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Whether you want to help others experience all the features Arizona has to offer or help your neighboring residents choose a destination out of state for their next vacation, you can make this a trip to remember when you become a travel agent in Arizona.
Keep reading for the requirements for this career and what you can expect when you pursue it in Arizona.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Arizona
When you take on a travel agent position in Arizona, there are several job duties that you will adopt, no matter what agency you are working for and if you have a vacation niche that you are specializing in.
- Maintaining hotel or cabin reservations
- Transportation accommodations and required documentation
- Entertainment bookings
- Solving any issues that develop
- Offer publications and brochures as necessary
- Offer and sell travel insurance
- Join organizations and attend conferences
These skills are critical for travel agents in their daily work and are at the core of the service you are providing for your client.
Whether you are just entering the industry or have had experience in travel agencies and tourism, these skills are essential for you building your brand, your specialty, and even more importantly, a clientele that will return and send more business in your direction because of the ease and convenience they had using your services.
Licensing Requirements in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, it is required that you get certified to work as a travel agent.
Before you can become a travel agent, you should have experience working in the industry before applying for your license.
Once you have entered the industry, you should also have a level of certification, ranging from vocational courses to a full undergraduate degree and one of the universities located in Arizona.
Once you have met the criteria to become licensed in Arizona, you can submit your registration paperwork with the Arizona Business Travel Association or the company you are employed as a travel agent.
Make sure you join organizations and get access to the various memberships available.
Being a member of something like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) will give you certification and conference opportunities to network and promote yourself in your career.
Travel Agent Programs
Several schools in Arizona offer hospital and travel agent programs that can be used for certification.
They include the following:
- Ashworth College
- The University of Phoenix
- Arizona State University
These programs teach students the necessary skills for communication and negotiation while learning to build business relationships with hotels, resorts, and other businesses they will encounter in the industry.
There is no particular degree level required for the certification, so you can pursue as much education as you would like before and after you enter the travel agency realm.
If you have joined an agency as a travel agent or travel assistant, they may have a specific program to which you would like to apply based upon their standards and certifications.
Be sure to speak with your employer if you have not already enrolled in a program.
A virtual option may be what you need to fit your work schedule and still meet your certification goals.
Travel Agent Salary in Arizona
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a travel agent in Arizona ranges around $35k on the lower end and $45k for those with a little more experience.
This is a good indicator that this job has growth potential, and those that are doing the average are still able to bring in a significant wage based on the clients they are building.
Because a travel agent is found in sales, you can work more and earn more over time as you build a substantial client base that will return and spread the word about your business.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $38,213 |
| Tucson | $36,347 |
| Mesa | $38,219 |
| Glendale | $38,213 |
| Scottsdale | $38,219 |
| Chandler | $38,219 |
| Tempe | $38,219 |
| Gilbert | $38,219 |
| Peoria | $38,136 |
| Yuma | $39,669 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 930 | $61,030 | $29.34 | $88,330 | $37,880 |
| Tucson, AZ | 50 | $41,100 | $19.76 | $58,090 | $29,830 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
Travel Agent | 8 High Priority Duties & Responsibilities (claritysso.com)
Travel Agent Salary in Arizona | Salary.com
Frequently Asked Questions
As an Arizona travel agent, will I need a 4-year degree for my certification?
While 4-year degrees are recommended and competitive on your resume, they are not required to get into an entry-level position in the travel agency and gain certification.
Some travel agents pursue their degree after receiving their initial certification and then use a degree to promote their career differently.
As a travel agent in Arizona, can I specialize in a particular type of vacation?
While the licensing for all travel agents is pretty general, you can market yourself to be a specific type of vacation planner, targeting corporations looking for a business retreat, honeymooners looking for a romantic experience, or those who want to travel to a specific destination.
While working in Arizona, can I book international vacations for clients or just those within the United States?
If you have the experience and the knowledge surrounding international vacations that are destination-specific, you can help your clients book their trips overseas or across either border.
However, you must stay current with all travel restrictions and ensure your clients can get to their destination and return with minimal issues.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State