If you are wondering how to become a travel agent, here are some tips and advice on training and started his career in this area of the hospitality industry and tourism, and job employment prospects in the UK.
WorkTravel agents, often referred to as travel agency sales consultants, clients on business trips and leisure to advise, and holidays to sell. They can work in a travel agency high street or in a call center.
Typical responsibilities:
help customers find a suitable tour package or independent travel, itineraries and accommodation planchecking the availability of holidays chosen by phone or computermaking reservations via computerdeposit taking and filling forms bookscontact customers when their tickets, and collecting late paymentsinform customers of any changes, such as flight cancellations, and alternative arrangements.You should also advise customers about passports, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations and additional excursions. You can make refunds or handle complaints, referring serious problems to a manager or tour operator.
Person SpecificationThe most important personal qualities of a good travel agencies include:
the ability to cope with the pressure at peakgood organizational skillsexcellent telephone manner and strong communication skillssales skills, both face to face and telephoneIT Skillsinterest in travel and geography knowledgethe ability to work well as part of a team.
Making a travel agent thatNormally no special requirements are needed, but can be useful if GCSE (AC) in subjects like math, English and Geography. The most important thing is that entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic and have the right personal qualities and skills to the work program. Can be an advantage if you have experience in customer service or sales. You can also find it helps if you are able to speak other languages.
The most common way to enter this race is to find a career job in a travel agency and train on the track. However, it would be a full-time college course before looking for work. This is not essential, but could give an advantage. Relevant courses include:
BTEC first Diploma in Travel and TourismBTEC National Diploma in Travel and TourismBTEC HNC / HND in Travel and Tourism Managementdegrees in travel and tourism.You may be able to enter this work through an apprenticeship. The range of apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local labor market and the types of skills needed by employers for their workers.
Training and DevelopmentUsually start as travel consultant practice and receive jobs training from your employer. It is likely that this begins with a brief introductory course. Then you can send in more specialist training and educational visits. You can also use the following ratings:
City & Guilds Certificate in Tourism (Travel) levels 2 and 3 (with the support of the Association of British Travel Agents)Level 1 and 2 of airfare tickets and qualifications recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)City & Guilds Certificate in Business Travel in the introduction, the level of consulting, monitoring and management.You can also gain qualifications such as NVQ in customer service or administration.
Once they have been working travel agents for two years, you could recognize their ongoing professional development proposed by the application of Accredited Travel Plan (ATPS) to connect.
Pay (a rough guide)Starting salaries can be around £ 10,000 per year.Experienced sales consultants earn between € 12,000 and £ 18,000 per year.The salaries of senior staff can be £ 30,000 or more.Travel agencies selling consultants often receive a commission based on meeting performance targets. They can also receive discounts on vacation.
Job prospectsCould their employability with branches in the UK. These range from small agencies, independent agencies to large with many branches.