7 answers
Keneth
Student
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
2
Questions
Asked
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What is the best entry for being an international tourism professional? Is there an international body that unites all tourism professionals around the globe?
I am currently a student at Makerere University of Tourism and Hospitality Management in my second year. The program is for three years. My interest is in tours and travel around the world incorporated with social work. I want to do tourism for social wellbeing. My hobbies are traveling, movies, music, dance. I am currently volunteering with a social organization as a youth mentor in Kampala, Uganda.
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5 answers
Sean McBrien
Technology
43
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hello Keneth. The international hotel, tourism, and hospitality business is a very large industry spread out across the world and career options are plentiful across many industries: hotels, airlines, railways, cruise lines, restaurants, corporations, agencies, and service providers. Much of my professional work is with the meetings and event industry. Corporations, agencies, and services providers around the world conduct conferences, conventions, trade shows, etc. The best generic advice I can give is for you to become familiar with the broader aspects of the overall industry. A great way to do that is to begin getting connected with professional associations where you can learn about your industry and, very importantly, get to meet and know people and begin building your network where you can gain insights but also help others to learn and grow the business. As a start I'd suggest looking into the International Association of Hotels and Travel Agents or the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals. Start by navigating their websites and look into their mission statements, member partners, job opportunities and educational resources. You can also look into options for student membership and certification options. Definitely worth looking into and discussing with your professors and academic advisors. Good luck in your career.
Thank you so much Sean, I really got a lot of insights in your answer. I'll apply everything you have told me. Thank you again.
Keneth
Zandy Yeukai Marekera
Front of House Manager
15
Answers
Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province
Updated
Zandy Yeukai’s Answer
Hi Kenneth,
Since you’re already in Hospitality school my advice to you is start doing the practical stuff now. You can start by volunteering or working part time especially on the floor ( waiter, runner). That way you gain experience and this is very crucial for your career growth. As you’ll be leveling up you’ll have knowledge of the basics.
Yes, there are international tourism bodies such as World Tourism Organization and WTTC. Also optimize your LinkedIn profile so that your interact with professionals from the industry.
Since you’re already in Hospitality school my advice to you is start doing the practical stuff now. You can start by volunteering or working part time especially on the floor ( waiter, runner). That way you gain experience and this is very crucial for your career growth. As you’ll be leveling up you’ll have knowledge of the basics.
Yes, there are international tourism bodies such as World Tourism Organization and WTTC. Also optimize your LinkedIn profile so that your interact with professionals from the industry.
Md.Harun_ Or _ Rashid
Humanitarian job
1
Answer
Cox's Bazar, Chittagong Division
Updated
Md.Harun_ Or _’s Answer
Start with a degree or diploma in Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, or International Business, plus strong language skills and practical experience like internships or guiding. The main global body uniting tourism professionals is the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).*Please see https://www.untourism.int/work-with-us and https://leverageedu.com/blog/career-in-travel-and-tourism/
Thank you so much Harun
That was helpful
Keneth
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Being part of a tourism and hospitality program and volunteering as a youth mentor gives you the skills that international tourism groups really value. Starting your career in international tourism often begins with internships, volunteering, or entry-level jobs at tour companies, NGOs, or community tourism projects. If you're interested in tourism that helps people and communities, look for roles in sustainable tourism, cultural exchange programs, or community initiatives. Improving your skills in communication, customer service, understanding different cultures, and using digital tools like booking systems or social media will make you more attractive to employers.
A great resource for connecting with tourism professionals worldwide is the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations agency that focuses on responsible tourism. They collaborate with governments, universities, and professionals globally, offering research, events, and opportunities for young people in tourism. Other key organizations include the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which focus on tourism that supports communities and preserves culture and the environment. Engaging with these organizations and their youth programs can help you build a global network.
By wanting to mix travel with social work, you're creating a meaningful path. Areas like community-based tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and social impact travel are growing and suit your interests well. Your hobbies in music, dance, and culture are also important, as tourism is closely tied to cultural expression. Keep gaining practical experience, consider short courses or certifications in sustainable tourism, and stay active in social work. This combination will set you apart as someone who is passionate about tourism for its positive social impact, not just for travel.
A great resource for connecting with tourism professionals worldwide is the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations agency that focuses on responsible tourism. They collaborate with governments, universities, and professionals globally, offering research, events, and opportunities for young people in tourism. Other key organizations include the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which focus on tourism that supports communities and preserves culture and the environment. Engaging with these organizations and their youth programs can help you build a global network.
