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The leisure, sport and tourism industries offer

The leisure, sport and tourism industries offer a very wide range of jobs. People have more leisure time, greater disposable income and longer life expectancy. While relatively few people earn a living from playing sport, millions of people enjoy participating in sport. Whether amateur or professional, most participants need the help of coaches and instructors, and make use of sports facilities and leisure centres. Many people want to become fitter and lead healthier lives, and there are government initiatives trying to encourage people to take more exercise. There are many opportunities within tourism, as increasing numbers of people take holidays overseas or leisure breaks within the UK. It includes work in transport and travel services, and entertainment.

So you want to work in tourism?

Over two million people work in travel and tourism in the UK. They are employed by a wide range of travel and tourism enterprises. These include tour and coach companies, travel agencies, tourist information centres, holiday parks and centres, ferry companies and tourist attractions.

Event and exhibition organiser

Chris Mason is an exhibition supervisor at Techniquest, an interactive science discovery centre in Cardiff, South Wales. He has worked there for seven years.

Holiday representative

Jobs4u title: Holiday representative

Nicola Bendall is a children’s representative (rep) for Thomson Holidays. She has worked for the company for four years and is based at a hotel in Minorca, where she’s in charge of a team of five people.

Operators/Agencies

People working in travel agencies and direct line reservation companies book holidays for customers face to face, by telephone or over the internet. Tour and coach operators organise holidays and tours in the UK and overseas. Travel representatives work for operators in holiday destinations.

Tour co-ordinator

People who work as tour guides and leaders provide information on places to visit. They typically accompany a group on tour, whether for a day trip or a longer visit. Those working as coach drivers are responsible for safe and comfortable travel.