You could start as an assistant office manager in a health centre or hospital and do training to work your way up.
A Destination Manager is responsible for promoting and developing a particular location as an attractive place for tourists, conferences, and events. This role involves working closely with local businesses, government bodies, and marketing agencies to create tourism strategies, plan events or festivals, and improve the visitor experience. Destination Managers collect and analyse tourism data, manage budgets, and often represent their area at trade shows or industry events. The job requires strong organisational, communication, and marketing skills, as well as a deep understanding of what makes a destination special. It can be both office-based and involve travel within the UK or abroad to promote the destination.
Destination Managers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
The UK tourism sector supports over 3.2 million jobs, with demand for skilled managers increasing as tourism recovers post-pandemic.
Destination Managers commonly work for local councils, tourism boards, event agencies, and large travel companies.
Oversees the promotion and management of tourism activities and experiences specific to a city, working closely with local businesses and attractions.
Responsible for managing the daily operations of a holiday resort, ensuring guests have a positive experience and coordinating with staff and service providers.
Plans and manages local events and festivals, working to attract visitors and showcase the destination's unique culture and attractions.
Learn what a destination manager does by reading job profiles and watching videos.
Look at resources from organisations like VisitBritain or the Institute of Travel and Tourism to gain insight into the daily responsibilities and required skills. Speaking to someone in the industry or attending a careers fair can also help you understand what the job involves.
Build key skills such as communication, marketing, and organisation.
Consider volunteering in customer service roles, helping plan events, or getting involved in school projects related to tourism or geography. These experiences can help you gain important transferrable skills used by destination managers.
Study subjects at GCSE and A-level that support a tourism career, such as Geography, Business Studies, or Travel and Tourism.
Consider taking Travel and Tourism if your school offers it, or choose Business Studies and Geography to gain a good foundation. These subjects will introduce you to concepts used in managing destinations.
Complete a university degree or higher national diploma in tourism management, hospitality, or a related field.
Many destination managers have degrees in tourism management, business, or hospitality. Some universities offer specialised courses with placement years, which provide valuable industry experience.
Apply for internships or part-time jobs in tourism, hospitality, or event management.
Look for opportunities with local tourism boards, visitor centres, travel agencies, or hotels. Work experience will help you understand the industry and make useful contacts.
Attend tourism industry events and join professional associations.
Organisations like the Tourism Management Institute or the Institute of Travel and Tourism often host networking events or seminars. Building connections can help you learn about job openings and industry trends.
Look for entry-level roles such as tourism officer, marketing assistant, or events coordinator.
Many destination managers start in junior roles and progress as they gain experience. Applying for jobs with local councils, tourism organisations, or private companies can help you get started.
Seek further training and take on additional responsibilities to progress to destination manager.
Once in the industry, continue to develop your skills through short courses in marketing, digital promotion, or leadership. Taking on projects or leading small teams will demonstrate your readiness for a management role.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Destination Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Destination Manager is responsible for planning and coordinating trips or events, similar to how a GP practice manager oversees the administration and operation of a healthcare practice. Both roles require organisational skills, managing resources, and ensuring smooth service delivery within a specific setting.
You can get into this job through:
You could start as an assistant office manager in a health centre or hospital and do training to work your way up.
You could apply directly to become a GP practice manager.
You'll usually need to have a business background and be an experienced manager with a management qualification.
It might be useful if you have experience working in health or social care.
You could do a training course with the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) to get qualified.
Qualifications include:
You can do these courses at an approved training centre, college or online. For some qualifications, you'll need to be working in a job related to health.
You'll be expected to understand how NHS values apply in your work when applying for a course.
You could join the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) or the Institute of Health and Social Care Management for professional development opportunities.
You can find out more about becoming a GP practice manager from Health Careers.
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