Top 5 Tourism Careers in South Africa

Think back to your last holiday. Think of all its highlights; the accommodation, the places you visited, the food you ate and everything in between. What is the common thread that kept all these things working as they should? The answer is the people; the staff members at every establishment you visited during your trip. The tourism industry is fueled by customer service, making it one of the most instantly gratifying industries to work in as you are in the business of ensuring that people have a good time.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 5 tourism careers in South Africa, the skills needed to work in this industry, and the training we at iQ Academy can offer to help you put your best foot forward in your career in the tourism industry.

Skills needed to work in the tourism industry

Like any career path, there are specialised skills required for a successful career in tourism. These include:

• Customer service skills
• Networking skills
• Communication skills
• Flexibility skills
• Organisational skills
• Language skills
• Commitment
• Time management
• Study skills
• Team work skills
• Cultural awareness

1. Travel Agent

Travel Agents usually work for travel companies/agencies to match tourists with suitable travel products. An important part of the Travel Agent’s job is understanding their client in order to make the relevant recommendations.

Job description of a Travel Agent

The job description of a Travel Agent may vary from company to company but understanding the client is a fundamental step in finding the right travel product. This often includes finding and booking flights, accommodation, tours, car rental and comprehensive travel packages for individuals or groups.

Average salary of a Travel Agent in South Africa

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Travel Agent in South Africa:

• Average salary:

R139,500 per year

Average salary by years of experience:

Source: Payscale

2. Tour Operator

Tour Operators plan and organise trips for tourists/travelers using their own understanding of an area or attraction, seasonality and travel trends. They can work independently or as part of a company.

Job description of a Tour Operator

The role of a Tour Operator can easily be confused with that of a travel agent. Although they both are involved in the planning of a trip, a Tour Operator will put together a travel package, for example a holiday package including transport, accommodation and entertainment but not with a specific client in mind. They can sell this package to a client directly or through a travel agent.

2- Tour Operator

Average salary of a Tour Operator in South Africa

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Tour Operators in South Africa:

• Average salary:

R209,000 per year

Average salary by years of experience: 

Source: Payscale

3. Tourism Administrator

Tourism or Travel Administrators are involved in managing tourism establishments like hotels, guest houses, lodges, attractions and more. They are responsible for managing visitors and ensuring that their needs are met and being involved in the marketing of an establishment.

Job description of a Tourism Administrator

Tourism Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day tasks involved in managing and marketing a tourism establishment. This can involve commissioning of flyers and other marketing materials, liaising with the media on behalf of the establishment, organising special events and exhibitions, and managing staff.

Average salary of a Tourism Administrator in South Africa

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Tourism Administrator in South Africa:

• Average salary:

R267,097 per year

Average salary by years of experience:

Source: Payscale

4. Guest Relations Officer

The Guest Relations role is a customer service function. They are often responsible for making guests feel welcome and well-informed, making sure that they have a seamless experience at an establishment.

Job description of a Guest Relations Officer

Guest Relations Officers are often responsible for meeting and greeting guests, responding to their needs, managing check-in and check-out processes, and analysing guest feedback to help an establishment improve its service offering. They must possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills to ensure outstanding service.

Average salary of a Guest Relations Officer in South Africa

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Guest Relations Officers in South Africa:

• Average salary:

R127,719 per year

Average salary by years of experience:

Source: Payscale

5. Front Desk OperatorFront Desk Operators or agents are the first point of contact guests encounter at an establishment. They are responsible for ensuring a seamless checking in and out process, managing reservations made online and telephonically and providing any information guests require concerning an establishment.

Job description of a Front Desk Operator

Front Desk Operators perform the administrative tasks involved in checking guests in and out of establishments like facilitating payments, logging and resolving complaints, adjusting reservations and recommending additional products where necessary. Front Desk Operators often also handle some bookkeeping duties like balancing cash accounts.

Average salary of a Front Desk perator in South Africa

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Front Desk Operator in South Africa:

• Average salary:

R139,269 per year

Average salary by years of experience:

Source: Payscale