• Travel Agent Job Description

    A travel agent is a person whose job is to help travelers plan their trips. A travel agent simplifies the process of traveling for their clients by performing tasks such as providing advice on travel locations, calculating costs of travel and accommodation, and booking reservations for clients. They may specialize and provide services in specific geographic areas.

    A travel agent should be well organized, enthusiastic, adventurous, friendly and helpful, and have the ability to analyze and interpret complex information. They should be good at planning and estimating, and knowledgeable about domestic and international travels and locations to provide excellent services to their customers.

  • What does a Travel Agent do?

    Travel agents may do some or all of the following:

    • discuss with clients to understand their requirements
    • recommend and advice clients on holiday plans and travel locations
    • calculate costs of travel and accommodation
    • book airline tickets and hotel reservations for clients
    • contact clients when their tickets arrive
    • provide clients with brochures, flyers and all other necessary travel information
    • collect and process payments on behalf of clients
    • make alternative booking arrangements if changes arise before or during the trip
    • attend travel seminars and conferences
  • Where does a Travel Agent work?
  • Working Conditions

    Travel agents may work normal business hours or shifts that include evening, weekends and public holidays or be on call. They may travel to get firsthand experience of travel locations, but their work is usually office based.

  • What is Required to Become a Travel Agent ?

    There are no standard requirements to become a travel agent as skills are learned on the job, but employers will prefer candidates to have a diploma or degree in tourism, travel and hospitality, geography, foreign languages or a related discipline.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Travel agents need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • friendliness
    • courteousness
    • carefulness
    • honesty and dependability
    • confidence and adventurousness
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • math and computer skills
    • sales and marketing skills
    • negotiating and networking skills
    • customer service skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to persuade and motivate others
    • the ability to relate with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
    • knowledge of geography
    • knowledge of airline routes and alliances
    • knowledge of airlines safety and security regulations
    • knowledge of passport and visa requirements, travel insurance and foreign currencies
    • knowledge of computer reservation systems
    • knowledge of foreign languages
    • knowledge of travel and tourism trends

References

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Alternative Careers
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