Traveling to a new country requires a lot of organization. People who travel to new places need to research interesting places and how to get there. Planning the perfect vacation can be challenging without the assistance of a travel agent.
If you love traveling and planning, you’ll enjoy a career in hospitality management. What’s a travel agent? What do they do? How can you become one?
This article will explain what a travel agent does, the skills you need to become one, and what course to take to start working in the field.
What is a Travel Agent?
A travel agent specializes in planning, booking, and organizing travel arrangements for individuals, families, and businesses. Their work involves understanding a client’s needs and helping them navigate the complexities of travel planning. They help travelers secure visas and travel insurance, arrange flights and transportation, book accommodation, and organize activities based on their preferences and budget.
Travel agents typically work in travel agencies, corporate travel firms, and online booking platforms. However, they can also work as independent consultants or start their own agency.
An entry-level travel agent’s salary in the Philippines ranges from PHP 21,000 to PHP 25,000 per month. However, more experienced agents or those who work on commission-based structures can earn more.
What Does a Travel Agent Do?
A travel agent’s responsibilities encompass a range of tasks that ensure a smooth travel experience for clients. Their role involves dealing with customers, gathering information about different places, guiding clients through visa applications and other paperwork, and planning trips for their clients. To succeed in this, travel agents must have these skills:
Interpersonal Skills
Travel agents interact with clients, suppliers, and tourism service providers, making clear and professional communication essential. They should be able to understand what their clients need and communicate requirements and any unexpected changes.
Sales and Negotiation Skills
Agents must have strong sales and negotiation skills to persuade clients to book specific packages and secure the best deals from their vendors.
Research Skills
Travel professionals must stay updated on the latest attractions and activities in popular travel destinations. They should also be aware of old and new travel requirements to ensure a smooth experience for their clients.
Organization and Planning
Travel agents must help clients prepare all visa and travel requirements as well as create itineraries and book hotels and transportation. All the details of their trip must be organized and discussed in detail with each client.
Problem-Solving Skills
A lot of things can change in a trip, so travel agents must be capable of finding alternatives or solutions to keep a client’s trip on track.
Attention to Detail
Planning a trip for clients, especially groups, involves multiple components and a single mistake in a booking can lead to major issues. Agents must have a strong attention to detail to ensure that all elements are organized.
Why Should You Consider Becoming a Travel Agent?
A career as a travel agent can be exciting and rewarding. Here are some key benefits of joining this profession:
1. Career Flexibility
Many travel agents work in traditional agencies, but they also have numerous remote and freelance opportunities. You can work for a company or establish an independent travel consultancy.
You can start your travel agency and offer planning services for specific markets, such as honeymoon vacations, adventure tours, or business travel.
2. Job Stability and Growth
The travel industry is resilient, and as economies recover from global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for professional travel services continues to grow. Specializing in niche markets such as luxury travel, corporate travel, or eco-tourism can provide even greater job security and higher earnings.
Although there have been global disruptions to travel and a rise in DIY trips, the demand for hospitality services continues to grow.
3. Travel Perks and Discounts
One of the biggest advantages of being a travel agent is gaining access to industry discounts, familiarization trips, and exclusive travel experiences. Through these perks, you can visit new places at reduced costs.
4. Interacting with People and Cultures
If you love working with people and learning about different cultures, this career provides plenty of chances to connect with clients and industry partners from around the world.
How to Become a Travel Agent?
Are you interested in a career as a travel agent? Here’s how to be a travel agent:
1. Get a Relevant Degree
You’ll be better equipped to be a competent travel agent with a degree in Hospitality Management. Studying Bachelor of Science Major in Tourism Management hones your skills in customer service, business operations, marketing and sales, and destination planning.
Getting a degree also means you get access to mentors and training that will help you navigate the world of travel planning as a professional.
2. Gain Experience and Training
Most Hospitality Management courses have an internship program, but as a student, make sure that you take your internship seriously. Work with a reputable travel agency that can give you opportunities to learn the ins and outs of the profession.
3. Develop Technical Skills
The tourism industry has integrated technology, and as a travel agent, these can make your life easier.
Familiarize yourself with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Amadeus, Sabre, or Galileo, which are essential for booking flights, hotels, and other travel services. Knowledge of these systems serves as a competitive edge in the job market.
4. Build Your Network and Client Base
Networking is key in the travel industry. Establish relationships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators to get better deals for your agency and clients.
It’s important to build a client base as well, especially if you plan on starting an independent travel agency. Build positive relationships everywhere you go to attract potential clients.
If you started an independent travel agency, engage in marketing efforts, such as creating a website or using social media to promote your services.
5. Stay Up-to-Date
The travel industry is constantly evolving with new destinations, policies, and technologies shaping how people travel.
Embrace continuous learning even after you graduate. Take advantage of industry conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay updated on industry trends and new regulations.
Become a Travel Agent with OEd
OEd can guide you on how to be a travel agent. We offer comprehensive, flexible education that will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to help people plan their dream vacations.
Students of our online university have access to industry-relevant courses, practical training, knowledgeable instructors, and flexible schedules that allow them to build knowledge and experience relevant to becoming a travel agent.
Ready to start your journey toward becoming a travel agent? Enroll at OEd today!