Summer is the perfect time of year to kick back, relax and enjoy the warmer weather. For some that means jetting off abroad on holiday, while for others it's about taking advantage of the plethora of attractions and events available closer to home. For those working in the tourism and leisure industry, it's therefore one of the busiest times of year.
The sector is currently enjoying a boom. A third of all additional jobs in the UK's workforce have been created by the tourism industry, according to 2013 figures by the Tourism Alliance. The country now ranks as the fifth most competitive tourist destination in the world – up from seventh in 2011 and eleventh in 2009.
Opportunities aren't limited to Britain though, and working in tourism can offer the chance to travel. That's good news for graduates with itchy feet. Research by 1StopShip revealed that 47% of young people plan to move abroad following graduation this summer, and 23% are actively considering it.
But job opportunities are not just limited to tour guides and holiday reps. From hotel management to venue marketing, local economic development to planning and design, there are a wide range of options for those looking to go into the industry.
So if you want to know how to kickstart a career in tourism and leisure, ask our experts for advice on Thursday 3 July from 5pm to 7pm (BST).
We'll be discussing:
• Different routes into the sector
• What opportunities and jobs are available
• How to make your application stand out
Our panel
Nicola Wilton is cluster HR director at leading hospitality company Hilton Worldwide. In addition to championing Hilton Worldwide's graduate programmes, Nicola also mentors and manages an HR team, with responsibility for recruitment and talent development at a number of high-profile Hilton Worldwide hotels.
Peter Grunert is the editor of Lonely Planet Traveller magazine. Peter has been a consumer journalist for 19 years and has edited Lonely Planet's magazine since its launch in 2008 – it's now one of the UK's most popular travel magazine and has 12 editions around the world.
Guy Brazier is a senior HR professional at Merlin Entertainments, Europe's number one visitor attractions operator with 20,000 staff and over 100 attractions worldwide including the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Legoland and Alton Towers. Guy is a key member of the team responsible for their recruitment, training and development.
Gavin Mochan is head of sales at Scotland-based recruiters, s1jobs. Recently, s1jobs exclusively advertised the Expedia Travel Pioneer, and while a position like that is rare, s1jobs.com has hundreds of jobs in the tourism and leisure industries throughout Scotland.
Martin Edwards is the general manager of award-winning Suffolk hotels, The Crown and The Swan, both of which are owned by Adnams (the brewer, distiller and retailer). Originally from Liverpool, he has a military background and worked his way up from waiter to manager.
Iram Sial is a careers consultant at the University of Westminster, responsible for advising tourism, leisure, construction and property students. She has extensive experience in managing placements and internships for students at Westminster Business School.
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Hannah Friend who can post them for you.
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