The travel and tourism industry is growing daily and demanding more people to work in that field. And if you are a person who enjoys traveling or helping other people have great experiences through traveling, then you may consider being a travel agent. It is a great venture because you do not need a significant amount of cash or to hire staff. If this is a niche you are interested in, here are the steps involved.
Get Education and Certification
There is no degree or travel agent bachelor program. However, certain programs such as tourism, travel, business, economics, and hospitality can give you a basic understanding of what is needed to become a travel agent. Any of these fields will eventually lead to you being a travel agent. Once you graduate, consider getting an IATAN card as it helps with your credibility as a travel agent.
Work on Your Interpersonal Skills
If there is an industry that needs interpersonal skills the most, it is the tourism and travel industry. Such skills will help you attract customers and retain them. From how you respond to emails, calls, or in-person meetings, customers will know whether they want to continue working with you or find another travel agent. Develop some soft skills so that you can communicate effectively with customers and negotiate deals with airlines, hotels, and other destinations.
Have a Business Plan in Place
Being a travel agent is a job like any other that requires a business plan. Write a business plan that highlights your goals, how much you will charge for services, business location, financial projections, etc. This business plan will guide every decision you make. It helps ensure that you stick to your plan instead of running a business blindly.
Being a travel agent is a fun job because you might even travel the world as you help your customers. If this is something you are planning to do, the steps mentioned above can help you achieve it.
