Booking assistant, tourist office

What does a booking assistant at a tourist office do? – Tasks and work environment

A booking assistant at a tourist office is responsible for handling customer reservations, providing advice on destinations and activities, and ensuring each customer receives a tailored and positive travel experience. Tasks often include phone and email contact with clients, administration of booking systems, and collaboration with hotels, transport companies, and other actors within the tourism industry. The environment is typically office-based with a fast pace, emphasizing service and communication. Customer contact occurs both on-site, via digital channels, and sometimes in multiple languages, making the work varied and social.

Salary development over time

The salary for a booking assistant at a tourist office has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, rising the following year to 32 500 SEK, which is an increase of about 2.2%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary further increased to 34 100 SEK, a rise of approximately 4.9%. This positive salary trend can be linked to increased demand for qualified personnel in the tourism sector and a growing focus on customer experience. Additionally, digitalization and higher language requirements have contributed to raising skill levels and salary levels within the profession.

Booking assistant at a tourist office salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education <3 years)
• Highest salary for women: 37,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 30,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 205 SEK
• Women earn: 101% of what men do (women 34 200 SEK, men 34 000 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a booking assistant at a tourist office, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on tourism, commerce, or administration. Many employers view post-secondary courses or education within tourism, languages, or customer service positively. Practical experience from similar roles is also advantageous, and digital skills are becoming increasingly important. It is common to supplement with internal training or shorter certification courses.

• High school education: Tourism or commerce program, 3 years
• Post-secondary courses: Tourism, travel sales, languages (duration varies)
• Certifications: Courses in booking systems and customer service
• Internship: Workplace-based internships or trainee positions are common
• Language skills: English and additional languages are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for booking assistants at tourist offices include wellness allowances, employee discounts on travel and events, and opportunities for professional development through internal training. Many employers also offer flexible working hours and sometimes bonuses based on sales targets.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a booking assistant at a tourist office is moderate to high, depending on the region and season. Digitalization has changed the industry, increasing demands for technical skills and the ability to manage multiple booking systems simultaneously. Customer expectations for quick and personalized service are rising, which can lead to stressful periods, especially during peak season. The ability to handle unexpected situations and quickly find solutions is crucial. There are also challenges in staying updated on constantly changing travel restrictions and offers.

Tips for aspiring booking assistants at a tourist office

To succeed as a booking assistant at a tourist office, it’s good to be communicative and attentive, as customer needs vary and require tailored solutions. Precision is important to avoid errors in booking systems, and good organizational skills help maintain order even during busy periods. Flexibility and stress tolerance are valuable traits when the pace increases, especially during high season or rapid changes. Being service-minded results in more satisfied customers and repeat business, while a willingness to learn new digital tools and systems makes it easier to meet industry demands. Developing language skills, especially in English and additional languages, increases opportunities for more advanced or specialized roles within the profession.

Key facts about Booking Assistant at a Tourist Office

• Education level: High school diploma, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses
• Work environment: Office-based, customer-oriented, and digitalized environment
• Typical work pattern: Full-time, daytime with some seasonal variation
• Demand: 550 available jobs in the profession according to latest data
• Language skills: English and additional languages are advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a booking assistant at a tourist office, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as travel seller, team leader, or specialist in corporate travel and group bookings. Some choose to further their education within tourism and become project managers for larger arrangements or transition to more administrative roles within the travel industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for qualified booking assistants remains stable, especially for those with strong digital skills and language abilities. The increasing globalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry mean the role is evolving and broadening, creating new career opportunities for dedicated individuals.

Common questions about Booking Assistant at a Tourist Office

• What does a Booking Assistant at a Tourist Office earn?
  - The average salary is 34 100 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn 101% of what men do in the profession (34 200 SEK compared to 34 000 SEK).
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 39,100 SEK and the lowest 24,900 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a booking assistant at a tourist office?
  - High school education in tourism or commerce is most common, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses.
• What does the job market look like for booking assistants?
  - There are approximately 550 available jobs in the profession according to latest data.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Wellness grants, employee discounts, and professional development are common benefits.
• Is there potential for career development?
  - Yes, after a few years, you can advance to roles such as travel seller, team leader, or specialist.