Article Index
Travel Agent
Looking ahead
All Pages

Travel agents are best known for selling holiday packages on behalf of tour operators. Much of their time is spent advising clients in person, finding out what type of holiday the client wants, showing them brochures, answering any questions and maybe suggesting particular resorts or hotels.

When the client has chosen, the travel agent checks to confirm availability and books the holiday using a computer system linked to the tour operator. They collect a deposit from the client and complete a booking form. When the tour operator sends the holiday tickets to the travel agency, the agent passes them on to the client.

Travel agents also deal with independent travellers, and may help plan their journey using timetables before booking their air, rail or ferry tickets and accommodation. Some agents specialise in business travel, dealing with complicated itineraries. They also offer advice on passport, visa and vaccination requirements and services such as holiday insurance, car hire, holiday excursions, foreign currency and travellers' cheques.

Entry level

Although there are no set qualifications, most employers look for a good standard of education, probably including GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in subjects such as maths, English and geography. The right personal qualities for the job are very important.
It helps to have experience of handling cash and dealing with people.

As a young person entering the travel industry, you might join as a participant in the Travel Training Programme operated by TTC Training, a subsidiary of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). This is a two-year government-funded Apprenticeship programme (Skillseekers in Scotland) giving you the chance to earn while you learn and take the first steps towards a career as a travel agent.

There are also a number of suitable full-time courses at colleges and universities throughout the UK.

Making the grade

Prospects for promotion vary - small firms often have little or no promotion possibilities. Large agencies may offer promotion to senior posts, but it may be necessary to move from branch to branch or from employer to employer to progress.

Some travel agency staff transfer to work in other areas such as holiday representatives. Once they have sufficient experience, they may start and run their own business, perhaps working from home running an online agency.

You should try to work towards the Certificate in Travel (Travel Agents) qualification, which was until recently known as ABTAC, the ABTA Travel Agents Certificate. Another option would be to study for the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) examinations.

Personal qualities

You would need a friendly, outgoing personality, a good eye for detail, good IT skills, and a reasonable standard of geographical knowledge.

You should enjoy selling and introducing different possibilities to customers, and you should be able to communicate well in both written and verbal form. You should also have a smart appearance.