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A career as a holiday representative

A holiday representative is employed by a tour operator to work on location and ensure that tourists that travel with the firm have an enjoyable break.

The representative - commonly known as a rep - will help tourists' holidays run smoothly, arranging day trips for them, sorting out issues with accommodation and dealing with any other problems that arise during their break.

Reps will often run welcome meetings, handle complaints and be on-call 24-hours a day to ensure that holidaymakers are happy with the service provided by the tour operator.

On a day-to-day basis a rep will meet guests at the airport and guide them to their accommodation, organise welcome meetings for large parties - sometimes as many as 200 people - sell excursions and car hire, handle clients' complaints and queries, deal with any ad hoc problems such as airport strikes, maintain good relations with local hoteliers and gain an in-depth knowledge of local customs.

Sometimes reps will also need to complete risk assessments of the area, know how to perform health and safety checks, keep basic accounts, write reports and assist in the training of new reps.

Those applying for an online job as a holiday representative will normally not need a degree or HND, as practical skills tend to be valued more by employers.

However, a qualification in travel and tourism may be looked upon favourably.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure and deal with unforeseen circumstances and experience of operating in a customer service environment.

Often being able to speak a second language is a big advantage, as it enables the rep to form good relations with local business people and hopefully to negotiate good prices on excursions etc.

The main skills that applicants should be able to demonstrate on their CV are brilliant oral and written communication skills, an outgoing personality, commitment to customer service, teamwork, common sense and the ability to plan events.

Those performing a job search for opportunities as a holiday rep and hopeing to gain employment can expect to earn between £450 and £500 a month, with salaries enhanced by selling excursions and other services. Reps who are successful in this way can earn between £700 and £800 a month.

As reps gain more experience and take on a greater level of responsibility they can expect their salaries to rise - roles such as team leader or resort manager are significantly better paid.

The role also has a number of benefits, such as free flights to and from the holiday resort, free uniform, accommodation provided through the holiday season and, sometimes, a food allowance. Reps may also benefit from discounted or free excursions and the use of a company car in their leisure time - as well as the hotel's amenities, such as a swimming pool.o