How to Find Your Place in Tourism

Use these five tips to help you land a job in tourism and find your place in a dynamic industry.

Tourism is a dynamic and rewarding industry that offers endless opportunities to connect with people, share stories and celebrate the experiences and attractions that make Manitoba unique. However, landing your first job in tourism can feel daunting.

Whether you dream of guiding travellers through breathtaking landscapes, creating unforgettable guest experiences in restaurants and hotels, or working behind the scenes in supportive roles, use these five tips to find your place in tourism.

Here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Understand the Industry Landscape

Tourism is broad, encompassing areas like hospitality, travel planning, event management, marketing and outdoor adventure and with employers from private, public and non-profit sectors. Research the sector to identify roles that align with your skills and interests and read our blog on types of jobs in the industry to learn more.

"You can find so many unique and sometimes unexpected career paths in tourism," says Allison Zacharias, Communications Specialist, Travel Manitoba. "When I graduated from university, I didn’t know much about the tourism industry and started my career in the non-profit sector.
It wasn’t until I explored Manitoba myself that I discovered Travel Manitoba and became inspired by the way they championed the province’s tourism stories and experiences. That connection sparked my journey into tourism and led me to apply for an open role with the organization."

2. Build Relevant Skills

Many tourism jobs require a combination of hard and soft skills. Consider honing your:

  • Communication skills: Essential for interacting with guests, clients, vendors, colleagues, leadership and working in team environments.
  • Conflict-resolution skills: Vital for managing disputes or challenges in a professional and empathetic manner.
  • Problem-solving abilities: Quick thinking is critical in customer-facing roles.
  • Language skills: Knowing a second or even a third language can set you apart!
  • Technical skills: Familiarity with technical tools like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Meta Business Manager, booking softwares and other digital marketing tools can be highly valuable! Research the technical skills you need for your dream job and start building those with workshops and online certificates.

Manitoba Tourism Education Council offers a wide variety of workshops and online courses tailored toward people working or interested in tourism. Check their online calendar to view all upcoming training opportunities.

3. Gain Experience, Even if it's Entry-Level

Experience is key to breaking into tourism. Start with internships, volunteer roles or part-time positions in visitor centres, hotels or resorts, tour companies or event planning firms. Every experience builds your network and strengthens your understanding of the industry!



"Being flexible in terms of job location, hours or job type can open you up to more opportunities," says Rim Ben Hassain, Marketing Assistant, Travel Manitoba. "Starting small can help you gain experience and lead you to your next role. In my case, I started as a casual Travel Counsellor working in the Visitor Information Centre and joined the marketing team in 2024."

4. Network Effectively

Networking is crucial in tourism. Attend industry events, join tourism-related organizations and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to job opportunities and mentorships.


"Finding your place in the tourism industry starts with building relationships," says Glenda Sprowl, Finance Officer, Travel Manitoba. "Attend events, join industry groups and don’t be afraid to reach out to like-minded professionals for advice. The more connections you make, the more you’ll discover where your skills and passions fit within the industry."

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Breaking into tourism may take time, especially if you’re aiming for specific roles or companies. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. Keep refining your skills, expanding your network and applying for positions—every step brings you closer to your goal!