

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

You may need to wear a uniform.