Choosing The Right Travel Agency Employer

how to choose a travel agency to work for

Choosing a travel agency to work for can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find a great fit for your career goals and interests. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

- Specialization: Look for agencies that align with your interests and expertise. For example, you might enjoy planning destination weddings, sports events, or honeymoon trips. Working for an agency that specializes in these areas can make your work more enjoyable and help you build valuable connections.

- Market Trends: Research the current market trends and identify agencies that are adapting to industry changes. For instance, the rise of local experts who specialize in specific regions or countries is a notable shift in the travel industry. Agencies that embrace these trends may offer more authentic and personalized travel experiences.

- Certifications and Associations: Seek out agencies whose agents hold certifications from reputable organizations, such as The Travel Institute (CTIE, CTA, CTC) or Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Also, look for agencies that are members of associations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) or the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), as these memberships can indicate a commitment to professionalism and ethical standards.

- Business Model: Consider the business model of the agency. Are they a traditional brick-and-mortar agency or an online-only agency? Do they work with a host agency or operate as a sole proprietor? Understanding their business model can give you insights into their operations, customer base, and potential for growth.

- Commission and Compensation: Inquire about the commission structure and compensation package offered by the agency. Understand how they compensate their agents, whether through commissions, hourly planning fees, daily planning fees, or a combination of these. This information is crucial for evaluating your earning potential and job satisfaction.

- Work Culture and Support: Evaluate the work culture and level of support provided by the agency. Are they invested in your professional development? Do they offer mentorship or ongoing training opportunities? A supportive work environment can contribute to your long-term success and job satisfaction.

Remember to trust your instincts and ask questions during your job search. By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to finding a travel agency that aligns with your career aspirations and provides a fulfilling work experience.

Characteristics Values
Certifications The Travel Institute Travel Agent Certifications, Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Travel Agent Certifications, etc.
Specialties Local experts, sporting events travel, destination weddings, etc.
Business Model Sole Proprietor, LLC, or Incorporation
Location Local or online
Services Discounted rates, improved booking options, ticket management, etc.
Online Presence Website, social media presence, etc.
Technology Booking software, itineraries software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, etc.
Support 24/7, multilingual, etc.

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Check their qualifications and certifications

When choosing a travel agency to work for, it is important to check their qualifications and certifications. This is because certifications serve as a testament to the agency's commitment and expertise, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and specialized knowledge in the ever-evolving travel industry. Certifications can also give you access to exclusive resources, such as advanced booking tools, industry research, and educational materials, which can be beneficial for your work.

The Travel Institute Certifications:

  • Certified Travel Associate (CTA): This certification is for travel agents with at least 18 months of industry experience or those who have completed the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test. The training program covers office skills, consumer-focused professionalism, and specialized travel sales techniques.
  • Certified Travel Counselor (CTC): To qualify for this certification, you need at least five years of experience and a CTA certification. The CTC focuses on enhancing leadership abilities, business acumen, and innovative thinking within the travel sector.
  • Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE): The CTIE is for travel professionals with at least five years of industry experience who want to elevate their managerial and strategic skills. The program covers topics such as marketing, conflict resolution, and travel law.
  • Certified Destination Specialist (CDS): This certification is for travel professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of various global destinations. It provides an in-depth understanding of geography, culture, attractions, and travel logistics for specific regions.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Certifications:

  • Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC): This certification is for travel agents who want to specialize in cruising. To qualify, you need to be an active Individual Agent Member (IAM) and complete the required training and documentation within 18 months of registration.
  • Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC): The ACC is for CLIA-affiliated agents who have completed CLIA's online training courses, elective training, and have personal cruise experience.
  • Master Cruise Counselor (MCC): This advanced certification is for travel professionals with the ACC certification and extensive cruise industry knowledge and sales experience.

Other Notable Certifications:

  • ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA): Offered by the American Society of Travel Agents, this certification broadens your knowledge of legal and ethical issues and boosts consumer trust.
  • Global Travel Professional (GTP) certification: Offered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), this certification is for professionals in the travel and tourism industry.
  • Travel Marketing Professional (TMP): Offered by the Southeast Tourism Society, this certification is for tourism professionals seeking to enhance their marketing skills and promote destinations effectively.

