The job of a travel agent consists of assisting travelers in the planning and enjoyment of vacations. Travel agents assist clients in sorting through information, offering advice, providing recommendations, and establishing arrangements for transportation and lodging. Travel agents are expected to assist clients with the details associated with destination and arrival times, air fares, hotel selection, and discount opportunities. Travel agents also regularly promote tour packages and services to social groups, businesses, and special interest groups.
Travel agents must also work to differentiate themselves in today's marketplace from Internet-based travel booking and low-cost fare agencies by providing customized services and planning for complex travel itineraries or multi-location vacations. In order to do so, travel agents must be able to provide specific and detailed information often not available through the Internet to attract the customer and build confidence that the use of a travel agent is the most cost-effective option. This is often done by offering reflections on personal travel experiences as well as customer service enhancement options for vacation packages.
Becoming a Travel Agent
The basic criterion for employment as a travel agent is a genuine love and enthusiasm for tourism and travel. Most travel agencies require the applicant to have a high school education. However, a college degree is preferred by some larger travel agencies. Much of the training required to work as a travel agent is provided on the job, with a large portion of the training consisting of learning the various reservation and itinerary systems. Many vocational schools also offer training programs aimed at teaching students about sales techniques and travel destinations.
Travel agents must be well-organized, accurate, and detail-oriented in order to successfully retain and compile information from a variety of sources. In addition, travel agents must be effective planners and organizers in order to establish client itineraries. Finally, agents must be courteous, enthusiastic, and professional when dealing with clients and representatives from businesses to ensure that customer satisfaction is achieved.
