With travel restrictions in place around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, you might think that now is not the right time to become a travel agent. However, the truth is that travel agents are more essential than ever in providing guidance for future trips. Their expertise is invaluable as travelers navigate the constantly changing environment in the strange new world of COVID-19.
Travel Agent Job Responsibilities
- Meet with clients to discuss travel preferences, budgets, and needs.
- Coordinate travel, accommodation, insurance, tours, and other activities.
- Advise clients about destinations, cultures, customs, and weather.
- Collect payments, book travel arrangements, and pay applicable fees.
- Handle travel issues, conflicts, complaints, and cancellations.
- Establish and maintain relations with tour and travel vendors.
- Take part in travel seminars and conferences.
- Research industry trends and destinations.
- Keep accurate records about bookings, payments, and transactions.
- Assist in agency efforts by completing related tasks when needed.
Georgia's Licensing Requirements
According to the World Scholarship Forum, Atlanta is the busiest airport in the world, with an average of 2,400 flights per day. If you aspire to become a travel agent in Georgia, you can earn more and benefit from the constant demand for help in tourist and business travel planning. Although a Georgia professional license is not required, it is highly recommended that you get training in order to work in this field.
Get Your Travel Agent Certification
Having strong credentials in the travel industry is crucial, with the number of travel agents increasing by 10% between 2010 and 2021 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With new travel restrictions in place, certification is even more essential. To get your certification:
- A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum requirement to be a travel agent.
- Enroll in a good community college to learn more about travel destinations through courses in geography, history, and cultures.
- Gain at least 18 months' experience by applying for entry-level jobs at a travel agency or airline to be eligible for the highest certifications in the industry.
- Register for a certification program for travel agents, such as the Travel Institute Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Consultant designations.
- The CTA designation replaces the five years of experience required to be accredited by the International Air Transport Association and provides an exemption from 'errors and omissions insurance.'
- Complete all eight courses and four elective courses in the CTA program, which cover topics such as global distribution systems of fares, tourism, geopolitics, listening skills, and selling travel insurance.
- CTA courses can be completed in three to twelve months.
- Once you have 18 months of experience in the travel industry, you can apply for your CTA certification, which will be sent to you within a few weeks.
You might also consider earning an associate degree in travel planning or travel tourism offered at many community colleges.
Atlanta, GA Travel Agent Salary
The average salary for a travel agent in Atlanta, GA is $21.13 per hour, with an additional $120 in tips per day. Georgia is a great place to start your career in this industry, with average salaries being 11% higher than the national average. Here are the annual salary ranges by location in Georgia:
- Atlanta: $38,265
- Augusta-Richmond County: $36,200
- Columbus: $35,181
- Savannah: $36,348
- Athens-Clarke County: $37,994
- Macon: $36,092
- Roswell: $38,120
- Albany: $35,558
- Marietta: $38,156
- Warner Robins: $35,984
*Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC Code 41-3041, BLS. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
If you are wondering which career path is right for you, look no further. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is not only America's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic but also the busiest airport in the world. As a resident of Georgia, you couldn't be in a better place to launch your career as a travel agent.
Sources
- Career Trend
- World Scholarship Forum
- Indeed
