Olivia Jacobs
If you're interested in becoming a travel consultant in the UK, there are a few different routes you can take. You could do a course in travel and tourism, or apply for a Travel Consultant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which combines work experience with learning. It's also possible to start as a trainee travel agent and receive on-the-job training. Good customer service skills, communication skills, and a passion for travel are important for this role, as well as excellent organisational ability and a good knowledge of destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | A degree in travel and tourism is advantageous, but not essential. Relevant qualifications include CPD qualifications or certifications from industry organisations like the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) or the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). GCSEs in English and maths, or equivalent, are usually required. |
| Skills | Customer service skills, verbal communication skills, sales skills, attention to detail, administration skills, active listening skills, a desire to help people, IT skills, organisational ability, negotiation skills, a passion for travel, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and an excellent telephone manner. |
| Experience | Previous experience in customer service, sales, or the travel industry is beneficial. |
| Working hours | May include evenings, weekends, and bank holidays on a rota basis. |
| Salary | Experienced travel consultants can earn an average of £34,000 per year. Salaries for other roles in the industry range from £25,000 to £45,000 per year. |
What You'll Learn
Qualifications and training
There are multiple routes to becoming a travel consultant in the UK. One way is to complete a course in travel and tourism, which can give you the knowledge and skills needed for the role. Entry requirements for these courses vary, with some requiring five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (or equivalent), including English and maths. You could also apply for a Travel Consultant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which combines work experience in a travel business with learning through a training provider.
Another option is to start as a trainee travel agent and receive on-the-job training from your employer. While there are no set entry requirements for this route, a good general standard of education is expected, and some employers may ask for English and maths GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Good geographical knowledge and customer service experience will also be beneficial, and it may be helpful if you can speak a second language.
Although a degree in travel and tourism is not essential, it can be advantageous. Some employers may prefer candidates with specific qualifications, such as CPD qualifications or certifications from industry organisations like the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) or the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and adherence to industry standards.
Relevant work experience in customer service, sales, or the travel industry can also improve your chances of being considered for a role as a travel agent.
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Skills needed
To become a travel consultant, you will need a combination of customer service skills, communication skills, and organisational abilities.
Excellent verbal communication skills are essential for consulting with customers to understand their needs and budget, and for advising them on various travel-related matters, such as passports, visas, and travel insurance. Active listening skills are also crucial to ensure you understand your customers' requirements and can provide tailored recommendations.
Strong customer service skills are vital to building good relationships with clients and ensuring customer satisfaction. This includes a desire to help people and provide exceptional service. Negotiation skills are also beneficial when dealing with members of the public and travel companies to get the best deals for your clients.
Organisation and attention to detail are key to managing travel bookings, researching destinations, and keeping customers informed about any changes. Computer literacy is necessary for making bookings and payments online and using software to access information.
A good geographical knowledge and travel experience are advantageous, and a second language is often desirable. Other useful attributes include the ability to sell products and services, staying calm under pressure, and a passion for travel.
Qualifications and Training
Although not always essential, relevant qualifications in travel and tourism can provide a good foundation for a career as a travel consultant. This could be a degree, BTEC, or a Travel Consultant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. CPD qualifications or certifications from industry organisations, such as the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) or the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), can also enhance your employability.
Work experience in customer service, sales, or the travel industry is beneficial and may be gained through on-the-job training or a trainee travel agent position. Some employers may also offer in-house training programmes to help you develop the skills needed for the role.
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Salary expectations
Entry-Level Positions
Entry-level travel consultants or those without prior industry experience can expect to earn an annual salary within the range of £12,480 to £25,000. Some companies offer apprenticeship programmes, which provide on-the-job training and a qualification upon completion. The wages during the apprenticeship period can be around £12,480 to £15,600 per year.
Experienced Travel Consultants
Experienced travel consultants with several years of industry experience can expect higher salaries. The average salary for an experienced travel consultant in the UK is £34,000 per year. Some companies offer salaries of up to £35,000 for specialised roles, such as luxury travel consultants or consultants with extensive knowledge of specific regions like the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean.
Branch and Tour Managers
In addition to consulting roles, there are managerial positions within the travel industry. Branch managers can expect to earn up to £30,000 per year, while tour managers can earn up to £35,000 annually.
Commission-Based Earnings
The travel industry often operates on a commission basis, where consultants earn a percentage of the fee for each holiday package they sell. Commission rates can vary, with minimums starting at around 10% and high street names earning up to 18%.
