Working in the Hull and East Yorkshire tourism sector

Working in the tourism sector offers a dynamic, people‑focused environment where no two days are the same and that’s no different in Hull and East Yorkshire. The region’s tourism industry is worth £963 million and generates almost 25,000 jobs, bringing together travel, culture, hospitality, events, and customer experience.

What could a career in tourism look like?

A career in tourism can follow many paths and many sectors feed into the travel and tourism industry. Roles can range from customer facing roles, to management, business owners to creatives, all with the goal of creating memorable moments and positive customer experiences. Roles range from entry‑level customer‑facing job, such as a hotel receptionist or attraction assistant, to supervisory or management roles. For those that are passionate about cultural engagement, heritage and showcasing the region they may find careers in more creative roles running events, creating visitor experiences or developing products customers travel to try.

Careers span accommodation, transport, events, food and beverage, heritage attractions, tour operations, marketing, digital content creation, and customer support. For example, event organisers rely on caterers, venue teams, and promotional staff to run successful events. Tourist attractions depend on marketers to reach new audiences, while hotels and transport providers work together to support smooth travel. The industry values passion, creativity, and teamwork, with those who work in the sector quickly developing strong communication skills, organisation, adaptability, and the ability to problem‑solve while providing excellent customer service. Skills Hull and East Yorkshire can help you develop your skills and find the job that’s right for you with relevant courses and apprenticeships.

Independent businesses make Hull and East Yorkshire unique

Visitors are seeking the true Hull and East Yorkshire experience, whether this is the landscapes, scenery and wildlife or the many independent businesses that become synonymous with the region. Independent businesses not only showcase the region but the exceptional talent and products that come from the people and produce here. With trends such as food tourism, and the rise of “viral” on the internet, it proves people are willing to travel to share the same experience that others have. Invest Hull and Invest East Yorkshire have business support services designed to support, advise and signpost services that can help you with an existing venture or to start your own business.

Gain experience with Visit Hull and East Yorkshire

Last year, VHEY were able to offer a selection of Travel and Tourism students work experience at our annual Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards event. Not only giving the students first hand experience in how a large-scale event is run, a look behind the scenes and hands on roles during the evening, they also got to champion the regions most remarkable tourism businesses with us. Tourist Information Centres in Bridlington and Beverley have supported students with customer facing work experience within the centres. With two opportunities per year, students have had the chance to gain knowledge on the area, learn to confidentially answer customer and enquiries and see how to run and efficient and professional customer facing service.

The VHEY team are keen to work with local colleges across the region to offer more work experience opportunities for relevant students. Any college's interested in working together. please contact us if you think we could work together.