As the travel industry prepares for a boom, there has never been one greater need for travel advisors.
As the pandemic subsided, the desire to travel has never been so great, but traveling, especially internationally, has become much more complex.
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After the “Great Resignation”, many people are looking for a new job, especially those who are looking for the opportunity to work from home or to enjoy flexible time management. For ambitious entrepreneurs, working as a travel consultant can be an ideal way to distinguish yourself.
“Becoming a travel agent is more important today than ever before in our travel history,” said Tammy Levent, President of TASK. “Travelers will need orientation because they have booked online, are nervous, worry and above all do not know how or what to book.”
For those looking to embark on a career in travel sales, there are many different ways to accomplish this goal.
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Where should I start?
Education will be key and there are many options for individuals who are just starting out.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is an organization that unites travel advisors and travel professionals through education and advocacy. ASTA offers one Online education course Promote careers in the travel agency industry and assist new consultants.
“As anyone in the industry will tell you, working as a travel consultant is a fun, rewarding, and potentially lucrative career path,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “As travel becomes more complicated and the industry recovers in a post-COVID environment, now is the perfect time to start a career as a travel consultant. Our new roadmap to becoming a Travel Advisor will help people embark on that path to a real dream job. “
ASTA’s roadmap will guide budding consultants through several topics, including a detailed overview of the travel industry and its constituent parts; a guide to how travel agents make money; and tips for finding a job or starting your own business.
Industry education
There’s a lot to learn for those just getting wet feet in the travel industry.
The travel institute offers the TRIPKIT introductory program. TRIPKIT Online is similar to a year-long college education that includes real-world agent experiences and explains industry terminology, key areas of travel such as air and land transportation, accommodations, tours, and more. Course information also includes information on cruises, marketing, geography, and advice for running a successful independent business.
TRAVEL KIT is fully available online and offers an interactive, self-directed learning plan with immersive and flexible learning options. The Travel Institute also offers advanced certifications to travel consultants.
Budding consultants who want to really boost their entrepreneurial success can get even more intensive training.
One possibility is through TASK, the Travel Agent Success Kit, developed by Tammy Levent, founder of Elite Travel, an award-winning national travel agency. Levent shares their secrets of success as well as advice from experts in their comprehensive training program that gives consultants the hands-on experience they need to run their own business successfully.
Levent has his finger on the pulse of the industry and can share their knowledge and success to help newbies in the industry or to set up independent agencies.
“Today’s travel agent not only needs to learn what to book, but also know how to provide this safe and secure experience for his customers,” said Levent. “That’s why they not only have to know about the destination, but also what the destination has to offer. How can I make this a unique experience, even though they are driving to the same destination. This way they will stand out from others.”
TASK has many facets, including a do-it-yourself video series; TASK Prep, practical training program; TASK Live, a travel agency mastermind event teaching already seasoned professionals how to grow their business; TASK Consulting, which helps agents delve even deeper into creating a successful business; and more.
Travel agency working on the computer. (Photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Viktoriia Hnatiuk)
Guest agencies and franchises
Depending on how entrepreneurial a budding travel consultant is, they may choose to go alone or work with a hosting agency. Hosting agencies can streamline the process of becoming a travel consultant by offering in-house training, marketing assistance, and even live leads.
Basically, guest agencies work as partners for travel consultants and provide resources such as marketing, training, access to software and sales support for a commission sharing. Franchises are more of a “business in a box” where franchisees receive 100 percent of their commission but pay fees to the franchisor.
Host agency reviews (HAR) is a good place for new consultants to get to know the ins and outs of guest agencies and franchises. The website connects consultants with hosting agencies, franchisees, consortia and industry events and provides vital information about the travel industry through its blog and podcast.
New travel agents can start with HAR’s seven-day Setup Challenge or browse through the extensive directory of hosting agencies, franchises and consortia.
One benefit of partnering with a host or buying a franchise is free education. Many hosting agencies and franchisors have their own educational platforms that train them in their in-house tools and provide industry training.
Travel agency that gives tourists tickets and passport with visa. (Photo via dragana991 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
How long does it take to become a travel advisor?
As the pandemic subsides, many perspective advisors may wonder if they are too late for the game. Travel agents should allow themselves at least six months to get up and running, according to Levent.
“You have to prepare for 2023,” said Levent, who uses Destination Weddings as an example to set the tone for the coming travel boom.
“Yes, 2022 will have some travel, but I’ve just been to three bridal masses and the majority of couples got married in 2023, which means they’ll be completely absent next year,” she noted.
“This is the time to establish your business, marketing and advertising and decide what to sell and develop your brand and niche,” said Levent. “All of this takes about six months to become an independent travel agent. To begin with, you can join ASTA and CCRA for updates on vendors and attend industry events that they have nationally.”
further education
After the initial training, travel consultants have a wide range of training opportunities with further training certificates from the travel institute, training courses on products and travel destinations from Travel agency academy, Cruise Lines International Association courses and more.
Travel agents can earn advanced certification from The Travel Institute, including recognition as a Certified Travel Associate, Certified Travel Counselor, and Certified Travel Industry Executive. With ongoing training opportunities, such as those offered by the Travel Agent Academy, consultants can acquire training units, learn to generate more bookings, gain access to special loyalty programs, and become specialists in their chosen niches.
