Tourist information centre assistant
Help visitors to get the most out of your local area by telling them about transport and things to do.
Also known as: tourist information officer, TCI
About the job
What it's like
You would help visitors to get the most out of your local area by telling them about transport and things to do.
You would:
Answer customer queries in person, and by phone and email
Give information using computers, leaflets, timetables, guidebooks and national Tourist Information Centre (TIC) reference kits
Make bookings, for example for coach travel, theatre performances and accommodation
Set up displays within the centre, and keep the place tidy
Keep up to date with local accommodation, places to visit, activities and events
Restock literature
Sell goods like guidebooks, postcards and stamps, local craft items, gifts and souvenirs.
You may get the chance to visit local attractions so that you can recommend them to visitors.
Hours
Your working hours would vary depending on your location. A lot of TICs open daily in peak periods, so you may work weekends and bank holidays. Many jobs are part-time, and some TICs only open for the summer season.
Environment
You could work in a separate TIC building or in places like local authority offices, libraries, museums, ports and airports.
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Tourism
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- attention to detail
- respecting
- empathising
- verbal communication
- supporting
- cooperating
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Modern Languages
Modern Languages
Administration and Information Technology
Cantonese
English and Communication
French
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
German
Italian
Mandarin
People and Society
Social Subjects
Spanish
Skills for Work: Travel and Tourism
Urdu
There are no set entry requirements but a good general education is useful.
Due to the competitive nature of entry, studying for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) (SCQF level 7) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in tourism may be useful.
For entry to an HNC or HND in tourism you usually need one to two Highers For some HND tourism courses you may need Higher English.
For a degree in tourism you will need three to five Highers. For some degree level courses you may need Higher English and National 5 Maths.
Subjects that demonstrate your employability such as Skills for Work Travel and Tourism (SCQF level 4/5).
A qualification in sign language may be helpful but is not essential.
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