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Assess their knowledge of the destination

When choosing a travel agency to work for, it is important to assess their knowledge of the destination. This is crucial as it ensures that you are providing your clients with accurate and reliable information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their travels. Here are some ways to evaluate a travel agency's destination expertise:

  • Niche Markets and Specialties: Identify the agency's niche markets and specialty areas. Traditional travel agencies often cater to specific niches such as corporate travel, luxury travel, cruises, complicated itineraries, or specialty trips. They may also focus on travellers with unique needs, such as travellers with disabilities, seniors, solo women travellers, or LGBT tourism. Understanding the agency's niche will give you insights into their destination knowledge and their ability to match clients' personalities and interests with suitable travel options.
  • Destination Expertise: Evaluate the agency's expertise in specific destinations. Do they have travel consultants with extensive knowledge of various regions and countries? Are they well-versed in the local culture, attractions, and activities that travellers may be interested in? Can they provide personalised recommendations and create tailored itineraries based on clients' preferences? Their ability to go beyond basic information and offer unique insights will reflect their depth of knowledge about the destination.
  • Connections and Partnerships: Assess the agency's connections and partnerships within the travel industry. Do they have strong relationships with local suppliers, hotels, tour operators, and activity providers? Do they receive feedback and updates from these partners to enhance their destination knowledge? An agency with solid industry connections can provide more accurate information and create seamless travel experiences for their clients.
  • Customer Testimonials and Reviews: Consider the feedback and reviews from previous customers. Do they mention the agency's knowledge of the destination and how it enhanced their travel experience? Look for testimonials that highlight the agency's ability to provide insider tips, recommend hidden gems, or facilitate authentic cultural experiences. Positive reviews reflecting their destination expertise will give you confidence in their capabilities.
  • Familiarization Trips and Training: Inquire about the agency's approach to training and familiarization trips. Do they invest in their employees' professional development by offering educational trips to different destinations? Do they provide ongoing training to enhance their consultants' destination knowledge? Agencies that prioritize training and familiarization trips are more likely to have well-informed and knowledgeable staff.
  • Accuracy of Information: Pay attention to the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided by the agency. Do they stay updated with the latest travel advisories, safety guidelines, and local regulations? Are they quick to adapt to changing situations and inform their clients accordingly? Assessing their ability to provide accurate and up-to-date information is crucial in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of travellers.

By evaluating these aspects, you can gain valuable insights into the travel agency's knowledge of the destination. This will help you determine their ability to create memorable travel experiences for their clients and make informed decisions about your potential workplace.

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Research their experience and specialities

When choosing a travel agency to work for, it is important to research their experience and specialities. This will help you understand if the agency is a good fit for your needs and interests. Here are some factors to consider:

Niche and Specialisation

First, consider the agency's niche and specialisation. Different agencies may focus on various types of travel, such as sporting events, destination weddings, corporate travel, or leisure vacations. If you have a particular interest or expertise in a specific type of travel, look for agencies that align with your passions. For example, if you love outdoor adventures, an agency specialising in eco-tourism and adventure travel might be a perfect fit.

Market Reputation and Track Record

Research the agency's reputation and track record in the travel industry. How long have they been in business, and what is their success rate in delivering memorable travel experiences? Do they have a loyal client base, and what do their past customers have to say about their services? Look for testimonials, reviews, and recommendations to gauge their standing in the industry.

Industry Connections and Partnerships

Examine the agency's connections and partnerships within the travel industry. Do they have strong relationships with reputable tour operators, hotels, cruise lines, and other travel service providers? An agency with solid industry connections can offer you better access to exclusive deals, customised packages, and unique travel opportunities.

Destination Knowledge and Expertise

Delve into the agency's knowledge and expertise about various destinations. Do they have specialists who are well-versed in the locations you're interested in? Look for agencies with destination experts who can provide in-depth knowledge about different cultures, attractions, and hidden gems. This ensures that you can offer your clients unique and tailored travel experiences.

