Resort representative
Resort representatives make sure holidaymakers enjoy their vacation. They plan trips, organise activities and deal with any issues.
Also known as: Holiday rep, customer services rep, overseas rep
- Typical hours30 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a resort representative, you would:
- meet holidaymakers on arrival and help transfer them to their accommodation
- hold welcome meetings and answer questions
- plan and lead group activities for all ages
- promote and sell extra activities to holidaymakers
- keep guests up to date with hotel and resort information
- accompany groups on sightseeing trips
- organise car, bike or equipment hire
- deal with problems and emergencies
Working environment
You could work in a hotel or in holiday accomodation.
Your working environment may be physically active.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to sell products and services
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- leadership skills
- to enjoy working with other people
- to be flexible and open to change
- administration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a resort representative
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- applying directly
College
You can do a college course in travel and tourism or customer service, which may be helpful when looking for work.
If you want to work with children on their holidays, for example organising activities, then doing a childcare qualification at college could be useful.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Direct application
To apply directly for resort representative jobs, you'll usually need:
- to be 18 or over
- a friendly and outgoing personality
- experience of working with the public
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths
If you apply for a job as a children's representative, you may need a qualification in childcare, though companies will often give training to successful applicants.
It's important to check job descriptions carefully when applying to make sure you know exactly what skills are required. For example, as a winter sports activities representative, the ability to ski may be needed, though for ski resort hotel reps, this may not be the case.
Restrictions and requirements
A driving licence may be required for some jobs.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior resort representative, rep trainer or tour manager.
You could also work in other parts of the tourism industry, like travel agencies, visitor attractions or tourist boards.
Career tips
It can be helpful if you have a working knowledge of one or more foreign languages, although tour companies may offer training in basic language skills for the country you'll be working in.
Many jobs are seasonal, so salaries and hours can vary. Often, you can top up your monthly pay with commission on products you sell to holidaymakers, for example extra day trips or passes to attractions. Your accommodation may also be included as part of your contract.
Guides for this industry
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