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With travel restrictions in place around the world because of the coronavirus pandemic, it might seem the wrong time to become a travel agent.
However, travel agents are needed more than ever before to provide guidance for future trips.
Their expertise will be invaluable as travelers navigate constantly the changing environment in the strange new world of COVID-19.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Job Responsibilities
- Meet with clients to discuss travel preferences, budgets, and needs.
- Coordinates 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 cancelations.
- 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 2,400 flights per day on average.
The average annual earnings of travel agents were $32,470 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You can earn more by becoming a travel agent for Atlanta, Georgia.
Based on the constant demand for help in tourist and business travel planning, the job outlook is bright.
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
It is crucial to have strong credentials in the travel industry, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the number of travel agents increased by 10% between 2010 and 2021.
With new restrictions in travel, 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.
- A good community college will enable you to learn more about travel destinations by taking courses in geography, history, and cultures.
- To be eligible for the highest certifications in the industry, you must have at least 18 months’ experience. Your best start is to apply for entry-level jobs at a travel agency or airline.
- Register for a certification program for travel agents. Many private organizations offer certification programs, including the well-respected Travel Institute Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Consultant designations.
CTA designation replaces the five years of experience required to be accredited by the International Air Transport Association.
It also provides an exemption from ‘errors and omissions insurance.
This will eliminate the need for professional liability insurance if you decide to become a travel agent.
To earn your CTA certification, you must complete all eight courses and four elective courses.
Topics covered include:
- Global distribution systems of fares
- Tourism
- Geopolitics
- Listening skills
- 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.
CTA should send you your documentation within a few weeks.
You might earn an associate degree in travel planning or travel tourism.
These programs are offered at many community colleges.
Atlanta, GA Travel Agent Salary
The average salary for a travel agent in Atlanta, GA is $21.13 an hour and $120 tips per daily.
Georgia is a great location to start in this industry, with average salaries 11% higher than the national average.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 1,920 | $40,260 | $19.36 | $50,540 | $26,630 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 30 | $37,120 | $17.84 | $55,650 | $25,350 |
| Savannah, GA | 160 | $35,640 | $17.14 | $46,660 | $24,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
You might wonder “What career path is right for me?”
The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is America’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic.
Since 1998, it has been the busiest airport in the world and was visited by 20 million more than the second busiest airport.
If you call Georgia home, you could not be in a better place to launch your career as a travel agent.
Sources
- https://careertrend.com/about-6597438-travel-planner-job-description.html
- https://worldscholarshipforum.com/best-travel-agent-training-online-for-free/
- https://www.indeed.com/career/travel-agent/salaries/Atlanta–GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certification in order to be a travel agent in Georgia?
Although certifications are not usually necessary, the Travel Agency Proficiency Test can prove helpful for those who want to start their career.
For experienced agents, the Travel Institute offers continuing education to help them become Certified Travel Associates or Certified Travel Counselors.
Can I work remotely as a Georgia travel agent?
Many companies have adopted remote work practices because of Covid-19.
Now, many have kept their work-from-home policies to allow flexibility for their employees following the pandemic.
What can I do to improve my career?
Promotions and growth in a travel agency will depend on your experience.
Agents can learn more about personal marketing and sales to help them advance their careers.
Who would I like to work for?
It is difficult to identify the employer of a travel agent because of all the moving parts.
Agents work in a variety of travel agencies.
Others work as independent contractors.
Some may be independent contractors but work only for one company, such as an online booking platform.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State