Fly on the Career Ladder: Remote Work Experience in Travel and Tourism

Real-world Insights with GTTP and ITT Future You

Global Travel & Tourism Partnership (GTTP) and the Institute for Travel and Tourism Future You (ITT Future You) are educational initiatives that share a powerful goal – to inspire the next generation of professionals to build rewarding, sustainable careers in travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation. 

“It is an amazing, vibrant sector to work in, providing opportunities to travel, learn about and work with different cultures and develop life-long skills… with huge opportunities to progress and develop.” – Claire Steiner, GTTP & ITT Future You 

In July 2024 and March 2025, students across the UK joined immersive virtual work experience placements with GTTP and ITT Future You. These online (remote) multi-day programmes gave young people the opportunity to explore real careers in the sector, gain new skills, and connect directly with leading employers – all from home. 

Exploring Careers in Travel and Tourism

The travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest and most diverse sectors – spanning everything from customer experience and marketing to aviation management and event planning. 

Through online work experience with GTTP and ITT Future You, students discovered how varied and fast-moving this industry can be, with insights into global roles and emerging opportunities.

Inside the Virtual Work Experience

Over several days, students took part remotely in a mix of interactive workshops, live careers talks and hands-on activities covering: 

• Event planning and management 

• Marketing and communications 

• Airport and aviation operations 

• Customer service and hospitality excellence

  
  

They also worked collaboratively in groups, tackling real industry challenges and presenting their ideas to professionals from across the travel and tourism sector.

By the end of the work experience, participants had developed practical skills and a clearer understanding of how to take their next steps – whether through apprenticeships, degrees or direct employment.

Student Feedback

“The hosts made me feel very engaged and comfortable. Also, the professional speakers and employed workers who had a lot to say about their respective fields, this gave me a lot of insight and information.” – Student

“The companies such as Jet2holidays and the Marriott Hotel introduced themselves and gave insight about the company and discussed future pathway and how to join the company etc through apprenticeships it gave me an idea of my career in the future.” – Student

Skills for Success in Travel and Tourism

According to Claire Steiner, there are several essential skills that are key to thriving in the travel and tourism industry:

• Communication Skills 

• Customer Service Excellence  

• Teamwork and Collaboration  

• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity  

• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking  

• Adaptability and Flexibility  

• Time Management and Organization 

• Digital and Tech Savviness 

• Language skills (useful for some roles)

  
  

Learn more about careers in travel and tourism here. 

The Impact of Virtual Work Experience

GTTP and ITT Future You’s remote work experience programmes are helping students gain access to industries that were once difficult to reach.

The latest placements achieved excellent feedback:

Young people rated their remote work experience as 4.5 out of 5 stars.

90% of young people said they were able to improve their problem-solving skills through the placement.

These outcomes highlight how online work experience can make career exploration more inclusive, flexible and impactful – especially for those interested in global industries like travel and tourism. 

Advice for Young People

“These industries are people-focused, fast-paced, and service-driven – so the right mix of soft and practical skills is key. [There is] great career progression irrespective of entry point.” – Claire Steiner, GTTP & ITT Future You

Students interested in getting started can explore more opportunities through ITT Future You or discover other work experience placements online with Futures For All.

Employer Insights

“All the businesses we brought in to support our events really enjoyed it and have expressed interest in supporting future opportunities. It’s great exposure for your business as a future employer – showcasing the variety of roles and pathways while promoting the sector.” – Claire Steiner, GTTP & ITT Future You

By providing virtual work experience, employers in travel, tourism and hospitality can reach a wider, more diverse group of young people – helping to build a stronger, more sustainable future workforce.

Discover Work Experience for Yourself

Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started.

Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors.

* Image source: GTTP