Tourist Information Centre Assistant

Also known as:

Information Centre Assistant, Tourist

Introduction

Tourist information centre assistants help the general public by providing information and books, leaflets and periodicals relating to the local area. The work may involve booking accommodation, arranging displays and selling local materials, such as maps and souvenirs.

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Work Activities

The main role of tourist information centre (TIC) assistants is to provide the public, particularly visitors and holidaymakers, with accurate information about a particular geographical area. Topics include accommodation, travel, entertainment and leisure facilities. They also provide other services such as selling souvenirs, tickets and making reservations.

Much of the work, especially in the peak summer holiday season, involves dealing with the public face-to-face and answering their queries. These questions can range from opening times and directions to more difficult questions that require further research.

TIC assistants use reference books and timetables on a regular basis. They store and file information so that it can be accessed easily. Some information materials, such as brochures and maps, are displayed. Larger TICs may have video facilities, which are operated or overseen by the assistants.

Telephone work is a major feature of the work. TIC assistants will also have paperwork to do, such as answering letters, confirming arrangements and requesting information. In addition, they may visit tourist sites during the low season.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to have good information and interpersonal skills. Politeness and patience are important when dealing with the public. A pleasant telephone manner is also necessary.

A good memory for facts, an enquiring mind and a problem-solving approach are key assets. A willingness to do further research and a knowledge of how to go about this are also useful.

Employers expect a good knowledge of local and national history and geography, plus an interest in current affairs. For many TIC assistants, the ability to speak another language is helpful. Sign language is also useful.

The job usually involves teamwork. Smaller TICs may be staffed by only one or two people, particularly off-season, so assistants do need to be able to work alone or unsupervised. This type of work can require standing for long periods of time.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Tourist information centre (TIC) assistants earn in the range of £12,000 - £14,500 a year, rising to around £17,000 a year.

Assistants usually work a basic 37-hour week, which may include early starts, late finishes, shifts and work on weekends and public holidays. Part-time posts may be available. Many TIC assistants are employed on a seasonal basis.

Employers throughout the UK include national and regional tourist boards and local authorities, although some private organisations also operate centres. Offices are normally based in major towns and cities throughout the UK and at sites of historical or environmental interest.

Smaller TICs may be attached to local libraries and heritage centres; larger ones are found at airports, rail and coach terminals, department stores and visitor bureaux.

Work in other countries may be possible.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Previous experience in dealing with the public, reception work or customer service is useful. Having a thorough knowledge of the local area is also an advantage.

• 37% of people in occupations such as tourist information work part-time
.
• 9% have flexible hours.
• 8% work on a temporary basis.

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