tourism manager salary

What Does a Tourism Manager Do?

Find out what a Tourism Manager does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Tourism Manager.

The Tourism Manager plays an essential role in shaping the experiences that define a destination’s appeal to visitors. By orchestrating a diverse array of services, attractions, and events, this professional ensures that both leisure and business travelers find engaging, enjoyable, and smoothly run activities that meet their interests and needs. Through strategic planning, marketing, and collaboration with local businesses and cultural institutions, the Tourism Manager enhances the economic impact of tourism while promoting sustainable practices that preserve the destination’s natural and cultural heritage. Balancing the expectations of tourists with the well-being of the local community, this role is about creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth, contributing to the area’s reputation as a desirable travel destination.

Tourism Manager Job Duties

• Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to attract tourists to a destination, including advertising campaigns, social media outreach, and partnerships with travel agencies.
• Manage the budget for tourism projects and operations, ensuring all activities are cost-effective and deliver a high return on investment.
• Organize and oversee events and festivals aimed at enhancing the tourist experience and promoting local culture and attractions.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, service providers, and other stakeholders to secure the best prices and services for tourists.
• Design and update tour packages and itineraries that cater to various interests and demographics, ensuring a diverse and appealing range of options.
• Train and supervise staff, including tour guides, customer service representatives, and marketing personnel, to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Conduct regular assessments of tourist facilities and attractions for safety, accessibility, and overall quality, recommending improvements as necessary.
• Collaborate with local government and community organizations to develop sustainable tourism practices that protect natural resources and cultural heritage.

Tourism Manager Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting a Tourism Manager’s salary include industry experience, size and type of the employer (e.g., large hotel chain vs. boutique tour company), specific role responsibilities, and demand for tourism in the sector they specialize in (e.g., eco-tourism vs. luxury travel). Performance and revenue generated also significantly impact earnings.

• Median Annual Salary: $76,125 ($36.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of tourism managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing global travel demand, expansion of international tourism markets, and the need for skilled professionals to develop sustainable tourism strategies, manage tourist attractions, and enhance visitor experiences. Tourism Managers will be pivotal in adapting to changing travel trends and promoting destinations effectively.

Tourism Manager Job Requirements

Education: A Tourism Manager typically pursues education beyond high school, with many opting for college courses relevant to the field. This includes studies in tourism management, business administration, marketing, and hospitality. While some hold high school diplomas, advancing in this career often requires higher education credentials such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Majors in tourism or hospitality management are particularly beneficial, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective tourism operations and management.

Experience: Tourism Managers often start with varied levels of experience, ranging from minimal to about a year’s worth. Many have backgrounds in customer service, hospitality, or travel planning, which are crucial for understanding the needs of tourists and creating memorable experiences. On-the-job training is common, allowing newcomers to learn directly from seasoned professionals. Training programs may also be available, focusing on industry-specific skills such as marketing, communication, and itinerary planning. This blend of practical experience and targeted training equips Tourism Managers to excel in creating and managing tourist attractions, tours, and events.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the role of Tourism Manager.

Tourism Manager Skills

Destination Marketing: Utilizing digital platforms effectively, Tourism Managers showcase a destination’s unique attractions, culture, and experiences. They analyze market trends, identify target demographics, and execute strategic marketing campaigns that captivate potential visitors, thereby increasing tourism revenue.

Tour Planning: Developing engaging and feasible itineraries involves a comprehensive understanding of local attractions, cultural norms, and logistical considerations. Tourism Managers ensure tourists have memorable experiences by selecting the right mix of activities and anticipating potential disruptions, focusing on operational efficiency and visitor satisfaction.

Hospitality Management: Ensuring visitors have memorable and culturally enriching stays, this skill involves a thorough knowledge of local attractions, accommodations, and cultural nuances. Coordination with hotel managers, tour operators, and other stakeholders is crucial for delivering seamless, high-quality service that exceeds expectations.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of guests and staff, Tourism Managers create a welcoming and inclusive environment. They design tailored, culturally appropriate services and events that appeal to a global clientele, thereby enhancing satisfaction and promoting international goodwill.

