travel agent job description

What does a travel agent do? The specific duties of a travel agent include: understanding the client: one of your most important responsibilities as a travel agent is to understand the needs and preferences of your clients. You take the time to ask questions and listen carefully to your client's requests so you can plan a trip that meets their expectations. planning travel arrangements: once a trip is chosen, you are responsible for planning and booking all aspects, including flights, accommodation, and transport at their destination. You may also book tours and activities, as well as provide recommendations on restaurants and other attractions. managing travel logistics: you are skilled at managing travel logistics, such as ensuring that flights and other transportation are properly scheduled and coordinated. You are also available to handle any issues that may arise during the trip, such as flight cancellations or hotel overbooking. staying up-to-date: travel industry trends change regularly, and part of your role is to be knowledgeable about the latest trends and changes in the travel industry, including new destinations, airline policies, and travel regulations.

Your work environment as a travel agent will typically be office-based. If you are an online travel agent, the possibility of remote working exists, and you may be able to carry out your duties from home. You work in a customer-focused environment that can be relatively quiet or quite hectic, depending on the size and location of your office.

who are your colleagues?

Your main colleagues as a travel agent are other travel agents. Most travel agent offices will have several agents working there, enabling you to share the workload between yourselves. You may also work with executive assistants , industry partners, such as sales executives , sales representatives from airlines and hotel chains.

Your work schedule as a travel agent will often need to be flexible. Both full-time and part-time hours are common in this field, though your schedule may require you to work weekends and evenings to accommodate clients who work during standard business hours.

The outlook for travel agent jobs is nuanced. Demand for travel agents is expected to grow, but competition for these positions is high. In general, the high demand and respectable earning potential make the job outlook for travel agents positive.

advantages of finding a travel agent job through randstad

Finding your travel agent job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid on a monthly basis temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a travel agent is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

what qualifications do I need to be a travel agent?

There are required formal qualifications to become a travel agent. However, many certifications can help you when looking for a job. Some employers may even require these certifications.

what does a travel agent do?

Travel agents plan and book trips on behalf of their clients and offer additional support when needed, such as in the event of a cancelled flight.

is being a travel agent an easy job?

The difficulty of this profession depends on the type of person you are. If you struggle with organisation or do not have the best interpersonal skills, this job may be more challenging for you.

is it stressful to be a travel agent?

Much of your work as a travel agent will not be very stressful. However, things can become stressful if a flight or hotel cancels at the last minute, and you must make alternative arrangements for your clients.

how do I apply for a travel agent vacancy?

Applying for a travel agent job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter . Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

travel agent

what is a travel agent?

As a travel agent, you are a professional who assists individuals or groups in planning and booking their travel arrangements. Travel agents can help with everything from flights and accommodation to tours and activities. You may also provide expert advice to your clients on the best time to visit certain destinations, cultural etiquette, and other important considerations.

One of the main benefits you provide to your clients is saving them time and effort in planning their trip. Instead of spending hours researching different options online and comparing prices, you do the legwork for them and present them with customised options based on their preferences and budget.

You may also have access to exclusive deals and discounts that are not available to the general public. This means that you could potentially save your clients money compared to the cost of their holiday if they book things themselves. You also provide a higher level of customer support than your clients would get booking directly. For example, you help your clients deal with things like flight cancellations.

Does the prospect of working as a travel agent appeal to your desire to help others with their travel plans? If so, read on to find out what qualifications and skills you need to succeed in this profession.

find your role

1

average travel agent salary

According to Payscale, the average salary of a travel agent is ₹294,790 per year. This average is based on a wider sample of travel agent salaries across the country. At the entry-level end of the scale, the typical salary for a travel agent is upwards of ₹123,000 per year. At the other end, the highest earners can make almost ₹10,00,000 per year.

factors that affect travel agent's pay

Experience is a major factor in determining your potential pay as a travel agent. Those who are just starting out in the industry will likely earn less than those with several years of experience. As you gain more experience and knowledge of the travel industry, you can command a higher salary.

Another important factor that affects your pay is the type of company you work for. Travel agents who work for large, well-established travel companies have more opportunities for higher pay and better benefits. Working for smaller, independent agencies may have more flexibility in their work but less potential regarding salary.

Commission is another important factor in a travel agent's pay. Depending on the specifics of your role, you may earn a percentage of the total cost of the travel arrangements you book for your clients. That means the more bookings you make, the more you can earn.

