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The importance of TEFL in tourism

The importance of TEFL in tourism

English is the most common second language in the world, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the hospitality and tourism industries. You could be ordering coffee in Bangkok, hiring bikes in Amsterdam, or touring the Andes, and you’ll still hear English. 

In countries where tourism is a significant part of the economy, there’s a connection between the number of visitors and the demand for English language skills. As a result, TEFL teachers are in high demand in destinations that rely heavily on international tourism.

For example, take Thailand , Spain , Japan , and South Korea . While there are countless reasons why teachers choose these countries, they are some of the most visited in the world and have significant, ever-growing TEFL markets. Meanwhile, up-and-coming tourist destinations like Vietnam , Cambodia , and Croatia are putting more emphasis on English education, mainly due to the large number of English-speaking visitors who arrive every year.

So, what exactly is the link between tourism and TEFL? Let’s take a closer look.

a pair of tourists

TEFL for young people

For many young people, working in hospitality can be a lifelong ambition. Tourism and hospitality jobs often offer higher pay and a chance to meet people. These tend to be in busy, exciting cities or some of the world's most scenic, naturally beautiful places.

TEFL teachers can be vital in providing young learners with future economic opportunities. By teaching English early, teachers can give students the tools to pursue various paths to fruitful employment. This opens paths to careers as tour guides, travel writers, hotel staff, marketers, and beyond. The scope is vast.

Evidence of English proficiency can be vital for landing specific jobs, so helping students pass exams like IELTS or TOEFL can help young people build an exciting future. 

tourists on a hike in the hills

TEFL for professionals

Worldwide, professionals in the tourism and hospitality industries are learning English to deal with the increasing demand. English skills are a form of professional development and can offer a competitive advantage in the job market.

Anyone working in a tourist hotspot can benefit from learning English. Whether you’re a tour guide, sell souvenirs, or work in an airport, restaurant, spa, or hotel, customers who speak English will be delighted if you can talk to them in their language. Positive customer interactions lead to better experiences and good reviews. Reviews are vital in tourism and hospitality, as they inform customer choices. 

As a TEFL teacher, you’ll find work if you head to popular tourist destinations. Both private tutoring and corporate opportunities are usually plentiful. These corporate roles may involve training hotel staff, airline employees, and resort teams.

Tourists will come back to places where they feel welcome. Language is a significant part of this.

a TEFL teacher works with her class

What can TEFL teachers focus on?

If the thought of gaining a TEFL certificate and teaching English abroad in popular tourist destinations has piqued your interest, we don’t blame you. Still, knowing what kind of English people in the tourism industry need is crucial.

Skills like writing, grammar, syntax, and other key functions are vital at all levels. Your learners need to be able to hold conversations, sound like natural English speakers, and respond to feedback and questions.

What should TEFL teachers focus on in tourist destinations?

  • Basic, conversational English : In the tourism and hospitality industries, learners need to know greetings, giving directions, offering recommendations, answering questions, and taking orders.
  • Cultural sensitivity : Help learners understand the motivations of different travellers and the cultures they come from.
  • Hospitality-specific English : TEFL teachers can help people find work by teaching the specific language used in hotels, restaurants, airports, and guided tours.
  • Customer service English : Teachers can guide learners in managing customer inquiries, handling complaints, and offering advice
  • Marketing skills : A snappy slogan can distinguish between someone travelling to a specific destination or going elsewhere. 

These lessons are exciting and fun for TEFL teachers to deliver. You can encourage group tasks and role-playing games (a conversation between a customer and shopkeeper, for example) to build confidence and conversational proficiency.

Where can TEFL teachers help most?

Here are some of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. For each, we’ll tell you how many visitors land there annually, their English proficiency level, and a signpost to our guides so you can read about teaching there.

a Thai beach

Thailand

With millions of visitors yearly, Thailand offers a thriving TEFL job market, but proficiency levels remain surprisingly low, even in key tourist hubs like Bangkok and Phuket.

