Travel Agent

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.

Looking ahead
There around 7,000 travel agencies in the UK which belong to ABTA, the industry association, plus others who might work in specialised areas. They are usually in town centres. Travel agencies range from small, independent companies to large chains with many branches. Typical outlets have three to six staff.

Vacancies arise regularly but there is always competition. Part-time employment is growing, and is increasingly used to cover busy periods.

A growing number of travellers are using the Internet to make their own travel arrangements but many people continue to use travel agencies for their specialist knowledge and advice.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include air cabin crew, holiday representative, hotel manager, hotel receptionist, leisure services manager, sales executive or tour operator.

Take-home pay
Salaries vary greatly between agencies, with larger chains generally paying higher rates. Trainees on the Travel Training Programme are paid a training allowance plus travelling expenses. As a recent graduate, you might start on around £14,500 to £20,000. Typical salaries at senior level range from £21,500 to £30,000.

Most travel agency sales consultants receive discounts on their own holidays.

Effects
Travel agents usually work 35 to 37.5 hours, five days a week, normally between Monday and Saturday. Part-time work is possible.

You may travel abroad occasionally to gather information on a holiday resort, but although enjoyable, this is not a holiday. New joiners should be aware that working in a sales environment can be pressured, with sales targets to be met on a regular basis.

Sources of information
Springboard UK: www.springboarduk.org.uk
TTC Training: www.ttctraining.co.uk
Travel Counsellors: www.travelcounsellors.com
Association of British Travel Agents: www.abta.com/
People 1st: www.people1st.co.uk/
International Air Transportation Association: www1.iata.org/index.htm

CRCI: MC