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Travel and Tourism

The sector in a snapshot

With companies like Boeing stating the need for 2.1 Million new commercial aviation employees over the next 20 Years, the travel and tourism industry is one that looks to grow after facing challenges in the past few years caused by COVID-19.

Roles in this sector can be challenging but highly rewarding. They will generally see staff working across the world providing holidays and experiences for people of all ages. This might be on airplanes or cruise ships, or in international destinations, resorts and historical sites.

But it's not all about other countries. The UK has a thriving tourism sector, welcoming an estimated 26.7 million overseas visitors a year (in 2022). Sheffield is part of this and has a bustling and vibrant tourism industry all of its own.

“The city welcomed 17.4 million visitors, up 4.8% from 2023, with tourism now supporting 15,806 full-time equivalent jobs across the city. Tourism continues to be a powerful driver of Sheffield’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing in over £1.85 billion in 2024 alone." (Sheffield Council, 2025)

What can the sector offer you

Jobs in this sector may allow you to:

Travel and have new experiences- some people may only ever go to a few countries in their lifetime, you may see them all.
Variety- no day is the same in the tourism sector!
The chance to meet new people across the world- you will be in a people focused job meaning you will meet and work with all sorts of people.
Get perks and benefits- additional benefits may include free meals on duty, discounted hotel room rates (if you're working for a hotel) and discounted leisure membership.
Work flexibly- lots of roles can be seasonal, with more work during the holiday period. If you are called in on your day off for any reason, you will likely be well compensated for your time.
Learn skills that can be applicable in a lot of different sectors- your skills could be relevant for a career in lots of other sectors as you'll wear lots of different 'hats'.

Reality Check

Travel and tourism roles aren't just a chance for you to take holidays, you will be working and often long, irregular and unsociable hours. Sometimes you may never even really see the country you land in. Tourism doesn't stop just because it's night-time or a holiday, and careers in tourism can be 24 hours: demanding and sometimes even distressing. You may be in positions where you are responsible for an emergency and have to make tough, life-impacting decisions. Tourism can also be quite seasonal which means there may be periods of less work. It is a demanding sector but with lots of rewards for the right person.

You will likely need to have skills in...

Attention to detail, organisation, competent IT skills, patience, approachability, teamwork, creativity, quick thinking, customer service, enthusiasm and energy

Some roles in the sector

MUSEUM CURATOR (Approx. £30,160 per annum)

Curators are in charge of a collection of exhibits in a museum or art gallery. Their job is to build up collections, often in specialist areas. Their work involves buying exhibits, organising exhibitions, arranging restoration of artefacts, identifying and recording items, organising loans and dealing with enquiries.

TRAVEL AGENT (Approx. £18,000 to £27,000 per annum)

A travel agent's role is to help people plan, choose and arrange their holiday. They will usually work to a budget set out by whoever is planning the holiday. They also offer advice and opinions on where to go and local tourist attractions, events and customs.

AIR CABIN CREW (Approx. £15-30,000 per annum)

Ensure that passengers experience a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flight. They are trained to respond to emergency and security situations, and to administer first aid. They also deal with keeping the passengers fed and comfortable during the flight by serving food and drinks and responding to queries.

10 jobs in travel and tourism that will BOOM in 2022 and beyond... - Tourism TeacherLearn about the jobs in travel and tourism that will be BIG in the coming years and how to prepare. By tourism expert, Dr Hayley Stainton.

HOLIDAY REP (variable pay)

Is responsible for looking after groups of clients on package holidays at resorts. The main priorities are to ensure that clients enjoy their holiday and that everything runs as smoothly as possible for them. As the public face of the tour operator, you must create an excellent first impression and continue to provide outstanding service to holidaymakers throughout the duration of their stay.

TOUR OPERATOR (£16-30,000 per annum)

Tour operators plan and organise group travel. The work includes, organising cruises, rail and coach travel, or chartered flights to a selection of destinations.