Careers In The Travel Industry

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(ARA) - Many people dream of a career change, but job forecasts can be disheartening, especially if you are looking for a fun, flexible career that allows time for family obligations. But one industry is booming - travel. Right now business is growing for travel professionals. And that includes tour directors.

"A lot of people think tour directing means spending months away from home in far off places. That isn't always the case," says Ted Bravos, founder of the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI), a state-certified school for training professional tour directors and guides. "Many jobs are available for tour directors in cities across the U.S."

Women in particular are reaping the benefits of travel industry opportunities. As tour directors, schedules can be custom tailored to coincide with summer vacations, weekends, or child-care hours.

"In many industries, women feel that taking time for family can hinder their advancement and income potential. That isn't the case for tour directors," says Bravos, who has been training tour professionals for more than 25 years. "You can take time off for raising a family or pursue other professional interests, and pick back up later. For people who love to travel, it's a great way to share that passion with others while creating a personally rewarding career."

It can be lucrative as well. Tour directors receive approximately $150 to $200 per day, plus all expenses. After becoming certified, tour directors can work as much or as little as they choose. "Many students, especially women, come to our classes worried that they don't have enough work experience to make a viable income," says Bravos. "Perhaps they've been out of the work force for a while, or they are interested in changing careers. But tour directors don't face that kind of glass ceiling, because where and how much a tour director works is completely up to them."

"There are so many different ways to create a travel career," says tour director and ITMI graduate Joemy Wilson. "A tour director can travel around the world or stay at home. They can work full-time or as little as they want. It's perfect for people who enjoy meeting new people and learning about new places. " Wilson began leading tours in New England and has since taken groups to Europe and is currently training to bring travelers to Russia.

Wilson describes her job akin to being a party host. She makes sure everyone is having a good time and getting the most out of their travel experience by working to keep everything running smoothly. "This industry really values life experience, because the most important traits of a good tour director - personable, responsible, curious - can't be taught from books. I've been an instructor for ITMI and there has been a surge of women in their 50s and 60s taking our classes. Being a tour director allows these women to travel the world for free and gives them the flexibility to work when they choose. And ITMI gives its students such a head start in the business because of its wide network of contacts in the industry."

For more information about part-time or full-time tour director opportunities, log on to www.itmitourtraining.com or call the ITMI office at (800) 442-4864.

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