2

types of travel agents

There are several different types of travel agents in India, each with its own area of expertise. Here are a few of the most common types of travel agents:

leisure travel agents: you specialise in planning and booking vacations and trips for individuals and families. You help with everything from flights and hotels to tours and activities.
corporate travel agents: as a corporate travel agent, you work with businesses to plan and book travel arrangements for their employees. This can include flights, hotels, and ground transportation for business meetings, conferences, and other work-related events.
adventure travel agents: in this role, you specialise in planning and booking adventure trips for individuals and groups. You plan activities like hiking, mountain climbing, and whitewater rafting.
luxury travel agents: you focus on planning high-end and luxury vacations for clients who want to travel in style. You book luxurious accommodations, private tours, and other exclusive experiences.
group travel agents: as a group travel agent, you specialise in planning and booking travel arrangements for large groups, such as school groups, sports teams, or wedding parties.
online travel agents: in this role, you operate entirely online and offer a range of travel services, such as booking flights and hotels, car rentals, and tours. You often offer competitive prices and can be a convenient option for those who prefer to book their travel online.
destination-specific travel agents: you specialise in planning and booking travel arrangements for specific destinations. For example, you may focus on booking trips to popular tourist destinations or on quieter destinations for clients who prefer a quiet getaway.

3

working as a travel agent

Working as a travel agent, you help clients find their ideal destination and help them plan their journey, taking care of many of the logistical aspects like booking flights and hotels for them.

travel agent job description
What does a travel agent do? The specific duties of a travel agent include:
- understanding the client: one of your most important responsibilities as a travel agent is to understand the needs and preferences of your clients. You take the time to ask questions and listen carefully to your client's requests so you can plan a trip that meets their expectations.
- planning travel arrangements: once a trip is chosen, you are responsible for planning and booking all aspects, including flights, accommodation, and transport at their destination. You may also book tours and activities, as well as provide recommendations on restaurants and other attractions.
- managing travel logistics: you are skilled at managing travel logistics, such as ensuring that flights and other transportation are properly scheduled and coordinated. You are also available to handle any issues that may arise during the trip, such as flight cancellations or hotel overbooking.
- staying up-to-date: travel industry trends change regularly, and part of your role is to be knowledgeable about the latest trends and changes in the travel industry, including new destinations, airline policies, and travel regulations.
work environment

Your work environment as a travel agent will typically be office-based. If you are an online travel agent, the possibility of remote working exists, and you may be able to carry out your duties from home. You work in a customer-focused environment that can be relatively quiet or quite hectic, depending on the size and location of your office.
who are your colleagues?

Your main colleagues as a travel agent are other travel agents. Most travel agent offices will have several agents working there, enabling you to share the workload between yourselves. You may also work with executive assistants, industry partners, such as sales executives, sales representatives from airlines and hotel chains.
work schedule

Your work schedule as a travel agent will often need to be flexible. Both full-time and part-time hours are common in this field, though your schedule may require you to work weekends and evenings to accommodate clients who work during standard business hours.
job outlook

The outlook for travel agent jobs is nuanced. Demand for travel agents is expected to grow, but competition for these positions is high. In general, the high demand and respectable earning potential make the job outlook for travel agents positive.
advantages of finding a travel agent job through randstad
Finding your travel agent job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a travel agent is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

4

education and skills

Some of the academic qualifications for travel agents include:

vocational training: while not essential, vocational training in travel and tourism can be helpful for aspiring travel agents. Many institutes and colleges in India offer courses in travel and tourism, which can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry.
industry certifications: depending on your employer and the specific job, you may need to obtain industry certifications to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. These certifications are often specific to this field and do not take as long to complete as a degree.

travel agent skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a travel agent include:

communication: a substantial portion of your job involves dealing with other people, from clients to representatives from airlines or hotels. Good communication skills are, therefore, essential. You communicate effectively with clients, understand their needs, and provide them with accurate and helpful information about travel arrangements.
organisational skills: you are highly organised as you often need to manage multiple tasks and clients simultaneously. You are able to keep track of travel arrangements, schedules, and deadlines to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
an aptitude for technology: technology plays a key role in the work of travel agents, so proficiency in a range of software programs and online tools is an advantage. You use technology to research travel options, book accommodations and communicate with clients.

smiling hotel housekeeper tidying up in room

5

FAQs about working as a travel agent

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a travel agent.

what qualifications do I need to be a travel agent?

There are required formal qualifications to become a travel agent. However, many certifications can help you when looking for a job. Some employers may even require these certifications.
what does a travel agent do?

Travel agents plan and book trips on behalf of their clients and offer additional support when needed, such as in the event of a cancelled flight.
is being a travel agent an easy job?

The difficulty of this profession depends on the type of person you are. If you struggle with organisation or do not have the best interpersonal skills, this job may be more challenging for you.
is it stressful to be a travel agent?

Much of your work as a travel agent will not be very stressful. However, things can become stressful if a flight or hotel cancels at the last minute, and you must make alternative arrangements for your clients.
how do I apply for a travel agent vacancy?

Applying for a travel agent job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!