The outlook for those with travel and tourism experience on their resume is good heading into the new year. According to an annual survey by the United States Tour Operators Association, a majority of members anticipate a "boom year" with sales growing by 10% or more in 2012. When it comes to new hires, nearly 90% those surveyed said they expected to increase staffing next year, with as many as 43% saying they plan to boost their payrolls by as much as 15% over the next 12 months. John Stachnik, USTOA 2011 chair said the results of the survey are encouraging for U.S. tour operators booking to places expected to see a high volume of travelers next year, including Italy, France and Vietnam. "The findings are somewhat staggering," Stachnik noted. "The fact that our members actually increased staff in 2011, some in the double digits and plan to do so again in 2012 is simply remarkable in the context of the current economic climate and speaks to the strength of the value of packaged tours to travelers." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for travel agents are best for applicants with formal training and those who specialize in specific destinations. |