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How to Be a Travel Agent
 What is the work like? Travel agency sales consultants advise clients and sell holidays and travel. Much of their time is spent in face-to-face selling. They find out what type of holiday they want, often a package holiday. They show them holiday brochures, answer any questions and suggest holiday resorts or hotels. Once a holiday is chosen the agent checks to see if it is available, and books the holiday via computer. They also deal with independent travellers and business travellers dealing with complicated itineraries. They offer advice on visas, vaccinations, insurance, car hire and currency. What skills and personal qualities are required?
They need to enjoy giving a service to the public, a pleasant friendly manner, tact and patience to work accurately under pressure. They must have excellent speaking and listening skills, a good telephone manner, excellent knowledge of geography, good keyboard and IT skills, good with figures and organisational skills. How do I get into the business? There are about 7,000 travel agencies in the UK which belong to ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agencies. They range from small independent companies to large chains. Vacancies arise regularly but there is competition to get in.
Although there are no set qualifications employers look for GCSE grades (A-C/1-3) in English, Maths and Geography. Apprenticeships may be available. There are several NVQ courses in travel and tourism, HND courses and degree courses in travel, tourism and business studies. What hours would I work? Travel agency consultants usually work a 35-37 hour week, five days a week, normally between Monday and Saturday. Part time work is possible and popular.
They work indoors usually in a modern shop open to the public mainly sitting at a counter or desk. They may go abroad occasionally to gather information but although enjoyable it is not a holiday.
They must also travel within the UK to attend short training courses What would I earn? These figures are only a guide but new consultants start at around pounds 6,000 to pounds 8,000. Experienced consultants earn pounds 11,000 to pounds 13,000. Those with special responsibilities such as foreign exchange or business travel may earn more than pounds 16,000.
Most agencies give discounted holidays to their staff. How would I get on? Prospects for promotion vary and small firms often have little opportunity for promotion. It may be necessary to move from branch to branch to rise within the trade. Contact Travel Councellors 0800 316 3600.
Mark Rowlands TRAVEL AGENT
MARK Rowlands left school when he was 17 and entered the travel business because he wanted to see the world.
Now 16 years later he has not only achieved his ambition but he is also manager and part owner of a successful travel agency and loving it.
He has visited USA, Australia, the Far East, most of Europe, Iceland, Kenya and South Africa.
When he joined Anglesey Travel Worldchoice in Llangefni he was given in-house training and sent on day seminars to gain qualifications.
He reckons the business has changed with costs for long-haul holidays coming down and budget airlines making cheap travel accessible.
As a result a travel agent has to be very flexible and always on the lookout for new routes and trends.
Source: Daily Post
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