This position is currently a popular choice for a large number of young people studying tourism and those studying in the opposite direction. So, is it possible to study outside the field to become a tour operator? Readers, find the answer to this problem through the following article by Ms. Uptalent!
CONTENTS:
1- Requirements for the position of tour operator
2- Train tour operators
3- Possible risks when working as a tour operator
4- Advice to non-professionals to exercise the profession of tour operator
>>> See more: Jobs in tourism
1- Requirements for the position of tour operator
With the position of tour operator, it is not necessary to be a graduate of a tourism or travel sector to be able to exercise this profession.
If you are not a professional, all you need is the love, passion and mastery of the knowledge and skills to be able to work as a tour operator.
Basically, you will need to fulfill the following requirements to become a professional tour operator.
1.1- Knowledge of the trade
Tour operators play a central role in connecting different parts of the business to create attractive and unique travel programs for visitors.
To do it well, you will need to equip yourself with the necessary professional knowledge of tourism, understand the types of tourism, know how to calculate tour prices, be able to build a complete travel program and know how to manage it. the tour professionally and efficiently.
If you plan to pursue a career as a tour operator, you need to study methodically to be able to do the following tour operations well:
Interesting professions
– Design and conceptualize travel programs.
– Plan your trip.
– Update tourist attractions, sightseeing tours.
– Update supplier services and products.
– Receive and process customer requests.
– Call for service.
– Confirm booking status, perform advance and payment procedures.
– Manage cancellation requests and other changes.
– Make a detailed program and give it to the tourist guide.
– Check and monitor services and promptly deal with any issues that arise.
– Receive and pay for the visit.
– Maintain client files.
– Customer service.
1.2- Skills
The workload of the tour operator position is very heavy and complex. Therefore, you need to have certain skills to be able to complete the assigned tasks and work.
Here are some skills you need to master:
– Communication and presentation skills.
– Talent for problem solving.
– Skills in management and organization.
– Observation skills.
– Competence in teamwork.
– The ability to control one’s emotions.
– Able to work under pressure.
– Good in foreign languages.
1.3- Have a tour operator certificate
According to the provisions of the Tourism Act 2017, you will need a tour operator certificate if you want to do business or practice tourism but are not specialized in travel.
The regulated travel specialties are as follows:
– Management of travel and tourism services.
– Travel management.
– Tourist marketing.
– Manage the tour.
– Tourism.
– Travel and tourism.
– Tourism management and business.
If you wish to work as a tour operator but do not have a diploma in one of the above specializations, you must obtain a tour operator certificate to be able to practice.
Currently, there are two types of tour operator certifications: domestic and international. You need to consider your goals and working conditions to get the right certification.
The conditions for obtaining a tour operator certificate are as follows:
– With a national certificate, you must have an intermediate or higher degree, without specialization in travel.
– With an international certificate, you need a college degree or higher, with no specialization in travel.
2- Train tour operators
2.1- Tour operator training school
To equip yourself with the necessary professional knowledge about tour operators, you can choose to study Tour Management at the following schools:
– Hanoi College of Foreign Languages and Technology.
– Hanoi College of Tourism.
– Saigon Tourism Vocational College.
In addition, you can also specialize in tourism and travel service management to work as a tour operator. Some schools offer training in tourism and travel service management that you can refer to, such as:
– Cultural University of Hanoi.
– University of Social and Human Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City.
– National University of Economics.
– Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics. Ho Chi Minh.
– University of Social and Human Sciences – National University of Vietnam, Hanoi.
– Ton Duc Thang University.
– Hanoi Business University.
– Da Nang University of Economics.
– Cultural University of Ho Chi Minh City.
– University of Hanoi.
2.2- Training course for tour operators
Apart from studying at colleges and universities, tour operator courses are also an ideal choice to help equip you with the knowledge and skills to work as a tourism executive.
Most tour operator courses are professionally designed and offer a very good quality of training. Therefore, after completing the course, you can easily perform the tour operator job effectively.
There are currently a number of professional executive courses to choose from. In particular, you can choose to study in prestigious applications such as Viet Thien Tam Tourism Company, Duyen Hai College, Van Lang College, …
>>> Find out more: 10 interview questions with the most popular tour operators
3- Possible risks when working as a tour operator
As the field of activity is relatively large and complex, tour operators may face various risks. Some common risks are:
3.1- Inability to pay for contracted services
If the tour operator is in financial difficulty, it will be difficult to pay for the services necessary to complete the trip. This can seriously affect the course of the visit.
Usually payment issues will be resolved based on the signed contract. Sometimes disputes between tour operators and suppliers arise due to the negligence of the tour operator.
Therefore, as a tour operator, you must check carefully so that there are no unfortunate incidents leading to litigation. If the company is taken to court, it risks financial and reputational damage.
3.2- Non-execution of the service as promised
Tour operators are responsible for entering into contracts with related parties to provide services to visitors. However, in some cases, what visitors receive is different from marketing materials and sales agent engagement.
If the above difference is too big, customers may feel they have been cheated and may sue the tour operator or tour operator for providing services that do not match their promises.
3.3- Liability in case of accidental injuries or accidents
Travel is now much safer. But this does not mean that accidents and injuries due to unexpected incidents will be completely avoided.
According to the law, the travel agency will be legally responsible for the negligence of the service provider. If a tour operator is found to have failed or been too negligent in preparing measures to prevent injury, legal liability will be incurred.
3.4- Incorrect advice on the services provided
Because to attract customers, tour operators can distort the services they offer. They may make them too attractive or offer certain items that they cannot offer to visitors.
This can lead to discrepancies between what customers actually receive and what they expect. At this time, the occurrence of litigation and lawsuits is almost inevitable.
4- Advice to non-professionals to exercise the profession of tour operator
Job opportunities with tour operators are always excellent and also extend to those studying in the opposite field. However, studying in the opposite direction will make you spend more time and effort studying to be able to pursue this profession.
If you graduated from the wrong industry and are passionate about the tour operator, try to equip yourself with the necessary tourism knowledge and skills as well as foreign language skills to become a professional tour operator. Concretely, you must equip yourself with the following elements:
General knowledge of tourism
You will need to fully understand the nature of the trip. From there, you can entice customers to come to you when they need advice or when buying a tour.
Cultivate and practice the necessary skills and qualities
A professional tour operator must show dedication, passion and enthusiasm for each customer’s trip and visit.
You should be meticulous and careful when planning the program and carefully consider all services before leaving the tour to ensure visitor safety and provide them with the best experience.
Additionally, you must work hard to practice your problem-solving, organizational, management, and communication skills to satisfy customers with the service they receive.
English level
Fluency in foreign languages is essential if you want to pursue a career as a tour operator with your customers, especially foreign tourists. You will need to be fluent in foreign languages to be able to communicate with international tour operators to provide the best trips for visitors.
You should not only master a foreign language, but you should also learn new languages to facilitate the process of exchanging work with international partners.
I hope this article by Ms. Uptalent helped you answer the question “Can I study as a tour operator?” If you are an amateur and passionate about this profession, make a lot of effort and perseverance to become an excellent tour operator. Good luck!
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