Problem-Solving Skills and Support

Understand how the agency handles challenges and supports its clients when issues arise. Travel often comes with unexpected hiccups, so it's crucial to work for an agency that excels in problem-solving. Inquire about their processes for dealing with cancellations, reschedulings, and unexpected events. A good agency will have a strong support system in place to assist clients through any travel disruptions.

By thoroughly researching the agency's experience, specialities, and industry standing, you can make an informed decision about your future workplace and ensure it aligns with your career goals and interests in the travel sector.

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Evaluate their customer service skills

When choosing a travel agency to work for, it's important to evaluate their customer service skills. This is a vital skill in the travel and tourism industry as it can make or break a client's experience and affect the agency's reputation and revenue. Here are some ways to assess the customer service skills of a travel agency:

  • Set Clear Goals and Standards: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and standards for customer service. For example, aim to increase customer satisfaction ratings or reduce complaints within a set time frame.
  • Collect Feedback: Gather feedback from customers and colleagues through surveys, reviews, testimonials, ratings, and suggestions. Ask about their experience with the agency's customer service, including communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
  • Analyze Feedback and Identify Gaps: Use quantitative and qualitative data to assess performance, such as numbers, percentages, scores, ratings, and patterns in the feedback. Compare the agency's performance with industry benchmarks and best practices to identify areas for improvement.
  • Create an Action Plan: Prioritize the most urgent issues and set SMART objectives and actions to address them. Assign responsibilities, resources, and deadlines to turn feedback into tangible improvements.
  • Monitor and Review Progress: Use indicators and deadlines from the action plan to track and measure performance improvement. Continuously seek and incorporate feedback from customers and colleagues to validate and adjust your action plan as needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively evaluate the customer service skills of a travel agency and identify areas where they excel or need improvement. This information will be valuable when deciding which travel agency to work for, ensuring you choose an agency that prioritizes customer satisfaction and is committed to providing excellent service.

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Understand their pricing structure

Understanding the pricing structure of a travel agency is an important factor when deciding which agency to work for. Here are some key considerations:

Commission-Based Model

Travel agencies typically earn through commissions from hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, and other travel partners. This means that they may not charge their clients any fees for planning standard vacations. However, for more customised itineraries or excursions, travel agents may charge additional fees. These fees can range from $25 to $100 per ticket or even a flat fee for planning services. Some travel agents may also require deposits to prevent clients from booking elsewhere after receiving their research and recommendations.

Fee-for-Service Model

An alternative approach is for travel agencies to charge fees for their services. This can take the form of consultation fees, which are charges for the time spent researching, planning, booking, and supporting clients during their travels. Consultation fees can be structured as a flat fee, an hourly fee, a per-transaction fee, or a per-person fee. This model provides more immediate and stable income for travel advisors.

Hybrid Model

Some travel agencies may combine commission-based earnings with service fees. For example, they may charge a planning deposit, which is refunded to the client once the booking is completed. This hybrid approach ensures a steady income while still providing clients with the benefit of the agency's industry connections and potential discounts.

When considering travel agencies to work for, it is essential to understand their pricing structure and how it aligns with your own values and career goals. Do you prefer a commission-based model that relies on building relationships and earning through vendor commissions? Or do you favour a fee-for-service model that provides more upfront compensation for your expertise and time?

Additionally, it is worth noting that travel agencies may have different pricing structures depending on the type of travel they specialise in. For example, corporate travel management companies may charge for each call or additional support, while leisure travel agencies might offer more all-inclusive packages. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision about which travel agency to work for and how to best serve your clients.

Frequently asked questions

Working for a travel agency can come with flexible hours, the joy of helping people plan their dream vacations, and the satisfaction of developing your business and watching it grow. Tourism and travel are also both consistently profitable industries.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent. However, knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial. Formal training in tourism, marketing, hospitality, or event planning can be helpful, but is not required.

Look for an agency that suits your niche and interests. For example, if you have a passion for sports, you could consider working for an agency that specialises in planning trips for sports fans. You should also research the current market and trends, including competitors and their pricing.

Travel agents can be paid through commissions from vendors, hotels, tour operators, and other service providers, as well as hourly or daily planning fees. They may also charge a markup on bookings.

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