What does a travel agent do?
Working with clients and tourists, travel agents help to plan, book and budget their trip. The role of a travel agent is to gain an understanding of the expectations and preferences of a traveller and sourcing the best flights, tours, accomodation and transportation to meet their needs. They are also responsible for providing information on visa requirements, health risks, currency and insurance options for the destination country, as well as helping to coordinate activities and organise services such as guides, drivers and translators on arrival.
Tasks:
- Understand the needs of a client
- Provide information on travel and accomodation
- Use systems to book flights
- Provide travel insurance options
- Help prepare itineraries
What skills do I need to be a travel agent?
Being a travel agent requires constant contact with a wide range of travellers and tourism professionals. To be a successful travel agent, you’ll need great communication skills and a friendly demeanor. You’ll also need good organisational skills in order to help travellers with their itineraries and to ensure all their booking information is processed and accurate. Travel agents must also be quite savvy when it comes to using online booking systems, and when researching destinations and accommodation.
- Good web skills
- Ability to communicate well
- Great organisational skills
- A friendly personality
- Pragmatic thinking
Specialisations
There are a number of specialisations in the tourism industry that you could embark on if a career as a travel agent appeals to you.
Tour guide
Airline passenger officer
Airline passenger officers provide a face-to-face service at airports, assisting travellers with boarding, check in, luggage information and general enquiries. Airline passenger officers are there to help travellers with their flights, aiming to make the experience as easy and enjoyable for their customers as possible.
Tourism information officer
Study pathways for travel agents
There are a number of courses available for you if you are considering a career in tourism. Holding an industry recognised qualification will stand you in good stead for finding employment in your chosen field.
Getting Started
Find your feet in the bustling tourism industry with comprehensive courses
Skill Building
Build your knowledge of the ins-and-outs of travel and tourism
Professional Development
Learn industry skills to kickstart your tourism career
Industry Recognition
Some senior positions within the tourism sector will require you to undertake formal training and police/background checks. Registering with the Australian Federation of Travel Agents may help you find employment and advance your career.
Getting a job after graduation
Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your tourism career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to the job description listed.