So You Want to Be a Travel Agent, Now What?
by Guida Botelho |
Following is a guest column from the director of training for The Travel Institute
Contrary to what salary.com recently reported, travel agents are not “on the verge of extinction.” In fact, based on the tremendous turnout to The Travel Institute’s ongoing “New to the Industry” webinars and our month-long “Preparing for a Career in Travel” promotion in February, the profession is alive and well and attracting quite a following of newcomers.
While we get a lot of inquiries at The Travel Institute, the two questions we’re often asked are:
- I’m interested in becoming a travel advisor, but now what?
- What are the steps I should take to secure a solid future in the travel agency community?
Here are five steps to help passionate and eager entrants land that new job.
Step 1: Research the opportunities
Explore the types of travel and destinations you’re interested in selling. Soak up as much information as you can and determine the areas you want to learn more about and specialize in.
Let’s face it, a travel advisor cannot successfully be all things to all people, so you must narrow your field of interests. Check out the various trade publications and supplier websites to get a feel for the opportunities.
Step 2: Know your stuff
Before you pitch your skills to an agency owner, make sure you know as much about the industry as possible. From geography and marketing to sales skills and business plans, that’s a tall order.
Consider The Travel Institute’s TRIPKit self-study program which provides you with the entry-level knowledge necessary to understand the industry and also introduces you to the in-depth geography and guidelines needed to develop your business.
Want a more hands-on approach? Consider a course through a reputable travel school. Check out a directory on our website.
Knowing your stuff also means developing a business and marketing plan. Start with your SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.
What will set you apart from the competition? How will you compete? Where will you get your clients? What will you specialize in? Will you charge fees? The TRIPKit Program, together with The Institute’s Business Planning and Financial Planning ebooks, can be a great help with this.
Step 3: Chart your course
Analyze the different travel agency business models and determine which one best fits your needs and skills. Traditional brick-and-mortar? Web-based? Home-based? Independent Contractor?
The choices can be a bit overwhelming so make sure you have a list of criteria: What type of compensation is offered – salary, commission, or a blend of both? What support is offered – marketing, training, technology? What suppliers do they work with? What, if any, GDS is used? What consortium do they belong to?
Depending on your business model preference, a host agency might be a good affiliation. You’ll want to ask all these questions, plus inquire about issues like membership fees, commission splits and contractual obligations. A host agency directory can be found on our website. Check out sites like hottraveljobs.com for specific career opportunities.
Step 4: Network like crazy
There’s no substitute for talking with people who are employed and actively engaged in the industry. Reach out to them by joining valuable organizations like ASTA, attending industry conferences such as the upcoming Well-Being Travel Symposium, and participating in online conversations such as Travel Professional Community.
Hopefully the networking will result in connecting with a mentor who complements your philosophy, style, and represents the kind of travel professional you want to become.
Step 5: Never stop learning
Take advantage of all the education and training that is available through The Travel Institute, trade publications, tourist boards, suppliers, your consortium, and your host if appropriate. Their websites offer great information, plus they often host free webinars, product trainings – even lunches and site inspections.
Here’s an example: The Travel Institute’s month-long “Let’s Get Social” program this month is free to the industry and designed to help you better navigate the social media sphere and capitalize on the various tools to help build you brand on a more global scale.
And don’t forget advancing your career through specializations and certifications through suppliers, trade publications, and programs like the CTA, CTC, and CTIE through The Travel Institute.
Guida Botelho, CTA, is director of training for The Travel Institute. She was formerly The Institute’s manager of travel solutions and coordinator of national accounts. After that, Botelho served as training manager at Milford, Mass.-based Atlas Travel. Established in 1964, the non-profit Institute provides innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions. Visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
