Travel and Information Consultant

Tasks & duties

Travel and information consultants may do some or all of the following for their customers:

• give information on transport, accommodation, activities and places of interest
• give directions
• book travel, accommodation and activities
• give information on entertainment, national and local events, clubs and community organisations

They may also:

• reply to correspondence, including requests received by email and mail
• keep in contact with suppliers and tour operators to get information and updates about attractions, prices and hours
• sell goods such as stamps, souvenirs, postcards and maps

Skills & knowledge

Travel and information consultants need to have up-to-date knowledge about:

• the region they work in, as well as other New Zealand destinations
• accommodation, attractions, sightseeing tours, entertainment and events, and how to make bookings for people
• different methods of travel, and how to make reservations

They also need to have skills in:

• customer service, sales and communication
• problem-solving
• research
• time management
• cash-handling

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a travel and information consultant. However, some employers may prefer you to have:

• customer service and sales experience
• travel experience and local knowledge
• basic maths, English and computer skills
• a qualification in tourism or travel

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a travel and information consultant. However, useful subjects include English, maths, languages, geography, tourism and computer studies.

Training on the job

Travel and information consultants learn skills on the job, including how to use reservation systems and sales and customer service skills. Some of this learning can count towards qualifications offered by the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO), including the:

• National Certificate in Tourism and Travel – Core Skills (Level 3)
• National Certificate in Tourism – Visitor Information (Level 4)

Travel and information consultants may also attend courses, including the i-SITE Cultural Training Programme run by ATTTO, and visit tourist attractions and destinations around the country as part of familiarisation programmes.

Useful experience

Useful experience for travel and information consultants includes:

• work in travel or tourism
• travel in New Zealand
• retail or other customer service work

For more information, please refer to Career Services.