Tour Operator
つあーおぺれーたー
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Clerical Occupations
- Middle : Sales and Marketing Clerical Occupations
- Minor : Other Sales and Marketing Clerical Occupations
Summary
A profession that plans, arranges, and sells tours for travelers, providing safe and highly satisfying travel experiences.
Description
Tour operators handle everything from designing travel products in the planning department, procurement, reservation arrangements, cost management, to coordination with local partners. They propose package tours or custom-made tours according to customer preferences and budgets, negotiating with airlines, accommodations, and local providers to refine the plans. They routinely handle arrangements using reservation systems (GDS, etc.), prepare estimates, issue documents, and conduct requirement hearings and adjustments. In case of unexpected troubles, they promptly provide alternatives and respond. With increasing demand for both inbound and outbound travel, skills in sales promotion using SNS and digital tools, as well as data analysis, are also required.
Future Outlook
With the recovery of inbound demand and the expansion of experiential travel, demand for customized tours will increase. Amid advancing digitalization and strengthened online sales, the value of personnel skilled in SNS and data utilization is expected to rise.
Personality Traits
Able to respond flexibly / Curious and inquisitive / Sociable / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Business Trips / Flexitime / Full-time / Office Work / Remote
Career Path
Tour Operator Assistant → Tour Operator → Senior Tour Operator → Tour Planning Manager → Department Head (Travel Department) → Travel Consultant or Entrepreneurship
Required Skills
GDS Operation / Language Skills (English) / Negotiation Skills (Vendor Correspondence) / Travel Estimate Creation / Travel Planning and Proposal
Recommended Skills
Cross-Cultural Understanding / Digital Tool Utilization (CRM, SNS) / Marketing Knowledge / Project Management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because reservation errors or omissions directly affect travel quality. |
| Communication Skills | Because smooth negotiation and coordination with customers and local partners are necessary. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because creativity to create attractive travel plans is required. |
| Planning & Organization | Because it is necessary to plan and manage tours combining multiple elements. |
| Problem Solving | Because the ability to respond quickly and accurately to troubles is important. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because it is necessary to handle high-stress situations such as sudden changes or complaint responses. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because it is mainly desk work with relatively low physical demands. |
Related Qualifications
- Comprehensive Travel Services Handling Manager
- Domestic Travel Services Handling Manager
Aliases
- Tour Planner
- Travel Arrangement Staff
- Travel Coordinator
Related Jobs
- Tour Escort
- Tour Guide
- Travel Coordinator
- Travel Planner