You'd make sure that tours for groups of holidaymakers run smoothly and that they enjoy themselves. You would stay with a group throughout their tour, telling them about details like arrival and departure times and places of interest.

It's most likely that you would work on coach tours, although some tours also take place by rail or cruise ship. Tours can last from two to three days to over a month. 

Your tasks might include:

• welcoming tour groups at the start of their trip

• informing them of travel arrangements and stopover points

• making sure all travel arrangements run according to plan

• making sure accommodation, meals and service are satisfactory

• helping with passport and immigration issues

• giving spoken overviews of places en route (local guides may also be used)

• promoting and selling excursions to tour members

• advising on sights, local restaurants and shops at each destination

• recording issues that may require follow-up after the tour

You'd need to be ready at all times to give advice, solve problems and deal with any emergencies.

You could also specialise in the business travel sector. You would then manage travel for people on business trips. You may have to deal with insurance, visas, vehicle hire and changes of plan.

• International Association for Tour Managers – professional association for tour managers