Tourist Information Officer

Summary

Tourist information officers provide travel and accommodation information to tourists, promote tourism, and assess tourist opportunities for local communities.

Duties & Tasks

Tourist information officers may perform the following tasks:

  • answer questions from tourists, visitors, local residents and other tourism industry colleagues, over the counter or by phone
  • make suggestions on tours, travel routes, accommodation and local attractions
  • provide literature and information on local, interstate and international tours and places of interest
  • maintain literature and/or brochure stocks
  • sell souvenirs and other merchandise
  • discuss transport, accommodation and tour availability and cost
  • arrange bookings and documentation for travel and accommodation, and collect payment
  • assist travel agents and tour operators in preparing itineraries for tourists
  • undertake general clerical and office duties
  • coordinate volunteer or part-time staff
  • put together statistics concerning the number and nature of enquiries
  • be responsible for overall presentation of the information centre.

Specialisations

Tourism Manager

A tourism manager manages a tourism information centre, which includes business management, staff supervision and development, office systems management and the provision of services. Tourism managers may also act as the executive officer for the local tourism committee and make sure services are in place to respond to day-to-day tourism enquiries. They check and regularly report to management on the status of the tourism marketing budget and give presentations on tourism awareness or new initiatives on behalf of the employers to industry, media, community or interest groups. They may also contribute to the planning, development and implementation of tourism marketing strategies and encourage community involvement and awareness.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy working with people
  • good interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
  • good organisational skills
  • comfortable working with computers
  • good geographical knowledge.

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