The most important qualities for being good in the tourism industry are communication, teamwork and customer service skills. It does not matter where in the world you work, in what job, or what specific skills you need for that job, to make it in the tourism industry you need to enjoy challenges and have the ability to work well with people. It is important to appreciate that people around the world have different ways of doing things. Working in the travel and tourism industry, you will come to learn a lot about people and issues like culture and how we are all different.

People in the Tourism industry identified the following qualities as important in this very people-focused industry. Tick the characteristics that you think you have then add them up.

Have you got what it takes in Tourism?

1. Maturity

2. People skills

3. Ability to think on your feet

4. Ability to network and build rapport with people of different ages, languages and cultures

5. Sense of humour

6. Outgoing personality

7. Strong sense of customer service and desire to help people

8. Good computer skills

9. Good communication and listening skills

10. Confidence

11. Leadership

12. Empathic and sympathetic attitude

13. Practical nature and common sense

14. Good general knowledge

15. Problem-solving skills

16. Enjoyment of travelling and of the outdoors

17. Ability to work in a team

18. Good memory

19. Strong attention to detail

20. The ability to plan and be proactive

21. Organised

A score of 16 or more means you should join the tourism team!

10 – 15 means that you may need a bit of practice and development, but do try.

Less than 10 means you should maybe try something else!