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With excellent restaurants and world-class family resorts, Hawaii is a one-of-a-kind paradise.
That is why both Travel & Leisure and Forbes named the state as one of the best travel destinations.
There is more good news for vacationers – Hawaii is officially open to visitors again!
However, due to the continuing pandemic, a travel agent has become almost a necessity.
Who wants to take the time to keep up with all those changing rules?
That is where you come in.
There has never been a better moment to be a Hawaii travel agent.
A travel agent is almost an essential requirement due to the ongoing pandemic.
Article Table of Contents
Responsibilities of a Travel Agent in Hawaii
- Coordinates travel, accommodation and insurance.
- Assist clients with information about their destinations, culture, customs, and weather.
- Collect payments, make travel arrangements, and pay any applicable fees.
- Manage travel conflicts, complaints, cancelations, and other issues.
- Establish and maintain relationships with travel and tour vendors.
- Take part in travel seminars and conferences.
- Find out about industry trends and potential destinations.
- Maintain accurate records of bookings, payments, and transactions.
- Assist with agency activities by completing related tasks as needed.
Hawaii Licensing Requirements
Hawaii’s seller of Travel Law requires that all persons who wish to sell travel services in Hawaii must be licensed by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
How to get a Hawaii Seller of Travel License
Step 1: Complete the License Application
Register as a Hawaii Travel Agency.
Step 2: Create a client trust account
Establish a client trust account through a checking or savings account at a federally insured financial institution in Hawaii.
You must:
- Submit evidence that you have set up the account.
- Have an original letter from the financial institution containing the following information: Name and address of the financial institution, Client Trust Account designation, date account was opened, and account number.
- Have copies of a blank check with the name and address for your financial institution, name and description of your travel agency, account numbers, and identification account as a client trust account.
Step 3: Pay the application fees
Make checks payable to “Commerce and Consumer Affairs.”
The following fees are applicable:
- Register in an even-numbered year: $215
- Applying for registration in an odd-numbered year: $146
- Even if you are denied, application fees cannot be refunded.
You may have the right to a hearing if you are denied registration for any reason.
You must request a hearing in writing from the agency which denied your application.
This must be done within 60 days after receiving notification that your registration application has been rejected.
Step 4: Submit application
Mail your application for a license and any additional paperwork and fees to the appropriate address.
Your Travel Agent Certification is Worth It
Strong credentials are crucial in the travel industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of agents has increased by 10% between 2010-2021.
You must have at least 18 months of experience to be eligible for the highest industry certifications.
Apply for entry-level positions at a travel agency, airline, or travel agency to get started.
There are many certification programs offered by private organizations, including the Travel Institute Certified Travel Associate (CTA).
The CTA designation replaces five years of experience that are required to become accredited by the International Air Transport Association.
You are also exempt from the ‘errors’ or ‘omissions’ insurance.
If you are a travel agent, this will remove the need for professional liability coverage.
After you have 18 months of experience in the travel industry, you can apply for your CTA.
Within a few weeks, your documentation should be sent.
Hawaii Travel Agent Salary
The estimated salary for a travel agent in Hawaii is $ $21.13 per hour and $120 per day tips.
Hawaii is a great place to start your career, as the average salary is 10% higher than the national average.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $40,099 |
| Hilo | $39,828 |
| Kailua | $40,099 |
| Kaneohe | $40,099 |
| Waipahu | $40,081 |
| Pearl City | $40,099 |
| Waimanalo | $40,099 |
| Mililani Town | $40,026 |
| Kahului | $39,828 |
| Kihei | $39,828 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 260 | $42,510 | $20.44 | $61,430 | $27,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
With more people than ever in need of a qualified travel agent, there could never be a time to get your certification.
Sources
https://blog.suretysolutions.com/suretynews/hawaii-seller-of-travel-license
https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/travel-agent/hawaii/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely in Hawaii as a travel agent?
Covid-19 has led to many companies adopting remote work methods.
Many companies have maintained their work-from-home policies in order to provide flexibility for employees after the pandemic.
What can I do for my career to grow?
Your experience is key to your promotion and growth as a travel agent.
Agents can improve their careers by learning more about personal marketing, sales, and how to market themselves.
Who would I work for?
Because of the many moving parts, it is difficult to identify the employer for a travel agent.
Agents can work for a variety of travel agencies.
Some agents work as independent contractors.
While some may work for their own companies, others might be contractors.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State