 Travel agent is a person who accompanies tourists or tourist groups on sightseeing tours or to places of interest (different art galleries, museums, public buildings, ancient places, industrial establishments, business enterprises). Travel agents plan, organize and lead long distance tours, cruises and expeditions.
Very often business and vacation tourists appeal to tourist agents to make all-embracing and comprehensive planning of their foreign visit to unknown places. That is tourist agent who makes the best possible travel arrangements for customer. Also, many major cruise ships, resorts, and specialty travel groups hire travel agents to promote travel packages to millions of people every year.
Tourist agent’s functions include giving advice on hotel conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions, destination and making arrangements on transportation, hotel accommodation, car renting and recreation. A separate question is dealing with international tourists. Agent gives information on customs regulations, required documents and currency rates etc. Tourist agents visit a lot of restaurants, hotels and resorts in order to experience and value them. They have to be acquainted with all available resources. It is not necessary to mention that a tourist agent should speak as more languages as possible.
Travel agents promote their services trough television, radio, Internet and published advertisement. They make presentations to interested groups. Depending on the size of the travel agency, an agent may specialize by type of travel or destination (such as Europe, Asia or Africa).
Tourist agent should be well educated; his background knowledge must be deep and reliable, he should be confident, persuasive and agreeable in communication. Travel agents must be well-organized, accurate, very patient and meticulous to compile information from various sources and plan and organize their clients’ travel itineraries. Other desirable qualifications include good writing, computer, and sales skills.
Some people start their career as clerks or receptionists in travel agencies. Having got experience they can be promoted and work as tourist agents and then managers.
Before starting own agencies generally people have had experience in an established agency. You need experience and skills in building relations with airlines, rail lines, hotels, resorts and restaurants.
Sometimes a job of travel agent appears to be frustrating and time-consuming. But it is not for well-prepared and experienced professional.
Get the skills and training you need for a career in a travel agency from home, in your spare time! When you have completed the correspondence tourist agent course you will be prepared to work in a travel agency or open your own travel business.
The course covers the following topics:
√ Using computerized reservation systems in a travel agency;
√ Learning key tourist destinations worldwide;
√ Tour and vacation packages;
√ Starting your own travel agency.
With a help of correspondence course you can train for a travel and tourism career on your own time, in your own home, and at your own pace. A course is full of resources needed to teach you about the travel industry in general and what you need to know for starting your own business. It will perfectly prepare you to launching your career as a first class travel agent.
Significant points:
Travel benefits, such as reduced rates for transportation and lodging, attract many people to this occupation.
Training at a postsecondary vocational school, college, or university is increasingly important.
Travel agents increasingly specialize in specific destinations or type of travel or traveler.
Keen competition for jobs is expected. Having studied a correspondence tourist agent course you will be able to work as a tour and travel guide, reservation and transportation ticket agent, travel clerks or a tourist agent.
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