The work

Tourist information centre (TIC) assistants provide information, in person, in writing and on the telephone, in order to help customers make the most of their visit to the local area.

Usually working as members of a team, they use a range of reference material to answer enquiries and make bookings for customers. This may include a computer system, leaflets, brochures, timetables, guidebooks and national TIC reference kits. Bookings could include coach travel, theatre performances, places to visit, memberships or discount cards, events in the area, hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation, and sightseeing tours.

The work includes keeping the TIC neat and tidy, re-stocking free literature and saleable goods, mounting displays inside the centre or in the windows, answering enquiries, and keeping up-to-date with the accommodation, places to visit, activities and events in the area.

TICs also sell goods including guidebooks, postcards and stamps, local craft items, gifts and souvenirs.

Hours and Environment

Working hours will vary according to the location of the TIC. Most centres open daily in peak periods, but five to six days a week outside these times. Some TICs only open for the summer season. Assistants are likely to work on a roster system, which will include some weekends and bank holidays.

There are full-time TIC assistants but many of the jobs are part time and/or seasonal.

Skills and Interests

A tourist information centre assistant should:

• have a smart appearance
• have a pleasant, friendly manner
• have a genuine interest in working with the general public
• have good listening and questioning skills, face to face and on the telephone
• be tactful and patient
• be able to work calmly and efficiently under pressure
• be able to balance the needs of different customers at one time
• be able to work well and communicate in a team
• be accurate and have an eye for detail
• have a good general knowledge of the local area and its attractions/facilities
• have enthusiasm for constantly updating product knowledge and skills
• have computer/keyboard skills or interest in acquiring them quickly
• be able to speak foreign languages, especially in port, airport or major tourism destination TICs
• have enthusiasm for selling the local area as a destination.

Entry

As previous experience of working with the general public is useful for TIC work, most employers welcome applicants from all age groups. Adults may be accepted for specific courses and qualifications without the usual entry requirements, especially if their personal qualities and previous work experience are suited to the course.
There are no specific pre-entry courses. Some entrants have already completed travel and tourism courses, offered at colleges and universities throughout the country

Training

As a new TIC assistant, you will be trained mostly on the job, but may attend Tourist Board induction courses. You may attend other specialist TIC skills courses, for example on specific TIC services, national reference material, product knowledge, selling and promotional skills and Welcome Host customer care training courses, plus other training relevant to the TIC's systems and services.

Opportunities

Most TICs are operated by local authorities, regional/area tourist boards or other local organisations. TICs are either situated in their own individual buildings or in a local authority office, library, museum, independent visitor attraction, port, airport terminal or motorway service area.
Seasonal or casual staff members may have the opportunity to move into a permanent position in the TIC. Full- or part-time staff are often promoted to supervisory or management positions if vacancies occur. There are sometimes opportunities to move into local authority tourism departments, regional or area tourist board posts or to other areas of the travel and tourism industry.

Annual Income

Further information

Tourist Board Training Ltd