LAKE FOREST, CA – January 01, 2011 – The good news came not long after U.S. Congress and President Obama passed the Travel Promotional Bill in March that revealed that tourist spending has increased over the previous year. Cherie Anderson of Professional Tour Management Training (TourTraining.com) believes the bounce-back will mean more job opportunities in the months to come for those seeking a career in tourism.
According to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Commerce during the summer of 2010, there were 33.8 million international visitors to the United States during the first seven months of 2010, which was a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2009. And as for tourist spending, international visitors spent about $76.7 billion during the first seven months of 2010, which was a 10 percent increase over the month of July 2009. These studies indicate that the tourism industry may be slowly but surely recovering from the recession…a good sign for other economic sectors as well.
Through her Web site and e-book course titled “Tour Director Training Guide,” Anderson provides professional training for students of all ages that are seeking a career in tourism, whether domestic or international guides and directors. She also helps students that are interested in other fields, but within the tourism industry, such as accounting, administration, marketing, customer service, event coordination, product management, etc.
Anderson states, “Many students have only one focus when they first start thinking about a career in tourism – becoming a travel agent. I help them to explore all possible options based on their skills and career goals. Other careers in tourism can be lucrative, challenging and fun.”
Anderson also emphasizes that the tourism career sector isn’t just for the young. She says, “It’s great for young people and the retired. Many go into tour directing and guiding after their kids are grown. Maturity is seen as an asset in this industry, especially for those who will travel frequently.”
Major tour operators including Globus, Tauck and Trafalgar have all reported an increase in international travel for 2010. Some operators within the European market are reporting 30 to 90 percent increases over 2009! In the U.S., tourism job availability is also picking up.
With so many new doors opening for job seekers, Anderson’s tour career training e-book gives hopefuls a way to find out what jobs are available that match their skills, which employers pay the best, how to get their foot in the door, how to handle tour challenges or emergencies and more. Students will learn how to get hired by cruise lines, incentive houses, tour operators, sightseeing companies, student groups, adventure companies and destination management companies.
“My experience is a goldmine for beginners in this field. If they love to go on exciting vacations, staying in the finest hotels, and experiencing life to its fullest, while getting paid, then this book is a great starting point,” says Anderson.
About Cherie Anderson
Cherie Anderson is the owner of Professional Tour Management Training. She has been training professional tour directors and guides since 1993. Her training is offered online through more than 2100 colleges worldwide. She has also compiled all the training into an e-book titled “Tour Director Training Guide,” which is available for immediate download.
Read more about tourism careers and tour training at the Web address below:
For an interview or more information, please contact Cherie Anderson by phone at (949) 830-8603 or by email: tourtraining@aol.com
