Can working as a Rep help you get to know a country? And how do you go about it? Our expert gives some advice...
The issue
My wife and I are planning to move to Spain next year to set up our own business. We've decided that it would be a good idea to spend a year working out there first to give us a better understanding of how life would be and see if the risk is worth taking.
I've thought about becoming a Holiday Rep, but I'm not sure how to find out about this kind of position. I have more than 10 years' experience in Hotel and Catering Management, so am I over-qualified to work as a Rep?
Expert answer
Jane Riches, national programmes manager at Springboard UK, Replies:
If you want to set up a tourism-related business, working as a Rep is certainly a good way to find out about the industry in Spain, as you'll come across plenty of different tourism providers.
From my own experience as a Rep, for the first two seasons you don't have much choice in where you are placed ? it could be the Costa Blanca, Ibiza or Tenerife, but equally it could be the Azores, Greece or Tunisia ? so check that the company can place you in Spain. Also, I had to do my first two seasons in the same resort, which again is a company policy.
Working in Hospitality Management should not over-qualify you for the job.
Take action
- Go into your local travel agency and ask for the overseas recruitment address or phone number. You may also find details in travel brochures. Tour operators advertise in newspapers such as The Guardian and the Daily Mail.
- When you make your application, remember that companies are looking for excellent customer service skills, selling ability and the flexibility to adapt to all sorts of situations, including flight delays.
- Consider applying for other tourism jobs such as an entertainer, airport Rep or resort employee. Alternatively, touring companies like Wallace Arnold will let you see more of the country, but you won't really get to meet the people who live there. You could also apply to car hire firms, ferry operators and Hotels.