Best Websites for Tourism Jobs

The tourism industry has experienced sustained growth over the past six decades and has become one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism is responsible for 6% of the world’s exports, 9% of GDP in terms of direct, indirect and induced impact, and 9% of jobs worldwide. 

If you work in the tourism industry, you help support the billions of people who travel at home and abroad each year for business and/or pleasure. The industry is divided into different career areas, and jobs can be found in accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services. Jobs range from operational (e.g., tour guide) all the way up to executive-level positions (e.g., hotel general manager). Looking for a job in tourism? Here, we take a look at five websites that can help you get started.

CoolWorks.com’s mission is “to connect adventurous job seekers with employers and one another.” Many jobs listed on CoolWorks are hospitality and guest service industry-oriented and include jobs in national parks, resorts, ranches, guest lodges, restaurants, summer camps, campgrounds, ski resorts, retreat and conference centers, outfitters, tour/travel and guiding companies. Non-service industry employers also post jobs, including Conservation Corps, organic farms and gardens, Alaska fisheries, wilderness therapy programs, outdoor educational programs, and non-profits. Search jobs by category, state, season or national park. 

Hcareers.com is an online hotel, restaurant, and hospitality job board for positions in North America. Headquartered in Centennial, Colo., Hcareers is the recommended job board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice Association (CRFA). Search for “all hospitality” jobs, or narrow your results to the casino, conference/meeting/events, cruise ship, food service, golf-country club, hotel, restaurant, retirement community or travel/tourism. You can also refine your search by specifying a position, skills or company, and by entering a location (city, state or zip).

Based out of Fort Collins, Colo., GoAbroad.com is an international education and experiential travel website that was “created to link prospective travelers with organizations providing international opportunities.” Search for jobs by country and by type, including tourism, hospitality, sports, recreation, parks, and hotel/restaurant/hospitality. The website also posts opportunities to study, volunteer, intern and teach abroad.

HospitalityOnline.com lists thousands of jobs in hospitality, including those in hotels, casinos, restaurants, and clubs. Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., Hospitality Online’s employment database is updated daily to provide current information. Major employers that list jobs include Hampton, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Wyndham. Search jobs by category, title and state/city/zip. You can also search recently posted jobs and jobs by brand (employer). 

ResortJobs.com features jobs with ski and snowboard resorts, camps, national parks, cruise ships, restaurants, spas, and hotels. Headquartered in Chatham, Mass., ResortJobs.com also provides career research, tools/tips, articles, and advice, as well as an eNewsletter that offers career news and links to employment opportunities with some of its top employers. Search jobs by keyword, country, city, and state; or by top 10 jobs and featured employers, including Crowne Plaza, MGM Resorts and Universal Studios.

Worldwide, international tourism receipts reached nearly $1.16 trillion (yep, that’s trillion) during 2013, according to the most recent data available from UNWTO. Millions of people around the world work in the tourism industry, behind the scenes, and on the front lines, to support the billions of people who travel each year for business and pleasure.

The websites listed here are only a few of the places online to search for jobs in tourism. Online aggregators like Monster.com and Indeed.com also post jobs (try entering “travel and tourism” in the search box, or a specific job title – like “chef” – to find jobs). Remember, you can also look for job postings on employer-specific employer websites if you have a company (or companies) in mind. Outdoor adventure company Nantahala Outdoor Center (www.noc.com), for example, named “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic, maintains an updated list of both seasonal and year-round jobs open at its main campus and various outposts throughout the Southeast.