Reasons to work as a tourism consultant

The tourism and hospitality industry is highly competitive, with revenue estimated to reach more than $900 billion USD in 2024 and more than 850,000 businesses creating a heavily saturated market. It’s no wonder many companies find they need a little bit of extra help. Tourism consultants play a key role in overcoming the complexities of this industry on behalf of businesses, from shaping the experiences of travelers to driving economic growth in destinations. Whether you are passionate about cultural exchange, sustainable development or strategic planning, working as a tourism consultant could be the right choice for you.

The role of a tourism consultant

Providing expert advice and strategic guidance to businesses, governmental and other organizations in the tourism industry. Their primary role is to improve the performance and competitiveness of tourism destinations, attractions and services by using their extensive knowledge and experience in travel trends, market dynamics and sustainable practices.

Key services offered by tourism consultants

Companies hire consultants because they provide a wide array of services designed to improve every aspect of a travel business, such as:

• Market analysis: offering customized research that aligns with budgetary constraints and business goals, providing a foundation for informed decision making
• Strategic planning: crafting bespoke plans that target specific market opportunities to maximize profitability and efficiency
• Sustainability integration: advising on how to incorporate practices that meet increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly travel options
• Staff training: conducting workshops and training sessions to boost the skills of employees, focusing on customer service and operational efficiency

Travel agent vs travel consultant

While both of these professionals work in the travel industry, their roles differ significantly. Travel agents primarily focus on booking and selling services such as flights, hotels, travel insurance and vacation packages directly to clients. They also devise travel itineraries for customers. In contrast, travel consultants offer specialized advice, strategic planning and tailored travel solutions.

What is it like to work as a travel consultant?

This career combines strategic thinking, industry knowledge and a passion for travel, making it a busy and multifaceted role that goes beyond simply planning individual trips.

Daily responsibilities

A typical day for a travel consultant can be varied and engaging, with key responsibilities including:

• Strategic planning: developing comprehensive travel strategies for clients, which may include destination management plans, marketing campaigns and product development initiatives
• Client consultations: engaging with a range of clients, from government tourism boards to corporate travel departments, to understand their specific needs and objectives
• Market analysis: conducting thorough study and analysis to identify emerging travel trends, market opportunities and potential challenges
• Customized solutions: crafting tailored business options that meet the unique requirements of each client, whether optimizing tour packages, improving visitor experiences or implementing sustainable tourism practices
• Project management: overseeing various projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget and maintaining high standards of quality and client satisfaction
• Training and workshops: providing learning sessions to local communities and stakeholders to build their capacity and boost their tourism sector skills

Work environment

Travel consultants often enjoy a flexible work environment. While many work from an office, the nature of the job frequently involves travel to meet clients, conduct site visits and attend industry conferences. Remote work is also common, allowing consultants to serve clients in different parts of the world.

Positives and negatives of working as a tourism consultant

This is a career with many rewards and challenges, making it a unique job choice in the travel industry. Below, we explore the key positives and negatives associated with the profession.

Positives

Among the main reasons people want to become tourism consultants are:

• Diverse and exciting projects: the role involves all manner of tasks, from developing tourism strategies for emerging destinations to improving visitor experiences at established attractions. This keeps the work interesting and stimulating
• Travel opportunities: many tourism consultants get to travel frequently for work. This can involve visiting new destinations, attending industry conferences and conducting site assessments, offering a chance to experience different cultures and environments
• Impactful work: they play a vital role in shaping the tourism landscape, promoting sustainable practices and driving economic growth in destinations. This can be highly rewarding as it can lead to tangible positive changes for communities
• Networking: collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders and community members. This provides ample opportunities for building a broad professional network
• Continuous learning: as a consultant, you will need to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies and best practices, which can lead to continuous personal and professional growth

Negatives

Of course, in any role there are also downsides. For a tourism consultant, these include:

• High pressure and stress: the role can be demanding, with tight deadlines, high expectations from clients and the need to solve complex problems quickly. This can lead to significant stress and pressure
• Irregular hours and travel: while traveling can be a perk, it also means spending time away from home, which can disrupt work-life balance. Irregular hours and working across different time zones can also add to the challenge
• Unpredictable workload: the timetable of a tourism consultant can be unpredictable, with periods of intense activity followed by quieter periods. This variability can make it difficult to maintain a consistent routine
• Client management: handling customer expectations and maintaining strong relationships can be challenging. Consultants must be adept at handling difficult clients, negotiating terms and ensuring satisfaction
• Market vulnerability: the tourism industry is highly susceptible to external factors such as economic downturns, political instability and natural disasters. These can impact the demand for consultancy services and affect job stability

Skills you can build as a tourism consultant

Working as a tourism consultant provides a unique opportunity to develop a diverse and valuable soft skillset. This career not only allows you to apply your existing knowledge but also challenges you to acquire new competencies that are highly regarded across various industries. Some of the key skills you can build as a tourism consultant are:

• Strategic planning: analyzing current trends, forecasting future developments and developing comprehensive strategies that align with clients’ goals
• Market research and analysis: gathering and analyzing data on travel trends, consumer behavior and competitive landscapes. This analytical ability helps in making informed decisions and providing valuable insights to clients
• Project management: including setting goals, creating timelines, allocating resources and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget
• Communication and interpersonal skills: interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, community leaders and government officials. You will strengthen your ability to convey ideas clearly, negotiate terms and build strong relationships
• Problem solving and adaptability: learning to think on your feet and develop innovative solutions in response to unforeseen circumstances
• Cultural competence: essential for creating inclusive and respectful tourism experiences that resonate with a global audience
• Sustainability expertise: learning how to promote eco-friendly and socially responsible tourism initiatives that benefit the environment and local communities
• Marketing and branding: creating compelling sales campaigns, leveraging digital marketing tools and building strong brands that attract and retain visitors
• Financial acumen: developing budgets, conducting cost-benefit analyses and assessing the economic impact of tourism initiatives

How to become a tourism consultant

Aspiring consultants should combine education, experience and networking. If you are keen to enter the profession, you should consider:

• Educational foundation: obtain a degree in tourism management, business, marketing or a related field to build a solid knowledge base
• Industry experience: work in the travel sector in roles with travel agencies, tourism boards or hospitality businesses. Experiencing different facets of the industry from operational to customer service is crucial
• Specialize: choose an area such as eco-tourism, luxury travel or market analytics. Specialization can distinguish you from competitors and increase your value to potential clients
• Certifications: additional qualifications can lend credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth

Networking: join industry associations, attend seminars and connect with other consultants. Building a strong network is essential for freelance consultants reliant on referrals and partnerships

The future of travel and tourism consulting

As global travel trends shift, consultants have to adapt to new technologies and changing traveler expectations. Predictive analytics and big data will play larger roles in customizing travel experiences and in strategic decision making. The integration of technology such as virtual and augmented reality into tourism also offers unique ways of improving customer engagement before they even embark on their travels.

Sustainability will also continue to be a major focus, as consumers and regulatory bodies demand more environmentally responsible travel options. Consultants who stay abreast of these trends and technologies will be able to offer invaluable expertise.

Conclusion

Tourism consulting can have a profound impact on destinations and travel businesses around the world. As a tourism consultant, you have the opportunity to influence travel experiences, drive economic growth and promote cultural understanding.

The skills you develop, ranging from strategic planning and market analysis to problem solving and communication, are highly transferable and valued across various industries. If you are passionate about travel, enjoy strategic thinking and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, becoming a tourism consultant could be just the job for you.

If you’re ready to start building this kind of hospitality career, consider enrolling in a degree course from a renowned school such as Les Roches.