There is no set entry route to become a visitor attraction general manager but it may be useful to do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• tourism
• resort management
• marketing
• business management

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

You could work towards this role by doing a subject like a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Leisure and Tourism.

This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need and may help you to get a job as a trainee assistant manager.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

It may be possible to work your way into this job by starting in a customer service or hospitality role, with an attraction, and apply for promotion when you've got enough experience.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and knowledge. For example, you'll have an advantage if you've worked in visitor attraction management, or have experience in leisure, hospitality, catering or retail management.

You'll need:

• business management skills
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to sell products and services
• maths knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

In your day-to-day duties, you could:

• manage budgets
• work with suppliers, local government, trade bodies and the media
• oversee health and safety procedures
• recruit and train staff
• manage staff and lead meetings
• develop new business opportunities
• promote the attraction to increase visitor numbers

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

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.