TRAVEL AGENTS

Nature of the Work

Constantly changing air fares and schedules, a proliferation of vacation packages, and business/pleasure trip combinations make travel planning frustrating and time consuming.  Many travelers, therefore, turn to travel agents, who can make the best possible travel arrangements for them.  Depending on the needs of the client, travel agents give advice on destinations, make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, tours, and recreation, or plan the right vacation package or business/pleasure trip combination. 

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Formal or specialized training is becoming increasingly important for travel agents since few agencies are willing to train people on the job.  Many vocational schools offer 3- to 12-week full-time programs, as well as evening and Saturday programs.  Travel courses are also offered in public adult education programs and in community and 4-year colleges.  A few colleges offer a bachelor's and a master's degree in travel and tourism.  Although few college courses relate directly to the travel industry, a college education is sometimes desired by employers.  Courses in computer science, geography, foreign languages, and history are most useful.  Courses in accounting and business management also are important, especially for those who expect to manage or start their own travel agencies.
Job Outlook

Employment of travel agents is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Many job openings will arise as new agencies open and existing agencies expand, but most will occur as experienced agents transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Spending on travel is expected to increase significantly through the year 2005.  As business activity expands, so will business-related travel. 

Earnings

Experience, sales ability, and the size and location of the agency determine the salary of a travel agent.  The 1992 annual earnings of travel agents with less than 1 year experience were $12,428, from 1 to 3 years, $15,610; from 3 to 5 years, $17,975; from 5 to 10 years, $20,775; and more than 10 years, $25,007.  Salaried agents usually have standard benefits, such as insurance coverage and paid vacations, that self-employed agents must provide for themselves.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the following organizations:

American Society of Travel Agents, Education Department, 1101 King St.  Alexandria, VA 22314.

The Institute of Certified Travel Agents, 148 Lindon St., P.O.  Box 82-56, Wellesley, MA 02181-0012, or phone toll free 1-800-542-4282.

The Convention Liaison Council, 1575 Eye St.  NW., Suite 1190, Washington, DC 20005.


