From Passion to Profession: Where Can Travel and Tourism Take You?
Every year, millions of people travel to discover new places, experience different cultures and create memories that last a lifetime. What many travellers may not see is the vast network of people and businesses crafting those experiences. Behind every journey is a huge global industry, powered by people working across airlines, hotels, travel agencies, visitor attractions, cruise lines, hospitality and much more.
On 27th September, World Tourism Day celebrates the social, cultural and economic importance of tourism and the role it plays in bringing people and communities together. The day is an opportunity to recognise the contribution tourism makes around the world – from supporting jobs and local economies to encouraging cultural exchange and helping people experience destinations and communities beyond their own.
For anyone with a passion for travel, people and discovering the world, it can also be the starting point for a rewarding career.
Turning a passion for travel into a career
Travel and Tourism is a diverse sector, with careers spanning airlines, airports, travel agencies, hotels, hospitality, visitor attractions, events, cruise lines and tour operations.
At Rotherham College, students can explore this exciting industry through the Travel and Tourism pathway within the Aviation course, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress into further study or a career in aviation, travel and tourism.
What will students learn?
Students explore a wide range of topics, giving them insight into the many areas of travel and tourism.
These include customer service, the UK travel and tourism industry, destinations, promotion, visitor attractions, package holidays, travel agency operations, hospitality, event organisation and guided tours.
For example, here are some of our students roleplaying customer service and check-in scenarios at our partner education centre, Skills Street.
This gives students the opportunity to discover the many different roles that sit behind the travel experiences people enjoy every day.
Alongside industry knowledge, students develop skills that can be valuable across a wide range of careers. Communication, customer service, multitasking, sales and time management are among the skills commonly sought by employers across the aviation sector.
Where could it take you?
The breadth of travel, tourism and aviation means there are many different career paths to consider.
For someone who enjoys meeting people and providing excellent customer service, a career as cabin crew could offer the opportunity to work with passengers from all over the world. Cabin crew play an important role in making sure passengers have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flight, combining customer service with safety, communication and teamwork.
For those interested in aviation beyond commercial airlines, there are also opportunities within the Royal Air Force, including roles involving aircraft, airfields, logistics, vehicles, medical support and many other areas.
And aviation is only one part of the picture.
Students could go on to explore careers in travel agencies, hotels and hospitality, visitor attractions, events, cruise lines, tour operations and many other areas of the tourism industry.
Interested in finding out where it could take you?
Explore Rotherham College’s Aviation course and discover our Travel and Tourism pathway.