Take a tour of career options in tourism and hospitality

Tourists can’t seem to get enough of Tasmania. Oddly enough, our local Tourism and Hospitality Industry can’t get enough talented people either. Visitors are coming to Tasmania like never before – and for good reason. Our state offers a unique experience. If the cool crisp air doesn’t take your breath away, then the pristine beaches and unspoiled wilderness regions will. If you like making people feel special then you can make an awesome career for yourself in Tourism and Hospitality.

Local opportunities that can lead to global careers

Exciting careers in Tourism and Hospitality are opening up all the time. For example, you can work on a cruise ship as an assistant cruise director and sail the world. Or as part of a team at an exclusive five-star resort. You can be an expert tour guide at a significant cultural site. Or a freelance photographer on remote assignments. You can work in specialist media or communication roles. Or be ‘front of house’ at a swanky hotel, bar or restaurant – and that’s just for starters. (To discover more careers in Tourism and Hospitality see career options scroll down).

Tourism visitor numbers are going up, and up and up.

Tasmania is on the bucket list as a destination for millions of visitors. To be specific, 1,257,800 visitors came to Tasmania in 2023. That’s up 6% on the previous year – and by the way, this figure doesn’t include the injection of visitors from cruise ships. Importantly, visitors are spending more time in Tasmania. They’re spending billions of dollars when they get here. And they’re creating more and more jobs for Tasmanians.

*Source: Tourism Tasmania – Fast Facts 2023/24

Tourists are visiting every part of Tasmania

One of the main drawcards is Tasmania’s magnificent (and unique) wilderness and wildlife. 42% of visitors coming to Tasmania enter at least one national park, and around 50% of visitors undertaking at least one bushwalk. On the East Coast, the stunning Maria Island and Freycinet are popular destinations. Inland, there’s the majestic Cradle Mountain/Valley, and in the North-West the Tarkine Forest is a ‘must-see’ destination. Down south there’s the magnificent Huon Valley (which includes the popular Tahune Airwalk) that’s only 45 minutes from Hobart.

In fact, nothing is ever far away, which is part of the attraction of Tasmania. Our state is dotted with fascinating towns, sites and scenery.

*Source: Tourism Tasmania – Tasmanian Tourist Snapshot. Year ending December 2023

Tourism employment is the highest in the country

More visitors to Tasmania mean more jobs for Tasmanians. In fact, the direct and indirect contribution of tourism employment is the highest in the country. We’re talking 23,900* (indirectly), and 19,000* (directly). In total, that’s 42,900* jobs for Tasmanians. This represents 13.1%* of the Tasmanian workforce.

The career options are incredible, flexible and rewarding

Let’s start with a few broad areas of employment in Travel and Hospitality.

Accommodation

Across Tasmania, there are resorts, hotels, motels, air bnbs (and more) where you can make visitors feel special. What’s more, you can make an awesome career for yourself. Careers include hotel manager. Housekeeper. Receptionist. Porter.

Front of House

You’ll find other roles where a friendly smile is the starting point to make a weary traveler feel welcome. Careers include customer service. Waiter. Bar attendant. Barista. Chef. Butcher. Baker. Front office. Retailer. Apprentice.

Content Creator

Tasmania has a distinctive look, feel and energy. If you can bring it to life, and entice visitors to this special part of the world, then there are heaps of job opportunities as a content creator. Careers include photographer. Videographer. Social media. Community engagement.

Travel / Tour Guide

Local knowledge combined with a friendly personality goes a long way with visitors who are exploring Tasmania for the first time. (or any time for that matter). Careers include tour guide. Adventure guide. Visitor experience.

More specialised areas of employment include:

Access and Aviation

This includes: Interstate access. Air and sea services. Cruise and car hire. Sector liaison

Business Management

This includes: Owner. Supervisor. Team leader

Corporate

This includes: Executive. Communications. Media. Public relations. Connecting industry programs

Events

This includes: Manager. Organiser. Coordinators. Facilities management.

Policy and Planning

This includes: People and culture. Strategy. Project work. Recruitment. Performance. Training and development. Diversity and inclusion.

Research, Strategy and Marketing

This includes: Visitor tracking data. Visitor economy. Research. Insights. Grant management. Projects. Strategists. Brand Managers. Digital and interactive specialists. Public relations and content partnerships. Graphic design. Copywriting

There’s almost as many education and training
providers as there are career opportunities

University of Tasmania (UTAS)

The University of Tasmania offers a range of courses in tourism from Associate Degrees to Masters.If you’re thinking university might not be for you, UTAS offers a range of support programs and pathways, as well as short foundation programs.

TasTAFE

There’s a range of introductory courses and skills development courses available. This includes Certificates and Diplomas in tourism. Guiding and outdoor skills. Customer service. Front office and visitor experience courses. Check out the courses at TasTAFE.

Tassie Tourism Ambassador Program

The Ambassador Program is a free course created specifically for the Tasmanian tourism industry. It equips tourism and hospitality staff with the skills to offer an amazing visitor experience. Plus local knowledge to tell the story of the region.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA)

The THA has a range of resources and programs dedicated to equipping individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in various roles within the hospitality. THA also hosts the Tourism and Hospitality Jobs website. A great resource to check out what’s on offer.

Visitor Experience Training (VXT)

VXT is a purpose-built organisation that trains the hospitality and tourism workforce to deliver the Tasmanian experience. Courses are designed to enable students to be ‘job-ready’. Skills include bar operators. Housekeeping. Food and beverage service. Plus front-of-house training.

Your school

Did you know that there are opportunities to explore the workforce while you are still in school? From Work-based Learning (WBL) or Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) to VET courses, there is something for everyone. Check out the articles and explore the benefits of work exposure.

Carleeta Thomas, wukalina Walk – Image courtesy of Brand Tasmania

Start your adventure and shape the future of tourism in Tasmania!

We’ve given you the ticket, now it’s your turn to discover the thrill of Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality scene! Ask your school about Work-based Learning opportunities or perhaps even doing an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. Join a community where every day is an adventure and your work enriches lives. Enjoy flexible hours, learn on the go, and be the face of a world-class destination.