Travel agents

Out of all the industries worldwide, the travel and tourism industry continues to grow at an astounding rate. In fact, according to the travel works for America Council, it is the second largest employer in the United States. Nearly everyone tries to take at least one vacation every year, and many people travel frequently on business. Some travel for education or for that special honeymoon or anniversary trip.

Constantly changing air fares and schedules, a proliferation of vacation packages, and business or pleasure trip combinations make travel planning frustrating and time consuming. Many travelers, therefore, turn to travel agents, who can make the best possible travel arrangements for them.

Depending on the needs of the client, travel agents give advice on destinations, make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, tours, and recreation, or plan the right vacation package or business or pleasure trip combination.

They may also provide information on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions, and recreation. For international travel, agents also provide information on customs regulations, required papers, and currency exchange rates.

Travel agents must learn about all the different destinations, modes of transportation, hotels, resorts, and cruises, then work to match their customers needs with the services travel providers offer.

Travel agents generally work in an office and deal with customers in person or over the phone. But first of all, they listen to the needs of their customers, and then try to develop the best package for each person. They may work with a variety of clients, from affluent, sophisticated travelers to students trying to save money and travel on a budget. They could book a simple, round trip air ticket for a person traveling alone or handle arrangements for hundreds of people traveling to a convention or conference.

Some travel agents are generalists; they handle any or all situations. Others specialize in a particular area such as cruise ships or corporate travel. Travel agents gather information from different sources. They use computer databases, attend trade shows, and read trade magazines. They also visit resorts or locations to get firsthand knowledge about a destination.

They have to keep up with rapidly changing fares and rates, and they have to know who offers the best packages and services. Their most important concern is the satisfaction of their clients.

Since travel providers understand that travel agents are more likely to sell what they have enjoyed, most travel agents are offered free trips to help familiarize them with a particular cruise line, safari adventure, exclusive resort, or ecological tour. Travel agents also receive discounted travel on other business trips, as well as on their own vacations.

Travel agents often base recommendations on their own travel experiences or those of colleagues or clients. Travel agents may visit hotels, resorts, and restaurants to judge, firsthand, their comfort, cleanliness, and quality of food and service.

TRAINING FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

Formal or specialized training is becoming increasingly important for travel agents since few agencies are willing to train people on the job. Many vocational schools offer three to twelve week full time programs, as well as evening and Saturday programs. Travel courses are also offered in public adult education programs and in community and four year colleges. A few colleges offer bachelors and masters degrees in travel and tourism. Although few college courses relate directly to the travel industry, a college education is sometimes desired by employers

The American Society of Travel Agents and the Institute of Certified Travel Agents offer a travel correspondence course. Travel agencies also provide on the job training for their employees, which focuses on computer instruction. These computer skills are required by employers to operate airline reservation systems.

Travel experience is an asset since personal knowledge about a city or foreign country often helps to influence clients travel plans. Experience as an airline reservation agent also is a good background for a travel agent. Travel agents need good selling skills. They must be pleasant and patient and able to again the confidence of clients.

Travel agents must also race with all the other travel agents in the field and need to know how to promote their services. This may be accomplished by presenting slides or movies to social and special interest groups, arranging advertising displays, and suggesting company sponsored trips to business managers.

EARNINGS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

Salaries vary according to the region in which you work and your experience. Depending on the agency, you could start out on an hourly wage or a yearly salary. Some travel agents prefer to work on a commission basis. That way, the more trips they sell, the more money they earn. A salary plus commission provides the best compensation combination.

Travel agents who are good salespeople can also earn bonuses or more free or discounted trips. If your pay is initially, it can be offset by this added benefit.

Earnings for travel agents who own their agencies depend mainly on commissions from airlines and other carriers, cruise lines, tour operators, and lodging places.