Tourist information centre assistant

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a tourist information centre supervisor or manager.

You could also move into related areas, like tour guiding, or work in museums, historical attractions or galleries.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Geography - Tourist information centre assistants need a strong understanding of local and regional geography to advise visitors on places to visit, how to get around, and what to see. They regularly work with maps, travel routes, and timetables, and need to know about the physical and human features that make an area attractive to tourists.
• English Language - Tourist information centre assistants spend much of their day communicating with visitors – answering questions in person, by phone, and online. They need to explain things clearly, listen carefully to what people are looking for, and write accurate information for displays and correspondence.

Also relevant

• Business - Tourist information centre assistants sell tickets, souvenirs, and gift items, and need to understand basic customer service and sales skills. Knowledge of how tourism businesses operate helps them give better advice about local attractions and services.
• History - Tourist information centre assistants often work in areas rich in historical interest, such as castles, monuments, and museums. Understanding local history helps them give visitors more detailed and engaging information about the places they are exploring.
• Modern Foreign Languages - Tourist information centre assistants frequently help visitors from other countries who may not speak fluent English. Being able to communicate in another language – even at a basic level – can make a real difference when helping international tourists feel welcome and understood.
• Art and Design - Tourist information centre assistants set up displays and arrange promotional literature to attract visitors' attention. An eye for visual presentation helps when creating appealing window displays, notice boards, and information stands.