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Porter - Hotel/Motel

Also known as Doorperson, Luggage Person and Luggage Porter. Porters carry luggage for guests in hotels and motels, and for passengers in transport terminals. They also show guests to their rooms, berths or cabins, and provide other guest services.

Porters generally work shifts and have a high level of contact with the public, often working with large tour groups.

Employers usually provide uniforms and some employers will provide meals to on-duty staff.

TASKS

Porters may perform the following tasks:

take baggage, tag it and give identification slips to guests or passengers
load or unload luggage and take it to the receiving area
carry luggage and show incoming guests to rooms
explain details of hotel room services and facilities to guests as they arrive
provide maps and organise taxis and transportation for guests
carry the luggage of departing guests to cars, buses or taxis
talk with transport carriers to make travel arrangements and retrieve lost luggage
page guests and run errands
park and retrieve guest vehicles
maintain cleanliness and appearance of the front of house area

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy working with people
neat personal appearance
alert and perceptive
good interpersonal skills
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to communicate effectively in English
good knowledge of the local area

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Concierge - organises and books tours, transport and entertainment for guests, and provides them with information and maps for the local area. A concierge also assists guests and staff with safety and emergency procedures.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a porter without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a porter through a traineeship in Hospitality.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

The ability to speak a second language may be an advantage. A current drivers licence is required for valet parking of guest vehicles.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Porters are mainly employed in the larger international standard hotels.

There are opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industries for further training, and experienced porters may eventually be promoted to duty managers or front office managers.