If you have been following this series, ‘There’s a Place for you, here’, you must be sensing that the travel and tourism industry is open to everyone, regardless of their background or previous experience. You are absolutely right! With the right skills, passion, and willingness to learn, anyone can build a successful career in this dynamic and exciting field.
Let’s delve right into the continuation of last week’s conversation with Mr. Estiaful, the Founder and CEO of Jesly Travel and Tour, who spent six years of his early career life as an accounts clerk in a construction company but whose interest in travelling motivated him to pursue a career in the travel and tour industry.
Host: As a student in travel, I know you will learn a wide range of subjects beyond world geography. How feasible is it to become proficient in navigation tools, such as handling both physical and digital maps, using a compass, and gaining familiarity with local attractions and landmarks to provide informative and memorable tours?
Guest: Given the advent of google maps and other digital tools, it has become easier for even entry-level employees. Within the shortest possible time, making them proficient quickly.
Host: When employing people to fill the positions mentioned earlier, what are the basic qualifications?
Guest: At least a diploma in the travel and tour industry, Degree holders are welcome.
Host: What do you look for, over and above the basic qualifications when employing personnel for positions like tour guides, travel advisers, travel consultants and transport managers?
Guest: Experience! Experience! Experience!
Host: What opportunities does the industry create for people to gain the kind of experience you are emphasizing?
Guest: We are open to student internships, voluntary workers, organizing capacity building, training periodically, to broaden the scope of knowledge for new entrants as well as those in the workplace already.
Host: Looking at the Ghanaian work environment, what are the current dynamics in looking for jobs in travel services and what advice would you give to the youth in particular?
Guest: Try to get some form of experience in your chosen field of the travel and tour industry, be humble enough to learn and be teachable.
Host: You are currently operating your own travel and tour organization. What motivated you in setting it up particularly when you hadn’t worked in a similar organization?
Guest: l like travelling, so my interest was aroused and I also wanted to help others fulfill their travel and tour plans. This informed my motto, ‘Easy way to experience life’s journey’.
Host: Thinking about the business motto, did you ever have a bad traveling experience before venturing into your own business in travel services? In other words, what about travel experiences guided you in carving this motto?
Guest: No, I didn’t really have a bad experience. I only wanted to give my clients a very good and easy service in their travel and tour journey, thus the motto.
Host: As a professional in this area of the tourism sector, what are some of your goals?
Guest: To satisfy my precious clients’ needs and to delight them; seeing them travel safely and happy about their travel experiences give me much joy.
Host: What types of job offers and career opportunities do online travel agencies usually offer?
Guest: Ticketing jobs, Travel reservation jobs, Tour guides, Travel consultant.
Host: What are the requirements in being employed in such positions?
Guest: Minimum of HND and DEGREE and some levels of experience.
Host: What are the growth opportunities for individuals who want to enhance their careers in the travel industry?
Guest: Gathering more experience, network with others in the field, attend conferences and seminars, join associations and advertise yourself.
Host: I know you are among the executive members of SKAL International, Accra Club, is student mentorship something you would consider for the Club?
Guest: Yeah, it’s something on the ‘drawing board’, we have plans to open young Skal clubs in some of the universities and I’m spearheading it.
Host: It’s been a pleasure engaging you on your career in the travel industry. Thank you for your time.