Job Description
Travel agents assess individual's and business people's needs to help them make the best possible travel arrangements. An agent may specialize by type of travel, such as leisure or business, or destination, such as Europe or Africa. Travel agents also promote travel packages on behalf of cruise lines, resorts and specialty travel groups.
Employment Facts
Travel agents held about 105,300 jobs in 2008. About 76% of all travel agents worked for travel arrangement and reservation services and about 60% worked for travel agencies. Approximately 17% were self-employed.
Educational Requirements
In order to become a travel agent one must have, at least, a high school diploma or the equivalent. Increasingly, because of the use of computers and technology, employers prefer job candidates who have received vocational training. Some aspiring travel agents choose to get a bachelor's degree in travel and tourism, although programs that offer this coursework are few. Some employers look for job candidates who have taken college courses in computer science, foreign languages, geography and world history.
Other Requirements
Travel agents must take continuing education classes in order to satisfy clients who, due to the Internet, are well-informed and expect expert advice. The Travel Institute offers experienced agents courses that lead to the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designations. The Institute also offers marketing and sales skills development programs and destination specialist programs.
To be a successful travel agent one must be well-organized, accurate, detail-oriented, professional and courteous. Good writing and interpersonal skills as well as sales ability are also necessary.
Optimize customer experience with an end-to-end reservation solution
Advancement Opportunities
Before becoming travel agents, many in this field begin by working as receptionists or reservation clerks in travel agencies. Many travel agents start their own businesses. Those that do generally have prior experience working at an established agency.