Revenue Management: By analyzing market trends, customer behavior, and the competitive landscape, Tourism Managers optimize pricing and inventory to maximize profitability. Their strategic decisions enhance revenue streams and ensure the sustainable growth of their destinations or organizations.

Crisis Management: Swiftly addressing unexpected events, from natural disasters to public relations challenges, is a critical skill. Tourism Managers coordinate with local authorities, communicate transparently with stakeholders, and implement contingency plans to mitigate impacts, ensuring a destination’s resilience and maintaining visitor trust.

Tourism Manager Work Environment

A Tourism Manager often finds themselves in a dynamic work environment, where the office setting can range from a traditional office to various outdoor or travel-related locations, depending on the day’s needs. The workspace is equipped with standard office tools and technology for planning and communication, but also includes travel-specific software and apps for itinerary planning and customer engagement.

Work hours can be irregular, with evenings and weekends being common to accommodate the nature of the tourism industry and client availability. This role demands a professional yet comfortable dress code, reflecting the need to meet with clients and partners in diverse settings.

The social environment is highly interactive, involving constant communication with clients, team members, and partners. This necessitates a high level of emotional intelligence and stress management skills, as dealing with unforeseen challenges and ensuring client satisfaction are routine.

Travel is a significant component, offering opportunities to explore new destinations, which also supports professional development through firsthand experiences. The pace can be fast, balancing between strategic planning back at the office and active engagement in the field.

Advancement Prospects

Tourism Managers can ascend to higher positions such as Director of Tourism or Vice President of Hospitality through demonstrated leadership and innovation in creating memorable guest experiences. Specializing in areas like eco-tourism or luxury travel opens doors to niche markets, offering unique career advancement opportunities.

Progression often involves taking on larger projects or managing more prestigious locations, which requires a deep understanding of market trends and consumer preferences. Success in these roles can also lead to opportunities in consulting, where expertise is leveraged to improve operations or develop tourism strategies for new markets.

Advancing in this field is closely tied to the ability to adapt to the evolving tourism landscape, including sustainability practices and digital marketing strategies. Those who can effectively integrate these elements into their operations are well-positioned for growth.

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What Salary Can I Expect With a Tourism Management Degree?

Tourism took a punch during the Great Recession but has since sprung back to be bigger than ever. In 2012 international tourist arrivals exceeded one billion for the first time , and experts predict totals to reached 1.8 billion by 2030. No surprise, then, that business is booming. In 2016, travel & tourism made a global economic impact of nearly $8 trillion, and the hotel industry’s revenue was $550 billion . The United States is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world, accompanied by China, Mexico, Thailand, and a reliable stable of European countries, including Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and France (traditionally the most popular destination in the world).

As one of the world’s leading tourism markets (for both arrivals and departures), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects significant hiring increases through 2026. Lodging managers, gaming managers, food service managers, and meeting, convention, and event planners – all jobs typically related to the tourism industry – are projected to see 10% occupation growth (faster than average). Management jobs in general – which might include roles like Hotel Manager or Tour Manager – will add over a half-a-million jobs, with a median salary starting in the low six-figures. Other titles pay even better. At the senior meeting and event director level, median salary hits $118,000. A Director of Hotel Sales earns a $160,000-$200,000 salary to lead a hotel’s sales, marketing, and product development projects.

Any of the above positions can be secured with a degree in tourism management, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. To get a better idea of what type of salary you can make with a tourism management degree, let’s take a look at individual degrees and typical corresponding positions’ pay.

What Salary Can I Expect With an Associate’s in Tourism Management

An associate’s degree in tourism management is a great way to kickstart your career. Associate’s degrees have a few benefits: first, coursework only lasts 1-2 years, and most programs are available on a full- or part-time basis for maximum flexibility to working professionals. Second, they’re affordable and career-oriented. In other words, every class you take in tourism management is aimed at developing specific real-world skills, which potential employers will prioritize. On the other hand, not every tourism professional needs a degree in the field, particularly workers at the entry-level. What matters is proven skills, and as far as that’s concerned, there’s no substitute for experience. So whether you choose an associate’s in tourism or prefer an on-the-job learning route, here’s a few entry-level tourism jobs worth considering.