Uncapped Earnings and Business Ownership
Some travel companies offer uncapped earning potential, allowing consultants to keep a significant percentage of the profit from their sales (up to 60%). This structure often applies to consultants who run their own businesses or franchises within a larger travel company.
Benefits and Perks
Aside from monetary compensation, travel consultants may also enjoy benefits and perks such as discounted holidays, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career progression into senior roles.
Overall, salary expectations for travel consultants in the UK vary based on experience, specialisation, and the structure of the role (commissioned vs. salaried). It is important to research specific companies and roles to understand their compensation packages and what you can expect in terms of salary and benefits.
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Job opportunities
There are a variety of job opportunities for travel consultants in the UK. You can work as a travel agent, booking holidays and planning trips for customers, or as a tour manager, organising holidays and providing advice to clients.
Travel Agent
Travel agents typically work in stores or contact centres, and their duties include consulting with customers to determine their budget and trip requirements, checking availability, booking holidays, and advising on travel arrangements such as passports, visas, and travel insurance.
Tour Manager
Tour managers organise holidays and provide advice to clients. They may work for a small travel agency, offering a more bespoke customer experience, or as an independent tour operator, organising holidays with a particular theme or focus.
Other Roles
There are also opportunities to progress into senior travel roles, such as assistant manager or manager, or move into other careers in the travel sector like tour operating or becoming self-employed.
Qualifications and Experience
While a degree in travel and tourism is advantageous for becoming a travel agent, it is not essential. Some employers may prefer specific qualifications, such as CPD qualifications or certifications from industry organisations like the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) or the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
Relevant work experience in customer service, sales, or the travel industry is often beneficial. Additionally, good geographical knowledge and customer service experience are advantageous, and speaking a second language may be beneficial.
Salary Expectations
The salary for travel agents in the UK can vary depending on experience and the specific role. On average, experienced travel agents can earn around £34,000 per year. Salaries for branch managers and tour managers can reach up to £30,000 and £35,000, respectively.
Job Market
The job market for travel consultants in the UK has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many job losses in the sector. However, as restrictions have lifted and travel has resumed, there is expected to be increased demand for travel, creating new opportunities in the industry.
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Pros and cons
Pros of Being a Travel Consultant
- Job flexibility and mobility: Travel consultants can work from offices, call centres, or choose to be home-based.
- Travel opportunities: Travel consultants can take advantage of discounted trips to gain first-hand experience of the destinations they recommend.
- Business ownership: Freelance and independent travel consultants are becoming more common, offering the flexibility of owning a business and setting your own work schedule.
- Secondary income: The job allows for a secondary source of income, as working hours can be set to match a full-time job.
- Variety of job options: There are numerous specialisation options, such as cruises, honeymoon destinations, or African safaris.
- Decent earning potential: While earnings vary, travel consultants can expect decent pay, with an average salary of £27,399 in the UK.
- No special training needed: The role requires no expensive, specialised training, only a passion for the travel industry and a simple online accreditation.
Cons of Being a Travel Consultant
- Demanding work: Travel consultants may need to be available 24/7 due to varying time zones and may experience high work pressure and stress.
- Shaky job security: The rise of online booking and trip planning has put the job security of travel consultants at risk.
- Competition: The market is flooded with online travel agencies, and independent agents must compete with large agencies and corporations.
- Providing array of choices: Travel consultants must conduct extensive research to meet customer expectations and stand out in a competitive market.
- Increased price transparency: Customers now have easy access to price information, making the market more competitive and challenging for travel consultants.
- Possible customer lawsuits: Customers may sue over issues during a trip, claiming negligence or misrepresentation, which can hurt the travel consultant's reputation and finances.
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Frequently asked questions
Qualifications in travel and tourism are advantageous but not always essential. Some employers may ask for a degree, while others will accept relevant work experience in customer service, sales, or the travel industry. It is also beneficial to have good geographical knowledge and be able to speak a second language.
Excellent communication and organisational skills are a must, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure. A passion for travel and good negotiation skills are also beneficial.
Travel consultants book flights, accommodation, and holiday packages for customers, helping them plan every aspect of their trip. This includes advising on passports, visas, insurance, and any necessary vaccinations.
Salaries for travel consultants in the UK vary depending on experience and the company. On average, experienced travel consultants can earn around £34,000 per year, while some companies offer up to £45,000 per annum.
