Photo Credit: Destination BC / Toshi Kawano

Tour Operators are involved in planning, development, promotion, administration and implementation of tourism products. They oversee all the day-to-day tasks and also supervise, motivate and train staff. They are employed by tour or transportation companies, resorts or attractions. They may travel to proposed tour sites, check them out and experience the services first hand before assessing their tourism potential.

• Use operations management skills
• Use sales and marketing skills
• Manage human resources
• Develop products
• Use financial management skills

• A secondary school diploma is required
• A university degree or college diploma in tourism or history is an asset
• Previous management and tourism experience is an asset
• Human resource management skills
• Leadership skills
• Team-building skills
• Financial management skills are required
• Good communication
• Excellent customer service skills are required
• Knowledge of relevant destinations, attractions and travel are important
• Research skills are an asset
• Knowledge of a second language is an asset
• Risk management skills are an asset
• Time management skills are an asset

• Senior Manager
• General Manager
• Owner/Operator of tour operation