Tourist host

What does a Tourist Host do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A tourist host acts as the face of attractions, events, and visitor centers. The tasks revolve around providing guests and visitors with information, guidance, and service. Common duties include answering questions about sights, booking activities, selling tickets, and giving tips on local restaurants, transportation, and events. Many tourist hosts also handle practical tasks such as organizing guided tours, managing brochures and marketing materials, and handling simple administrative work. The work environment is often varied and social, with high customer contact both indoors and outdoors at attractions, museums, or during events.

Salary Development Over Time

Salaries for tourist hosts have steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK per month, which increased to 28 500 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 30 200 SEK, representing an increase of about 7% over a three-year period. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified service staff in the tourism industry, as well as a greater focus on tourism's importance for local economies. At the same time, salary development is influenced by seasonal variations, education level, and experience, with more experienced tourist hosts or those with specialized skills often able to negotiate slightly higher salaries. Despite the increase, the salary level remains somewhat below the average for many other service professions.

Tourist Host Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, high school diploma, different sectors)
• Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school diploma up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 29 900 SEK, men 30 800 SEK – women earn 97% of men's salary
• Regional differences: No clear regional differences reported

Education and Qualifications

To work as a tourist host, a high school diploma is generally required, preferably with a focus on tourism, service, or languages. Many employers also seek good language skills, especially in English and sometimes additional languages. Practical experience from service jobs or within tourism is a significant advantage. Some workplaces offer internal training or induction programs for new employees.

• High school diploma: Tourism and service specialization, 3 years
• Short courses: For example in customer service, hosting, or guiding techniques
• Practical training: Common through high school programs or summer jobs
• Language skills: English and preferably additional languages
• Prerequisites: Service experience and social skills

Common Benefits and Compensation

Among the most common benefits for tourist hosts are access to work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes staff discounts on local activities or events. Some employers also offer training, language courses, or flexible working hours, especially during peak seasons. Overtime pay for evening and weekend work is also common.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a tourist host varies with season and location. During summer months and in popular tourist cities, there may be many temporary jobs, while during the low season it can be more difficult to find employment. A challenge is also that the job often involves varied working hours, including weekends and evenings, and the workload can be high during busy periods. Since much of the work is social and outward-facing, the ability to handle stress and different types of people is essential. For those wishing to advance within the profession, additional training or specialization in guiding or event planning may be necessary.

Tips for Aspiring Tourist Hosts

To succeed as a tourist host, it is helpful to have a genuine service mindset and the ability to quickly understand visitors' needs. Being communicative and interested in languages is a big advantage, especially when interacting with international guests. A structured approach to work makes it easier when the pace is high and tasks vary. Flexibility and initiative are appreciated by employers, as the work environment often changes and new questions may arise daily. Showing curiosity about local history and sights makes it easier to inspire visitors. Good teamwork skills are important, as the work is often done in teams. Finally, resilience under stress is a valuable trait during busy periods.

Key Facts about Tourist Hosts

• Salary range: 27,700–33,600 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma with a focus on tourism recommended
• Work environment: Social and often seasonal, both indoors and outdoors
• Demand: Approximately 550 available jobs in 2024
• Typical employment type: Seasonal or hourly employment

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After a few years of experience as a tourist host, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as guide, event coordinator, or supervisor within visitor centers or event management. Some choose to further their education in tourism, communication, or marketing to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for tourist hosts due to limited data, but within the profession, guides and tour leaders report around 550 available jobs, indicating continued demand, especially during peak season. The possibility of permanent employment is limited, and many positions are seasonal or part-time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tourist Hosts

• What does a Tourist Host earn?
  - The average salary for a tourist host is 30 200 SEK per month.
• What is the salary range for Tourist Hosts?
  - The salary varies between 27,700 SEK and 33,600 SEK per month depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a Tourist Host?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on tourism or service is most common; sometimes language skills and experience are also needed.
• Are there many job openings for Tourist Hosts?
  - Currently, there are approximately 550 jobs available in Sweden.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 29 900 SEK and men 30 800 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for a Tourist Host?
  - The work environment is social and varied, often with high customer contact both indoors and outdoors.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years?
  - It is common to progress to roles such as guide, event coordinator, or supervisor after some experience.