Hi there
I currently work as a sales consultant for a luxury tour operator. I really enjoy the job, but long term I do not think the sales side of the industry is something I can do forever.
I am really interested in branching out in a new direction and trying to break into the world of travel marketing - be it in hotel representation to the trade, within an external travel PR company or based in house marketing team for a tour op?
Does anyone work within these capacities who can give a good reflection of what actually working in these areas are like and what they look for in potential lead-in candidates?
I do not have any on the job experience of actually working within a marketing team, which all the job ads seem to require. Within my sales role at the moment after fam trips we write up blogs of our experiences for our website and articles for our magazine, and our knowledge and experiences are always drawn upon as a key focus. Also I have helped out at PR events with my company meeting and chatting with clients and generally promoting the brand. Six years ago I completed a media degree with a couple of modules focusing on Journalism quite extensively, including 2 weeks work experience at the local rag where I had numerous stories printed and a further 2 weeks at a local radio station.
How important when applying for jobs is having actual on the job experience of a marketing role (Even outside of travel) Vs. working in the travel with good commercial knowledge of the industry and a passion for travel, coupled with some light media/copy writing experience?
Any thoughts or suggestions would be really appreciated.
Thanks a lot