Ideal for those looking for a career change
Earlier this year, it was reported that a third of Brits are considering a change of career, with the COVID-19 crisis causing many to question their priorities when it comes to work. Whether it’s a surprising newfound freedom felt working from home, concerns about job security moving forward, a shift in responsibilities in a post-pandemic world or simply a desire to see more of the world, many are weighing up their options and considering applying for a new job.
If you fall into that final camp, of those who are keen to see more of the world when restrictions lift, then perhaps you’re considering a job in the travel sector. With the luxury travel industry leading the sector’s recovery, job opportunities within it are growing. Should you be wondering if you’re the right fit for a role in this thriving part of the sector, here we give an overview of 5 popular jobs in the luxury travel industry.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY LUXURY TRAVEL?
Though the idea of ‘luxury’ means different things to different people, within the travel industry, the term not only refers to premium prices but also, to exclusive and rare experiences. A level of personalisation and curation within the service is another defining aspect of luxury travel, and more often than not, this is where jobs can be found within the sector.
WHERE CAN I FIND A LUXURY TRAVEL JOB?
Dedicated luxury travel recruitment companies are perhaps the best way to get your itchy feet out there, as the industry thrives on networking and contacts to open the door. Otherwise, a more general recruitment agency may also offer some positions.
Anyway, let’s dive in. Without further ado, here are 5 popular jobs in the luxury travel industry.
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
Organising an all-you-can-drink holiday package deal on the Magaluf Strip, this ain’t. Working as a luxury travel advisor (sometimes also referred to as a luxury travel agent) means you’ll be dealing with clients with sometimes sprawling budgets and particular, esoteric tastes, curating a holiday tailor-made to suit them.
But what is a luxury travel advisor, we hear you ask? Well, this role involves curating relevant accommodation and transport, offering local ‘in the know’ recommendations, and providing a smooth and stress-free travel experience for your clients.
Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in 5-star hotels across the world, eat at Michelin star restaurants and experience other once-in-a-lifetime opportunities – because how else are you going to recommend them to your well-heeled clients with confidence and inside knowledge?
LUXURY TRAVEL CONCIERGE
If you want to enter the world of luxury-tailor made travel and you have great interpersonal skills, then this is the job for you. Help to curate one-of-a-kind holidays, tailored to the desires of your client, by becoming a luxury travel concierge.
Similar to a luxury travel agent, a concierge will help organise parts of a client’s trip and is like a personal travel assistant, only with more famous friends and greater access to places usually off-limits to the average tourist.
However, a travel concierge will typically be a local, know the ins and outs of their client’s destinations, and be available to provide 24/7 support, too.
As a luxury travel concierge, you’ll have to journey across the globe to personally experience the world’s best destinations and travel experiences, with extensive networking and an ever-growing ‘black book’ of contacts essential for the job. This is because a concierge is expected to get tickets to the sold-out games, seats in the fully booked restaurants and access to the nightclubs with the most exclusive door policies.
Some of the UK’s most well known, high-end concierge companies include Quintessentially (whose clients include Kate Moss, Madonna and Richard Branson), Velocity Black and Nota Bene Global.
LUXURY TRAVEL PR AGENCY
While it may sound like a cliche, every day is different in the role of travel PR. Working in the public relations department of a luxury travel company can be an energising and exciting role, with new challenges and opportunities for creativity presenting themselves regularly.
Write press releases about new hotel openings, organise media events, pitch and place feature articles, and even sample new restaurant openings around the world…for the sheer variety of responsibilities, luxury travel PR is a great move for someone who gets inspired by changing daily demands.
That said, the absolute highlight of working in a luxury travel PR company has got to be the press trips – or, ‘fam’ trips – which are an awesome way to see the world, network with colleagues and clients, and enjoy a few freebies, too!
INHOUSE PR FOR HOTEL GROUP
Accor, the global hospitality group with a portfolio of brands including Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Ibis Styles, and Mercure, opens new hotels every month, in locations as far-flung as Hanoi, Vietnam, and as familiar as London, Brighton or Birmingham on home turf.
This is just one example of a hotel group that’s ever-expanding and always on the lookout for talented people to join their team. If you’d prefer a PR role that’s a little more focused, with a keen chance for career progression within the company, then becoming an in-house PR for a hotel group could be just the job for you.
LUXURY TRAVEL JOURNALIST
If you’re something of a wordsmith and have experience writing about the world of travel – whether that’s commercial or literary – then becoming a luxury travel journalist could represent your natural career progression’s next step.
Generally speaking, a luxury travel writer will cover hotels, restaurants, bars and other places of interest that come with a luxury price tag, with the cost covered either by the company or the hospitality venue that wishes to be covered. No more slumming it in motels or hostels, hey! Though this sounds like a dream job, having prior experience in the luxury travel sector is usually necessary in this role.
Alternatively, you could set up your own blog covering luxury travel, specifically, but to get it off the ground, you’ll likely have to foot the bill yourself for the tasting menus at Michelin star restaurants and the stays at five star resorts…
As such, why not check out these IDEAL ways to experience Michelin level food on the cheap next, for some top advice on doing just that.