Tourism is one of the major economic activities in Hong Kong, accounting for 5% of our GDP and employing about 270,000 people. According to statistics, the number of visitors to Hong Kong in recent years has reached 55 million, of which the most important visitors are from the mainland and Taiwan. Outbound arrivals also continued to grow, spurring the development of the local tourism industry. There are more than 2,000 tourism establishments in Hong Kong, offering careers such as tour guides, tour escorts and travel consultants.
Tour Guide
Duties
The tour guide mainly receives and takes the inbound tourists to go sightseeing in the local area. They have to be familiar with the history of local culture and the scenic spots in order to introduce to the tourists. The following are the main tasks:
- Guide the tourists on local tours, introduce historical sites, scenic spots and special streets and buildings, etc
- Provide and arrange itinerary and translation
- Ensure the safety of tourists and the provision of other related services
Working hours
Irregular working hours, may work for longer hours in the peak tourist season
Working environment
Always face different challenges and new things
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Leadership skills
Promotion and Reference Salary
Tour Guide Trainee
Approximately $11,000 or above
Tour Guide
Approximately $13,000 or above
Note: The reference salary and the promotion salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Fluent in Cantonese and English, Mandarin or other languages preferred
- A holder of a certificate approved by the Travel Industry Council with passes in the relevant examination
- A holder of a valid certificate of First Aid approved by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
- A Tour Guide pass issued by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
Example of related training and courses
Diploma Yi Jin Programme
Advanced Diploma
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- UOW College Hong Kong – Associate of Social Science in Leisure and Tourism Management
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE) - Higher Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Studies
Bachelor Degree
Tour Escort
Duties
Based on their experience and ability, tour escorts may choose to take short or long journeys. The qualifications and experience required to fly to long-distance European and American countries are higher than those required for short-distance journeys. The following are the main tasks of the tour escort.
- Arrange and take care of the food, transport and accommodation of tourists during their stay on the tour
- Assist visitors in immigration clearance
- Ensure the safety of tourists and the provision of other related services
Working hours
Irregular working hours, may work for longer hours in the peak tourist season
Working environment
Always face different challenges and new things
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Leadership skills
Promotion and Reference Salary
Tour Escort Trainee
Approximately $10,000 or above
Tour Escort
Approximately $13,000 or above
Note: The reference salary and the promotion salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Fluent in Cantonese and English, Mandarin or other languages preferred
- A holder of a valid certificate of First Aid approved by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
- Obtained a certificate from the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong in respect of the Outbound Tour Escorts
Example of related training and courses
Diploma Yi Jin Programme / Diploma
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- School of Continuing and Professional Education City University of Hong Kong - Higher Diploma in Tourism and airline management
- UOW College Hong Kong –Associate of Social Science in Leisure and Tourism Management
Bachelor Degree
Other training courses
Note 3: A holder of a Yi Jin Diploma is equivalent to attaining Level 2 in five subjects of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (including Chinese Language and English Language).
Travel Consultant
Duties
The travel consultant can work at the ticket department, team department, cruise line, free trip and so on, providing various tourism products and services for customers. The main tasks are as follows:
- Sales of tourist products, including air tickets, package tickets, cruise holidays, etc
- Provide guests with itinerary preparation and related advisory services
- Provide visa information or formalities
Working hours
About 45 hours a week
Working environment
Work in a travel agency
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Travel Consultant Assistant
Approximately $10,000 or above
Senior Travel Consultant
Approximately $20,000 or above
Note: The reference salary and the promotion salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Fluent in Cantonese and English, Mandarin or other languages preferred
- A good command of written Chinese and English
Example of related training and courses
Diploma Yi Jin Programme / Diploma
Advanced Diploma
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Brigade Sales Officer
Duties
- Responsible for brigade sales service and answer customer enquiries
Working hours
About 50 hours per week
Working environment
Generally work indoors
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Approximately $12,500 or above
Note: The reference salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- Be proactive and enthusiastic to clients
- Accept working in shift
Example of related training and courses
Diploma Yi Jin Programme
Advanced Diploma
Docent
Duties
- Provide guided tours and introduce related to attractions or exhibitions
- Interact with participants
- Answer questions from participants
Working hours
About 30-50 hours a week
Working environment
Work indoors (e.g. museums) and outdoors (e.g. eco-tourism attractions)
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Responsible
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Approximately $ 11,000 or above
Note: The reference salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability
Entry requirements
- Secondary school graduate
- Speak fluent Cantonese, English, or other specific languages
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma/ Associate Degree