Overview
Visitor attraction assistants come under the Leisure and Tourism sector and give information about transport, tourist attractions and local services and activities and events. They will have a lot of contact with people so need to be polite, friendly and helpful. The tasks they do will depend on which area of the sector they are based which could be a museum (Royal Albert Memorial Museum – Exeter), (a theme park (Crealy Theme Park and Resort), a theatre (The Box – Plymouth), a zoo (Paignton Zoo), an art gallery (The Plough Arts Centre – Great Torrington) to name just a few. This sector is huge and covers a large variety of jobs.
Activities
- Answer customer questions in person, by phone and email
- Do research using things like the internet, travel guides and timetables
- Provide accurate information on things to see and do and where to stay
- Make bookings for travel, entertainment, visitor attractions and accommodation
- Set up displays within the centre and re-stock literature
- Keep up to date with local accommodation, places to visit, activities and events
- Have a good knowledge of the local area and attractions
- Serve and sell souvenirs and other items from a gift shop
Organisations
There are lots of businesses that come under tourism in Devon including a number of Beaches and National Trust Properties. Other places would be restaurants, cafes and tea rooms, civic halls and theatres. These businesses would range from small up to large.
Workplace
This could be anything from a reception area, a gift shop to a booking office. As you would be dealing with members of the public, it is quite likely you would wear a uniform. A pleasant and courteous manner is needed and an interest in meeting lots of different people, along with the ability to multitask in a busy environment.
Working Hours
28 – 30 hours a week variable depending on the organisation. Most of these roles would require, day, evening, weekend and bank holiday working.
Salary
Starting salary is £15,000
Qualifications
You do not need any particular qualifications to become a tourist attraction assistant, although some employers may ask you to have a good general standard of education, especially in English and Maths. You’ll be in a stronger position when looking for work if you have experience in customer care as employers may value this more than qualification level.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the Dfe exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.