A tour operator designs, arranges, and sells package holidays and tours to destinations both in the UK and abroad. This role involves organising transportation, accommodation, activities, and excursions, often working closely with travel agents and local providers. Tour operators must have excellent planning skills, knowledge of destinations, and the ability to manage budgets and logistics. Customer service is a key aspect, as operators help clients with bookings, provide information, and handle any issues that arise during travel. The job can be office-based but may also include site visits or travel to destinations to ensure quality and build relationships. The work is varied and suits people who are organised, enthusiastic about travel, and good at communicating with others.
The average salary for a tour operator in the UK ranges from £18,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on experience and responsibilities.
There are approximately 25,000 people employed in tour operator roles across the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The travel and tourism sector is expected to grow by around 3 percent per year, increasing demand for skilled tour operators.
Plans and organises adventure-based holidays such as hiking, cycling, or water sports trips for individuals or groups.
Creates and manages tours focused on historical sites, museums, and cultural experiences for people interested in learning about the UK's heritage.
Develops and leads environmentally friendly tours that promote sustainability and showcase natural attractions in the UK.
Choose subjects such as Geography, Business Studies, and Languages to develop useful skills for a tour operator role.
Having a good understanding of places, cultures, and business concepts helps in designing tour packages. Foreign language skills are especially valuable for communicating with overseas partners and clients.
Pursue a college course or apprenticeship in Travel and Tourism or a related field.
Many colleges offer Level 2 or 3 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism. Apprenticeships, such as a Travel Consultant apprenticeship, provide hands-on experience and a qualification at the same time.
Look for part-time or seasonal work in travel agencies, hotels, or customer service roles.
Experience in hospitality or customer-facing jobs helps you understand client needs and develop communication skills. Volunteering at travel fairs or events can also provide valuable insights.
Start with positions such as Travel Consultant or Tour Coordinator to learn how the industry operates.
Entry-level roles allow you to develop practical skills in booking, planning, and customer service. You will also learn about the regulations and logistics involved in creating travel packages.
Familiarise yourself with booking and itinerary management systems used by tour operators.
Travel businesses often use specialist software for reservations, customer management and itinerary planning. Training in these systems can make you more employable and efficient.
Establish relationships with hotels, transport providers, and local guides.
Having a strong network helps you create better packages, negotiate deals, and ensure smooth operations for your tours. Attending travel industry events can help you meet suppliers and partners.
Progress to senior tour operator, product manager or start your own tour business.
With experience, you can manage your own team, specialise in a type of tour, or even establish your own tour company. Continuous learning and keeping up with travel trends will support your progression.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Tour Operator. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Tour Operator and a Tour Manager both involve organising and coordinating travel experiences for clients, requiring strong planning, customer service skills, and knowledge of travel arrangements. The main difference lies in the operational responsibilities, but both roles are connected through the tourism and leisure industry.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like travel and tourism management, although this isn't essential.
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course like a Level 4 Diploma in Tourism Management, which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to get into this job through a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You could move into this job after getting experience in a related role like a travel agent, tour guide or tour rep.
You can apply for jobs directly if you have:
You could join the Institute of Travel & Tourism, which offers industry training courses, news and networking opportunities to members.
You can find more information on careers in the travel industry from the Institute of Travel & Tourism.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
