Travel can have a profound impact on both personal lives and professional careers. Have you had any travel experiences that significantly impacted your life? Travel professionals or travel industry professionals, comprise of travel agents, tour guides, hospitality staff, transportation providers, and many others. They contribute to the travel experience by providing a variety of services to travelers, ensuring that travelers have a smooth and enjoyable experience. How do you become a travel professional? What does the work involve?
In our first conversation with Madam Vivian Abbey, did you take note of her career journey from nursing to fashion to travel services?
Today, we have the distinct privilege of engaging in a conversation with Mr. Estiaful, the Founder and CEO of Jesly Travel and Tour.
Host: Welcome, Mr. Estiaful. I observed, after reading your profile, that you transitioned into the travel industry after spending six years as an accounts clerk in a construction company. Typically, entry-level accounting personnel follow a career path that includes on-the-job training and progressively more advanced roles in the accounting profession. What motivated you to divert into the travel hospitality sector?
Guest: While in the accounting job, I took a course in the travel and tour industry at an aviation school. It was there that I realized that I have an interest in the travel and tour industry, so I decided to pursue it.
Host: Why did you consider taking a course in travel and tourism?
Guest: I took a course because I liked the travelling and touring aspect of the course. I also wanted to make it easier for people to travel.
Host: What are the most appropriate IATA courses to study to plunge into the travel industry?
Guest: I think ticketing and reservations, car rental, event organization are very key to success in this industry. Travel consultancy too should be looked at.
Host: I completed the IATA Foundation Course as well, and it appears that its scope has remained largely unchanged. (refer to the illustration below).
Host: The more I engage with professionals in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, the more evidence I gather supporting my belief that there truly is a place for everyone in our cherished field. However, one must be prepared to learn and adapt continuously. What are your thoughts on this?”
Guest: Yeah, the industry is very huge and broad. (Refer diagram depicting the scope of the industry).
So, for me I believe no matter the sub-sector that you are in, with integrity, hard work, trust and excellence you can make it. Just keep being honest and continue learning.
Host: I also observed from your profile that you worked as an Operations and Transport Manager. Correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve been carrying the impression, after talking with road transport personnel, mostly drivers, that there is no formal career progression for people in the transportation industry except for aviation, particularly here in Ghana. How did you rise up into this position?
Guest: After my aviation school, I got employment in a transport and logistics company as a manager. It was from there that my interest started developing in the travel industry from which I went on to establish my company.
Host: I see. Allow me to deviate a bit. Are career progressions for drivers only based on how long they have been driving and gaining a growing experience to gain a promotion to ‘senior driver’?
Guest: Yeah, there is a career progression though I must admit, most are not formal.
Host: A number of years ago, I observed that companies offering travel services in Ghana were either operating strictly as travel agencies or as tour companies. However, I see many more travel intermediaries combining the two operations, like your company, Jesly Travel and Tour. Have you always been a travel and tour company?
Guest: Yes, I started as a travel and tour company.
Host: How has AI and technology in general impacted on travel services such as ticketing?
Guest: It makes it easier and simpler for work and it reduces cost as well.It’s use is now picking up here in Ghana.
Host: What type of positions should be expected in a company like yours?
Guest: Tour guides, Travel advisor, Travel consultant, Transport manager.
Host: To give our readers a clearer perspective of these positions, kindly give a brief description of activities of each of these positions.
Guest:
- Tour guides: They take the cherished tourists to the various tour sites while educating them about those places. They play a critically important role in the industry.
- Travel advisor: An adviser in my affairs here gives out useful information not only to me but to my other managers as well though he/she is more limited in scope.
- Travel consultant: They perform virtually the same role in my company. Though he is broader in scope with his or her work, they work more comprehensively.
- Transport manager: this position is responsible for all our transportation needs from planning till our tourists go back to their destinations safely and sound.
Host: What are the likely career paths for personnel playing these roles?
Guest: From the entry level, we expect that you gain some experience at least one year, then you move to assistance manager level before becoming a full-time manager.
Host: I see. 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? If not, what kind of exposure do entry-level personnel need to advance in their careers?”
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.
This conversation continues next week.