• Front Desk Clerk – Median Salary: $33,051
• Guest Services Manager – Median Salary: $36,060
• Assistant Restaurant Manager – Median Salary: $41,095
• Meeting/Event Assistant – Median Salary: $48,380

What Salary Can I Expect With a Bachelor’s in Tourism Management

The bachelor’s in tourism management is the most popular degree in the field and offers the broadest career potential. Major core requirements typically consist of 36-45 credits, including Convention & Event Management, Food & Beverage Management, Front Office Management, International Business, Finance, Cross Cultural Communications, and Leadership & Management in Hospitality & Tourism. Most bachelor’s in tourism feature a business module, and internships or capstone projects are integrated to add a real-world component. The nice thing about a bachelor’s? For many tourism jobs, it’s all you need, even for upper-level roles. Again: the name of the game is experience. Many professionals begin who their tourism careers in entry-level roles – be it sales, marketing, hotel operations, or elsewhere – move up through the tourism ranks to earn managerial and upper-level titles that pay six-figure salaries. Below is a brief list of bachelor’s-level positions in tourism and their respective salaries.

• Travel Clerk – Median Salary:
• Travel Coordinator – Median Salary: $55,704
• Travel Supervisor – Median Salary: $79,531
• Travel Manager – Median Salary: $89,031
• Marketing Coordinator – Median Salary: $52,078
• Meeting/Event Planner – Median Salary: $60,286
• Meeting/Event Manager – Median Salary: $75,684
• Meeting/Event Director – Median Salary: $118,000
• Maintenance Supervisor – Median Salary: $73,882
• Hotel Manager Assistant – Median Salary: $55,518
• Hotel Resident Manager – Median Salary: $70,496
• Housekeeping Manager – Median Salary: $72,209
• Hotel Manager – Median Salary: $103,534

What Salary Can I Expect With a Master’s in Tourism Management

A master’s in tourism management builds on the curriculum of the bachelor’s to create an interdisciplinary program of business and tourism courses. Typically 30-36 credits, courses include Organizational Management, Financial Management in Tourism, Global Tourism Policy, and Strategic Management for Tourism and Travel. Besides advanced coursework, the advantage of a master’s in tourism is that many programs offer specialization options. If you’re interested in the growing eco-tourism sector, look for a program in Sustainable Tourism. Other programs offer concentrations in Hospitality, Hotel Operations, Recreation, Event Management, and other areas. The other advantage of a master’s track? Higher pay. All master’s degrees in tourism management are designed to prepare students for managerial roles, and most are highly flexible to accommodate working professionals. If you’re making a career change, don’t worry: a master’s in tourism management generally doesn’t require experience in the industry, and students come from a variety of business, marketing, sales, and customer relations backgrounds. Below are a few potential career options and salaries for master’s grads.

• Hotel Resident Manager – Median Salary: $70,732
• Head of Housekeeping – Median Salary: $84,008
• Facilities Director – Median SalaryL: $115,335
• Sales Director – Median Salary: $158,256
• Operations Director – Median Salary: $163,950
• Marketing Director – Median Salary: $134,901
• Sales and Marketing Director – Median Salary: $147,275

What Salary Can I Expect With a Doctorate in Tourism Management

The PhD in Tourism is a rare degree, primarily pursued for academic purposes. As with all doctoral tracks, studies are self-directed and focus on performing original research: for example, the economics of tourism, the effect of tourism on global politics, tourism and multiculturalism, etc. Most graduates go on to careers in academia or areas like public policy, consulting, and non-profits. Of course, tourism PhD’s are eligible for any of the roles above, as well.

Tourism Marketing Manager Salary in the United States

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Under general supervision of UNH Extension’s marketing and communication manager, create engaging, educational and creative content that promotes the programmatic objectives of UNH Extension. Remote computer work will include managing social media accounts, editing website pages, writing articles and compiling newsletter content. The assistant producer is well versed in multimedia, willing to learn new software programs and adept at social listening. The successful candidate will use the following software on the job: Microsoft 365 (including Teams), SharePoint, Adobe, and Wrike (project management). Must be able to travel to programs and offices in Rockingham and Hillsborough Counties monthly to take photos and videos and must be available for occasional night and weekend work.

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