Tourist Information Officer

• Certificate II in Tourism
• Certificate III in Tourism
• Certificate III in Tourism (Visitor Information Services)
• Certificate III in Tourism (Specialising in Wine Tourism)

Individuals with these qualifications are able to work in the Visitor Information sector of the tourism industry or for destination marketing companies who fulfil dual information and sales functions for particular tourism destinations.

Visitors are usually able to select from a large and comprehensive range of tourist pamphlets from many regions. People working in Visitor Information Centres have sound and informative knowledge of the local districts, and are happy to answer visitor questions.

Possible job titles:
· Information Officer
· Booking Agent
· Sales Consultant

You should possess good communication skills, with a strong customer focus, enjoy working with people, and have a high level of personal presentation.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Helping and Community Services

Nutrition Assistant (Dietary Aide),  Police Officer,  Aged or Disabilities Carer,  Counsellor and Community Worker,  Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker,  Trichologist,  Child Care Worker,  Landcare Officer,  Customer Service Officer,  Park Ranger,  Tourist Information Officer,  Kitchen hand,  Medical Administrative Officer,  Interpreter,  Reflexologist,  Youth Worker or Disability Worker,  Patient Care Assistant,  Massage Therapist,  Fitness Instructor,  Occupational Health & Safety Professional,  Financial Planner / Financial Investment Advisers,  Librarian

Influencing and Personal Contact

Designers for Theatre, Performance and Events,  Receptionist (Tourism),  Accountant,  Police Officer,  Event Coordinator,  Restaurant and Catering Manager,  Hotel Manager,  Counsellor and Community Worker,  Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker,  Trichologist,  Travel Consultant (Domestic and International),  Child Care Worker,  Film, Stage, TV and Radio Director,  Bank Officer,  Musician,  Butcher,  Nursing (enrolled),  Sports Coach,  Legislators and Government Appointed Officials,  Personal Trainer,  Private Investigator,  Landcare Officer,  Human Resources Manager,  Veterinary Nurse,  Ecotourism Guide,  Park Ranger,  Author/ Book Editor,  Tourist Information Officer,  Beauty Therapist,  Florist,  Actor,  Project and Program Administrator,  Cellar Door Salesperson,  Reflexologist,  School Services Officer,  Youth Worker or Disability Worker,  Conveyancer,  Copywriter,  University - VET Lecturers and Tutors,  Patient Care Assistant,  Aromatherapist,  Fitness Instructor,  Hairdresser,  Occupational Health & Safety Professional,  ICT Network Administrator,  Market Research Analyst,  Sales Consultant (IT),  Credit and Loans Officer,  Marketing and Advertising Specialists,  Retail Sales Supervisors and Assistants,  Management Consultant,  Real Estate Agents & Property Managers

There are no specific training requirements to become a tourist information officer as most training is provided on the job. However, employment opportunities are increased if you have undertaken formal studies.

TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation – which offer a range of specialisations depending on what type of Tourism and Travel area you wish to work in:
Certificate II, III, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Tourism;
Certificates III and IV in Tourism (Guiding); Certificate IV in Tourism (Guiding - Specialising in ECO Tourism); Certificate III Tourism (Visitor Information Services) and Certificate III and IV in Tourism (Specialising in Wine Tourism)
For further information about TAFE SA courses go to the TAFE SA website at www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

Tourist information officers are found in a variety of State, local and shire tourist information centres, depending on the region. Job opportunities are dependent on the type of funding which is available to operate the centres. Some, for example, are run on a voluntary basis or are self funded. Jobs in these centres are rarely advertised and are filled usually by word of mouth. Industry representatives advise prospective tourist information officers to gain as much work experience in the retail trade as possible and to complete relevant tourism courses. A lot of people start as casuals in the industry which can lead to contract employment. With time, tourist information officers can progress into managerial positions or may progress in the related field of tourism marketing.

Cultural and Recreational Services,  Retail Trade

“I refer to the knowledge I have learnt through the Tourism qualifications I have studied every day that I am at work”.
Tahnee Jackson; Trainee Tourism Officer Wadlata Outback Centre.

A Tourist Information Officer in a Visitor Information Centre may be either a paid or volunteer position, and their primary role is to provide current, accurate information on accommodation, tours, events and attractions both locally and interstate. This information is supplied to the customer in person, via the telephone, fax or email. Visitor Information Centres are often the box office for the local performing arts centre, therefore the Information Officer may be required to sell tickets for upcoming performances.

They must possess highly developed communication, interpersonal and customer service skills and be able to relate to individuals and groups from many socially diverse backgrounds and deal with conflict situations. An Information Officer promotes and sells both tourism products and services, and merchandise from the Visitor Information Centre; therefore they need to be patient in accessing and interpreting product information and providing destination information and advice to the customers. They must be confident in processing non air documentation, operating automated information systems and booking and coordinating supplier services. Performance of standard office procedures, word processing, and handling cash, credit card and eftpos transactions are carried out on a daily basis.

You may find yourself working extended hours outside of the 9 to 5 jobs. This would typically include weekends and holidays, as people require tourism and travel throughout all 365, or 366 (leap year) of the year.

Being involved in tourism isn't simply a matter of chatting about the interesting sites. There is a strong marketing focus in this job and on the information tourist officers need to not only promote or 'pitch' a region but to actually 'onsell' tour packages. Most visitor centres receive a commission for tour, accommodation and travel sales and so staff are set sales targets. Excellent communication skills come to the fore here, when trying to get someone to book a dolphin cruise tour at the same time as they book accommodation. As any good salesperson knows, it's vital to know your product. For the tourist information officer, they have to be familiar with all the tour operators and the various attractions and services in their region, including everything from canoeing to horse riding tours. As part of on going training, they do industry familiarisations, going to hotels or motels to personally evaluate the accommodation.

Salaries vary according to the sector and region in which you work. Bonus incentives exist among some employers. Salaries may also vary with age and experience. Commencement salary would be approximately $35,000 dependent on where you enter the industry.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au