How to Become a Travel Agent
In order to become a successful travel agent, you must understand the travel industry, including trends, destinations, and types of travel services offered. A formal education is not required, but it is advisable, as is entry-level experience, networking, and familiarity with the industry’s trade associations and professional organizations. In short, you have two routes from which to choose to become a travel agent: get an entry-level job at an agency (possibly as a receptionist or the like), and work your way up the chain of command, with no guarantees, or combine a degree in Tourism & Travel from an accredited and well-respected institution of higher learning, with experience in the field.
Education Requirements For Travel Agents
While you do have to get a degree, it is advisable to consider it. You will enhance your chances of being hired and you will always have a degree to fall back on, if you need it. A degree will command respect, and you can always work part-time in the travel sector while in college.
Several accredited institutions of higher learning offer degrees in travel and tourism. Here are a few examples of colleges, describing their programs in their own words.
- Penn State World Campus: Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management
- University of Massachusetts Global: Isenberg School of Management/Hospitality & Tourism Management Department
- Arizona State University: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Tourism Development and Management
“As a student in the recreation, park, and tourism management program, you will have the opportunity to study business management and entrepreneurial principles through the lens of recreation and tourism. The Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management is a 120-credit program that offers a solid foundation in the broad spectrum of ways in which leisure activities, tourism, and participating in life-changing “experiences” impact our health and well-being over the course of our lives.
You will have the opportunity to customize your learning experience by choosing either the Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management Option, or the Community Recreation Management Option. Some of your course topics could include: diversity in recreation services; introduction to leisure theory; sustainability, society, and well-being; leadership and group dynamics; legal issues in recreation; service marketing; program evaluation; event planning and programming; facilities management; foundations of tourism; and career exploration.”
“We are one of the world’s most established and successful hospitality and tourism management programs, with over 75 years of producing hospitality leaders. A key advantage of our program is that we are part of the Isenberg School of Management, giving our students a more effective education with courses such as marketing, business information, communications, finance, and accounting, as well as in the specialization of hospitality and tourism management.
Hospitality and tourism is the largest industry in the world, employing 11 percent of the global workforce and accounting for 10 percent of the global GDP. We are the leaders that are behind your favorite memories, creating unforgettable customer experiences. We are also the leaders in managing million-dollar budgets and billion-dollar assets.
If you have a passion for service and dedication to making a difference in others’ lives through leadership excellence, we welcome you to be a part of one of the most prestigious hospitality and tourism management programs.
The world of hospitality and tourism management is dynamic, exciting, and rewarding, offering opportunities to manage a diverse global workforce and create lifelong memories for varied groups of guests, customers, and clients. We have strong foundations in traditional segments such as lodging management, food service management, event and entertainment management, club management, marketing, and financial management.”
“Through the BS program in tourism development and management, students acquire the planning, management and leadership skills related to the growth and development of tourism throughout the world.
The curriculum takes full advantage of its strong connections with the professional tourism community in Phoenix. The required internship component of the program allows students to gain practical experiences leading to professional positions in travel, tourism and related fields. Students are exposed to the practices of heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, resort management, and meeting and convention planning.
While pursuing the bachelor’s degree in tourism development and management, a student also may choose to complete a certificate in convention sales and meeting planning. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program.”
Become Familiar with the Industry’s Trade Associations & Professional Organizations
Networking and keeping up with the latest developments in the field will be important steps in becoming a successful travel agent. Here are the main organizations you will want to research.
- American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Travel Leaders Network
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
- National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA)
- Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA)
“ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry, and the traveling public. We provide educational resources, networking events, industry research, and advocacy on behalf of travel advisors.”
“IATA represents over 290 airlines globally and we are leader in the industry with regards to accreditation and training for travel agents through programs like the IATA/IATAN ID Card, which offers discounts and benefits to travel professionals.”
“Travel Leaders Network is one of the largest travel agency organizations in North America, offering support, training, marketing programs, and technology solutions to its members.”
“CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, representing cruise lines, travel agents, and travel advisors. We offer training, certification, and marketing resources specifically for cruise-focused travel agents.”
“NACTA is a trade association for independent travel agents, home-based travel agents, and travel advisors. We pride ourselves on providing education, training, networking opportunities, and support for our members.”
“DWHSA is a professional association for travel agents specializing in destination weddings and honeymoons. We have extensive opportunities in training, networking events, and resources to help agents specialize in this niche market.”
Apply for Jobs as a Travel Agent
Besides travel agencies, there are other businesses which seek out talented, knowledgeable, travel professionals to join their teams. Here are some examples.
- Corporate Travel Management Companies
- Tour Operators
- Cruise Lines
- Airlines
- Hotels and Resorts
- Destination Management Companies (DMCs)
- Event Planning Companies
- Online Booking Platforms
These companies specialize in managing travel arrangements for businesses and organizations. They hire travel agents to handle corporate travel bookings, negotiate contracts with suppliers, and provide travel management services.
Tour operators create and organize travel packages, tours, and excursions. They hire travel agents to sell their tour packages to clients, handle bookings, and provide customer support.
Cruise lines employ travel agents to sell cruise packages, assist customers with booking cabins, and provide information about cruise itineraries, amenities, and policies.
Some airlines hire travel agents to work in their reservations or sales departments, assisting customers with flight bookings, changes, and inquiries.
Hotels and resorts may hire travel agents to promote and sell their accommodations, packages, and amenities to travelers.
DMCs specialize in providing destination-specific travel services such as transportation, accommodation, tours, and activities. They hire travel agents to assist clients with planning and booking customized travel experiences.
Event planning companies often require travel agents to coordinate travel arrangements for corporate events, conferences, meetings, and incentive trips.
Online booking platforms and travel technology companies may hire travel agents to provide customer support, manage bookings, and assist users with navigating the platform.
Job Outlook For Travel Agents
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/), Travel Agents will have average opportunities for the time period spanning 2022-2032. The field is growing 3% per year, which is the average growth rate compared with other professions. Government experts predict that each year over 8,600 openings for travel agents will become available (between 2022-2032), due to replacing workers who leave the profession, leave the work force and/or retire. In 2022 there were 66,300 individuals working as travel agents. The median pay per year was $46,400, while the median hourly wage was $22.31. (As a reminder, the “median” amount is not an average, it is the middle value of a dataset. For the U.S. BLS definition go to: https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm#medianearnings).
Begin Today!
By pursuing your education, networking, gaining experience in the field, and becoming involved with trade associations and professional organizations, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful travel agent.
