Visitor attraction general manager
Visitor attraction general managers look after the operation and finances of an attraction, and the health and safety of staff and visitors.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to senior roles like divisional, regional or group director.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
More Information
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
More Information
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.
Career tips
You're likely to find work with local authorities, theme parks, national parks, museums and sites of cultural and historical interest.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.