By wanting to mix travel with social work, you're creating a meaningful path. Areas like community-based tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and social impact travel are growing and suit your interests well. Your hobbies in music, dance, and culture are also important, as tourism is closely tied to cultural expression. Keep gaining practical experience, consider short courses or certifications in sustainable tourism, and stay active in social work. This combination will set you apart as someone who is passionate about tourism for its positive social impact, not just for travel.
Wow wow
This is so thoughtful and encouraging
Thank you so much Vianne
Keneth
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
330
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
Because you are combining your tourism degree with a passion for social work and youth mentorship, your perfect niche is Sustainable Tourism or Social Impact Tourism (Voluntourism).
1. The Global Bodies Uniting the Industry
There isn’t a single "union" that registers individual tourism professionals like a medical board does for doctors. Instead, the global landscape is organized by two massive international entities that dictate global standards, and you can leverage them to build your network:
The Public Sector Peak Body: UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO)
What it is: The United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
Why it matters to you: They focus heavily on how tourism can alleviate poverty, drive community development, and improve social well-being. Look into their UN Tourism Academy for specialized webinars, global data, and student-centric research.
The Private Sector Peak Body: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
What it is: The authority representing the global private sector of travel and tourism (airlines, mega tour operators, hotel chains).
Why it matters to you: They emphasize the social impact of travel and tourism, actively convening stakeholders to ensure local communities benefit economically and socially from visitors.
2. Your Strategic Entry Point (How to Start Now)
To successfully market yourself as an international professional by the time you graduate from Makerere University, you need to merge your tourism coursework directly with your social work experience.
Step 1: Target Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) & NGOs
Instead of applying to traditional travel agencies that only book flights and hotels, seek out organizations that design community-based tourism (CBT) models. Look at local and regional bodies like the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) or international NGOs operating in East Africa that use tourism revenue to fund community projects, wildlife conservation, or youth education.
Step 2: Use Your Mentorship Portfolio as a Case Study
Your volunteer youth mentorship in Kampala is a massive asset. Frame your hobbies (movies, music, dance) and your mentorship as cultural assets.
The Goal: Pitch or design itineraries where international travelers don’t just take photos, but participate in ethical, well-managed cultural exchanges or community-led development workshops.
Step 3: Join Targeted International Networks
While UN Tourism handles governments, you should join networks dedicated explicitly to your niche:
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES): A global network of professionals dedicated to integrating conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.
World Tourism Network (WTN): An advocacy body that connects small-to-medium tourism businesses and professionals across 133 countries, actively supporting inclusive global growth.
1. The Global Bodies Uniting the Industry
There isn’t a single "union" that registers individual tourism professionals like a medical board does for doctors. Instead, the global landscape is organized by two massive international entities that dictate global standards, and you can leverage them to build your network:
The Public Sector Peak Body: UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO)
What it is: The United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
Why it matters to you: They focus heavily on how tourism can alleviate poverty, drive community development, and improve social well-being. Look into their UN Tourism Academy for specialized webinars, global data, and student-centric research.
The Private Sector Peak Body: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
What it is: The authority representing the global private sector of travel and tourism (airlines, mega tour operators, hotel chains).
Why it matters to you: They emphasize the social impact of travel and tourism, actively convening stakeholders to ensure local communities benefit economically and socially from visitors.
2. Your Strategic Entry Point (How to Start Now)
To successfully market yourself as an international professional by the time you graduate from Makerere University, you need to merge your tourism coursework directly with your social work experience.
Step 1: Target Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) & NGOs
Instead of applying to traditional travel agencies that only book flights and hotels, seek out organizations that design community-based tourism (CBT) models. Look at local and regional bodies like the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) or international NGOs operating in East Africa that use tourism revenue to fund community projects, wildlife conservation, or youth education.
Step 2: Use Your Mentorship Portfolio as a Case Study
Your volunteer youth mentorship in Kampala is a massive asset. Frame your hobbies (movies, music, dance) and your mentorship as cultural assets.
The Goal: Pitch or design itineraries where international travelers don’t just take photos, but participate in ethical, well-managed cultural exchanges or community-led development workshops.
Step 3: Join Targeted International Networks
While UN Tourism handles governments, you should join networks dedicated explicitly to your niche:
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES): A global network of professionals dedicated to integrating conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.
World Tourism Network (WTN): An advocacy body that connects small-to-medium tourism businesses and professionals across 133 countries, actively supporting inclusive global growth.