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Subject Guide: Leisure & Tourism
Adventure, risk, fun and excitement – graduates who work in the leisure and tourism industries get paid to do what they love. If you feel most at home with a snowboard attached to your feet, then why not follow winters around the world as a snowboard instructor? If pumping iron in a gym all day appeals, then train to be a fitness instructor. Or if you have a knack for organising others, why not get paid to do it as a travel agent? QS Top Universities looks at what is Leisure and Tourism
What is Leisure & Tourism?
The leisure and tourism industries are some of the most diverse industries to work in. According to Courses Careers UK, in the last 10 years, international tourism has accounted for one in six of all jobs. In the UK 1.75 million people are employed in 125,000 tourism businesses. (www.ca.courses-careers.com).
The leisure industry encompasses careers based in indoor leisure centres such as fitness instructors, managers or lifeguards. It also includes careers in the outdoor arena such as sports instructors, players and coaches. Another aspect to the industry is entertainment – movies, theatres, casinos. In fact, anything that people do in their ‘leisure time’ falls within the leisure industry.
The tourism industry is slightly more adventurous. Think white water rafting, hiking, cross-country skiing, or skydiving. But it too has its relaxing side. If a beach holiday appeals, chances are your travel agent, airhostess, hotel concierge or tour guide have all studied an undergraduate degree in tourism.
Is Leisure & Tourism for me?
If you’re a people person, then the leisure and tourism industries are for you. If you’re not, then it may pay to look for another career choice! These industries are all about people, hospitality and customer service. As well as, fun, adventure and challenges. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, different cultures, travel and entertainment, then the tourism industry is for you. If you enjoy sports, fitness and keeping a healthy and active lifestyle, then you’ll be better suited to a career in the leisure industry. To be successful in either of these areas, you’ll need to be an outgoing, adventurous person who enjoys spending time with others, working towards goals, and not afraid to take risks. You’ll be someone who puts the needs of others first ensuring they are having a good time. You’ll be organised, passionate and have a tolerance for people – even the most annoying ones. There’ll always be someone who’s not happy with their hotel room!
What courses are available?
There are all types of courses available at top universities for students interested in pursuing a career in the leisure and tourism industries. The type of undergraduate degree you choose will depend on your interests. You may want a career in the marketing side of leisure and tourism, either the practical side, such as a tour guide, or the organisational side like that of a travel agent.
Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK offers a comprehensive leisure and tourism program. In the first year, students will get a foundation from which to specialize in their second and third years. Courses range from Tourism and Leisure Environments to Events Management, Leisure Policy to Heritage, Entertainment and the Arts, as well as Countryside Conservation and Recreation Management.
Students can also study the management side of these industries, graduating with a BA in aspects of tourism management.
Studying a language is also a major advantage for those graduates wanting to work in the leisure and tourism industries.
And be on the look out for internships or summer jobs that allow you to study abroad!
What are the career prospects for Leisure & Tourism graduates?
Fitness instructor, hotel concierge, policy maker, travel agent, tour guide - these careers are only the tip of the iceberg for leisure and tourism graduates. However, the industries are competitive and it is important to look for as many opportunities as possible for work experience while you study. Having contacts in the industry is as important as getting an ‘A’ in your exam. There are a number of job sites in the UK dedicated to careers in the leisure and tourism industries, such as the Jobs4U career database and Courses Careers UK.
Jobs in these industries also require graduates to work irregular hours. If you’re rolling dice on the black jack table you’re unlikely to be working a day job. If you’re waiting to greet guests in the hotel reception you could be there at 9am, 2pm or midnight. And if you’re in the tourism industry you may be affected by the seasonal variations. Unless of course you’re happy being a snowboard instructor and following winters around the world.
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