A holiday representative, sometimes called a holiday rep, is responsible for looking after groups of clients on package holidays at resorts. Their main job is to ensure that guests have a memorable and enjoyable holiday experience. Duties include welcoming guests at the airport, arranging transport, organising activities and excursions, resolving problems, and providing information about the local area. Holiday reps need excellent people skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The role is ideal for those who enjoy travel, working with people, and facing new challenges every day. Most positions are seasonal and based overseas, though UK-based roles also exist, particularly in popular domestic destinations.
Holiday representatives in the UK typically earn between £15,000 and £25,000 per year, with experienced reps or those working for luxury providers earning up to £30,000.
There are around 4,000 to 5,000 holiday representative positions available in the UK each year, with more opportunities during peak travel seasons.
Holiday reps often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, especially during the peak holiday season.
Organises and leads activities specifically for families and children at holiday resorts, ensuring both parents and children have a memorable experience.
Specialises in arranging and supervising sports and adventure activities for guests, such as water sports, hiking, or cycling, at resorts or holiday parks.
Works at ski resorts, assisting holidaymakers with check-in, organising ski lessons, and helping guests make the most of their winter sports holiday.
Start by gaining experience in jobs where you interact with customers, such as in retail, hospitality, or tourism.
Employers value candidates who can demonstrate strong customer service skills. Part time work in shops, restaurants, or hotels provides plenty of opportunities to develop these skills. Volunteering at events or helping in community activities can also help you gain relevant experience.
Focus on building your verbal and written communication skills, as holiday reps need to provide clear information to guests.
Consider joining clubs or activities that involve teamwork and public speaking, such as drama, debating, or language clubs. Effective communication is key to handling complaints, giving information, and ensuring guests have a positive experience.
Aim for at least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, especially in English and maths.
While there are no strict educational requirements, having solid GCSEs, particularly in English, can help you stand out. Some employers may also look for language skills if you want to work overseas.
Take a college course in travel and tourism or hospitality to boost your knowledge.
Courses such as a BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism or a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Hospitality can provide useful background knowledge and practical skills relevant to the role. These qualifications are not always required but can make your application stronger.
Look for holiday rep vacancies with tour operators, travel companies, or online job boards and submit your application.
Major companies like TUI, Jet2, and Thomas Cook regularly recruit holiday reps. Applications usually involve an online form and sometimes a video interview or assessment day. Highlight your customer service experience and language skills if you have them.
Get ready for interviews and assessment days by practising answers and researching the company.
Employers will want to see examples of how you have dealt with difficult situations, worked in a team, and shown enthusiasm for travel. Prepare by thinking of situations where you have helped others and solved problems. Research the destinations and services offered by the company.
Once offered a job, complete any training provided by the employer to learn about the company’s policies and local information.
Most employers offer induction training that covers health and safety, customer service, and local knowledge. You may also learn about company processes, sales techniques, and first aid. This training is vital to help you start confidently in your new role.
Helps customers plan and book travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and excursions, typically working from a high street agency or online service.
Leads groups of tourists on sightseeing trips, providing information and ensuring their safety and enjoyment throughout the tour.
Works at the front desk of a hotel, welcoming guests, managing bookings, and addressing guest enquiries and concerns.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Holiday Representative. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Holiday Representative and a Resort Representative both primarily involve representing a holiday company, assisting tourists, and providing local information or support during their stay. They share similar responsibilities related to guest relations, organisation, and ensuring visitors have a positive experience at holiday destinations.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a college course in travel and tourism or customer service, which may be helpful when looking for work.
If you want to work with children on their holidays, for example organising activities, then doing a childcare qualification at college could be useful.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
To apply directly for resort representative jobs, you'll usually need:
If you apply for a job as a children's representative, you may need a qualification in childcare, though companies will often give training to successful applicants.
It's important to check job descriptions carefully when applying to make sure you know exactly what skills are required. For example, as a winter sports activities representative, the ability to ski may be needed, though for ski resort hotel reps, this may not be the case.
It can be helpful if you have a working knowledge of one or more foreign languages, although tour companies may offer training in basic language skills for the country you'll be working in.
Many jobs are seasonal, so salaries and hours can vary. Often, you can top up your monthly pay with commission on products you sell to holidaymakers, for example extra day trips or passes to attractions. Your accommodation may also be included as part of your contract.
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