In Thailand, TEFL jobs are plentiful , and there are many exciting choices. State schools are a great option, but given the sizeable population of expats, the increasing number of international schools have vacancies and can pay very well.

The Arc de Triomphe at dusk

France

France's English proficiency remains moderate despite its proximity to the UK and large numbers of English-speaking tourists. With outstanding destinations like Pa r is , Nice and Brittany, there’s certainly scope for tourism-based TEFL instruction.

TEFL teachers have opportunities to work in France’s state education system through programmes like TAPIF , and there are also ample job openings in private schools, international schools, and language businesses. Tutoring is massive, especially for hotels and food service workers.

A brightly lit Chinese temple

China

With over 130 million visitors in 2024 alone, China’s tourism industry has bounced back significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of TEFL teachers have chosen to teach Engl i sh in China , mainly due to the massive English teaching industry. However, the number of TEFL jobs isn’t the only reason. As tourist figures have shown, China is an exciting place to visit, whether you opt for colossal megacities like Beijing and Shanghai or charming rural outposts and seaside towns.

English is integral to social mobility, especially in big cities and picturesque coastal towns where visitors are warmly welcomed.

Rome at sunset

Italy

From the Colosseum in Rome to the famous canals of Venice and from Sicily to the Amalfi Coast, there’s a seemingly endless parade of excellent attractions in Italy, bringing millions of tourists annually. Tourism plays a significant role in Italy’s economy , and the demand for English is constantly growing.

Gondola rowers and hotel owners alike benefit from the ability to speak English. Permanent teaching roles are scarce, so many TEFL teachers work across multiple freelance or short-term positions.

A Turkish skyline at dusk

Turkey

Turkey has two of the most visited cities in the world : Istanbul and Antalya. Given that, it's little surprise that teaching English in Turkey is an increasingly popular pursuit. TEFL teaching focusing on business can be particularly lucrative, with hotel staff, tour guides, travel agencies, and others needing English lessons.

Here’s a tip: you don’t need to stick to the biggest cities. Destinations like Marmaris, Kas, and Cappadocia may not be as busy as Istanbul, Antalya, or Ankara, but they’re extremely popular with tourists. Tutoring and language schools are a useful entry route to Turkey, especially for newer TEFL teachers.

A Japanese temple and cherry blossom tree

Japan

There’s a specific term for the culture of taking care of guests in Japan. Omotenashi is all about prioritising the needs of a visitor in every interaction. This alone should illustrate how seriously Japan takes its tourism industry. 

Teaching English in Japan is a particularly popular choice for TEFL teachers, with programmes like JET helping to make it easier. Whether you plan to teach students through the state education system or adult tutor groups, the demand, the need, and the potential impact are substantial. The proficiency difference between metropolitan and rural areas is vast, so bear that in mind when choosing where to go.

The Busan skyline

South Korea

With an ever-expanding tourism sector and improving English proficiency, teaching English in South Korea is an exciting opportunity. English is a significant subject in state schools (programmes like EPIK help), private academies ( hagwons ), and corporate settings. As South Korea increases its visibility as a tourist destination, English fluency is becoming more critical, not just in schools, but across service industries, too.

There are plenty of jobs for TEFL teachers in South Korea , especially in major tourist destinations like Seoul and Busan (pictured).

Two tourists look at a mountain

Tourism and TEFL go hand-in-hand

If you’ve just started as a TEFL teacher or are considering your next place to teach English abroad, look to tourist-friendly locations.

Why? Well, jobs are plentiful, you’ll have superb facilities to enjoy on your downtime, and learners will be grateful for your expertise. What’s more, in popular destinations, you’ll meet other TEFL teachers who can help you settle into your new life!

With TEFL, you can explore some of the most exciting destinations in the world and make a genuine difference to people who need English skills. What’s stopping you?

Want to start teaching English in some of the most picturesque places on Earth? It all begins with a TEFL certificate from The TEFL Org!