Your A-Z guide

Represent clients in the travel industry to increase awareness and sales

Creative and business‑focused roles to raise the profile of a travel company through broadcast, print and digital campaigns

Pilots and cabin crew staff the aircraft, supported by colleagues in customer service, sales, marketing, technology, engineering and manufacturing

Security guards, special assistance teams, baggage handlers and ground staff keep airports working efficiently

Web developers, business analysts and database administrators are just a few of the roles that use artificial intelligence to help ensure travel companies remain efficient and competitive

Membership organisations represent different sectors within the industry, offering training, support and guidance

Arrange business trips from within a company’s travel department or an external travel agency

Sell holidays by phone or online as well as assist customers from their initial enquiry to post‑booking feedback

Assist with the running of the site by leading activities, maintaining the facilities or assisting guests with bookings

Help customers all over the world get around with roles in sales, administration, accounting, marketing and vehicle servicing

Coach holidays are run by drivers, tour guides, reservations staff, operations managers and itinerary planners

Create inspiring videos, photos or stories that showcase a destination or brand for use mainly on social media, but also on websites and in marketing campaigns

There’s a variety of positions both on and off ships, from captains, cruise directors and entertainers to sales, commerce and management roles

Collect and assess data from across the industry to provide business insights and help travel companies improve the services they offer

Everyone from software developers through to content producers uses digital technology to reach consumers and manage bookings

Ensure online transactions are smooth and simple

Add-on providers take care of everything from airport parking and lounges to transfer services and insurance

Ferry operators based in the UK and overseas transport people and cargo to where they need to be, with the help of onboard engineers and crew, as well as operations managers and communications teams

Manage cashflow, staff salaries, audits and taxes for travel companies

Advise on overseas currency and cashless payment cards for transactions abroad, within either a travel agency or a financial institution

A central reservation system for travel inventory, including hotels and airlines, that allows comparisons and facilitates bookings, with business and technology-facing roles

Ensure hotels and holiday suppliers are conforming to safety standards and provide training and education

Sell holidays from home to clients over the phone or online, either as a business owner or on behalf of a company

This global sector employs millions in customer-facing and back‑office hospitality roles

An increasing number of roles help to harness new technology to provide better business solutions and seamless customer experiences

Employs people in risk assessment, product development and client services to ensure customers are protected if things go wrong

All industries rely on robust IT, from day-to‑day support for remote working to developing more efficient business systems

In-house lawyers, advisors and external firms work with travel companies to make sure they comply with relevant legislation

Vital in promoting a brand and helping to drive sales, with jobs in creative and commercial roles

Journalists work across newspapers, magazines, online platforms, TV and radio to report on travel, with production teams, and alongside sales and advertising

The meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector requires people to work with global venues to organise big events for businesses

This catch-all term refers to the smooth running of holidays and the efficiency of travel companies

Ships transporting people and cargo call at passenger and container ports, which offer roles in logistics, operations, management, safety and security

Requires in-depth knowledge of a destination or sector to create interesting itineraries and holiday packages for travel companies to sell

PR representatives are employed by travel companies, either in‑house or via an agency, to communicate news to media organisations and generate creative content ideas

Seek out the best suppliers, negotiate competitive rates and review contracts so companies and customers get the best deals

Based in hotels or resorts to help customers with queries, book transfers and arrange day trips, on behalf of a tour operator

Take bookings, recommend suitable products and liaise with travel agents, from within tour operators, cruise lines and airlines

Large hotels with an array of facilities that employ housekeepers, restaurant and bar staff, groundkeepers, sports coaches and more

Search engine optimisation ensures online content is primed so the company or brand appears high in the list of results when potential customers search for a holiday

Social media teams promote brands through clever marketing, maintain the company’s tone of voice and connect with customers online to answer queries and resolve complaints

Work with children and teens in a summer camp overseas – the US is a particularly popular destination for this sector

Help to make the travel industry as sustainable as possible by ensuring companies operate responsibly as well as assessing impact on destinations, local people and nature

Tourist attractions and cultural landmarks need people to welcome visitors, plan promotions and manage staff and sites

Encompasses everything from attraction tickets and fast passes to rail or coach tickets, for consumers or companies

On-the-ground experts who lead travellers around a destination and share their knowledge, whether that be on a walking city tour or an adventure in a remote destination

Require teams of people in customer‑facing roles and behind the scenes to arrange different elements of holidays, including flights, transfers, hotels and activities

Promoting a city, region or country and its assets to consumers and companies, based in the UK or overseas

Working within travel firms or specialist training companies to help people achieve professional qualifications and ensure they comply with changing regulations

Specialist companies transfer guests to and from airports, cruise ports, rail stations, hotels and attractions

Knowledgeable and experienced travel advisors can recommend the best flights, hotels and tours to suit customers’ needs, as well as manage a booking from start to finish

Essential in ensuring travel companies offer their customers an easy and seamless online service, from initial interaction to the point of sale

Keep track of costs and adjust prices accordingly to make sure holiday companies remain profitable, while ensuring workers in tourism‑dependent economies get a fair deal