3:00 PM Travel Agent Training Programs, Schools and Careers | ||||
Travel agents plan the transportation and accommodations for their clients. They also evaluate the needs of individuals, families organizations and business people and make the appropriate travel recommendations and arrangements. Travel agents provide advice regarding destinations, attractions, activities, exhibitions, tours and cruise lines. Travel agents often work with business people and arrange their travel needs. Some agents specialize in areas such as business, leisure, or specific parts of the world such as Asia or Europe. Travel agents utilize travel sources on the Internet to obtain information such as air travel departure and arrival times, hotel reservations, attractions and activities as well as for searching for bargains and discounts. Occasionally, travel agents visit the resorts, hotels and restaurants they recommend to their clients in order to check the quality of the destinations. Some agents work mainly with travel tour operators, travel speciality companies and resorts and sell their vacation packages. They utilize the Internet, direct mail, emails and telemarketing to promote the travel packages. They also sell travel programs to social groups, businesses and a variety of organizations. Responsibilities
Job Characteristics Travel agents spend most of their time working in an office and using computers. They also spend time on the telephone discussing travel arrangements with clients. They spend a lot of time using the computer or telephone researching and planning travel itineraries and making transportation and accommodation reservations. Pressure often occurs during the busy travel times such as the summer and during holidays. Some travel agents, particularly those that operate their own travel agency, work more than a standard work week. Also, some agents work from their home office. Travel agents should have good communication skills, be well organized, have computer and Internet skills and be detail-oriented. Good interpersonal skills, research skills and being a talented salesperson are also vital for success in the industry. Employment Outlook Based on government statistics, in 2006 there were about 101,000 travel agents jobs. Almost two-thirds of the agents worked for travel agencies. About 13 percent of the agents were self-employed. The others worked for visitor's bureaus, tour operators, reservation offices and other related businesses. The employment level of agents is projected to change little through 2016. Employment is projected to grow by only one percent. Openings are expected to be available due to agents changing careers or leaving the work force. Those specializing in distinct types of travelers, travel destinations and transportation are projected to have the best opportunities for success. When the economy is in good condition, the desire to travel increases. Retired baby boomers are also expected to be a significant factor for increasing the level of travel. However, the demand for travel agent services has declined due to people using the Internet to make their travel accommodations. Yet, some travelers will want to rely on travel experts to plan an itinerary for complicated trips and to deal with complex transactions and to make recommendations. Travelers may also use the services of agents to save time and in some situations to save money. Salaries are primarily based on an agents sales abilities and the location and the size of the travel agency. In 2006, the median salary for travel agents was $29,210. The median salary in 2006 for those working in travel arrangement and reservation services was $29,160. Standard employer paid benefits are typically offered to salaried travel agents. Travel agents often receive reduced rates for accommodations and transportation when traveling. Sometimes travel agents are provided with free trips or trips at a substantial discount to vacation destinations in order to become familiar with the locations. Travel Agent Schools, Certification, and Licensing Typically, a travel agent must have a high school diploma. A large number of vocational schools provide travel agent training programs. Community colleges and online companies offer training. Some colleges offer bachelor's degrees in travel and tourism. The programs typically provide training with reservation systems and cruise lines and offer sales strategies. Due to new technology and computers, many travel agencies prefer hiring agents that have some vocational training. Courses in accounting and business management are useful, particularly for those seeking to open their own travel agency. Agencies also prefer agents who have an extensive traveling background. Some travel agencies seek agents who have training in foreign languages, computers and geography and have good communication skills. In addition, some agents begin their careers as reservation clerks or receptionists in travel agencies. A significant amount of the training is provided on-the-job. An emphasis is given to training with reservation systems. Travel agents often take continuing education classes in order to be useful to clients that have become knowledgeable about the various aspects of traveling due to reviewing travel related information on the internet. Experienced travel agents are eligible to earn the Certified Travel Associate and Certified Travel Counselor certificates provided by the Travel Institute. The institute also provides marketing and sales strategies programs as well as destination specialist programs. Travel agents need to acquire the approval of airlines and ship and rail lines and other suppliers in the industry in order to extend credit on reservations and to ensure payment. The International Airlines Travel Agency Network and the Airlines Reporting Corporation are the approving organizations for the airlines. The National Business Travel Association offers certifications in Global Leadership Professional, Corporate Travel Expert and Corporate Travel Executive.
Major Employers Travel agencies, tour operators, travel arrangement and reservation services are the primary employers of travel agents. Schools for Travel Agents are listed in the column to the left.
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