While becoming a travel agent, some programs can be costly and lengthy. The path to becoming a travel agent may include certifications, degrees or just plain old experience. Experts reveal which route will help future travel agents get the best start in the business.
Certificates
Most of the experts interviewed believed that certificates were over-rated for travel agents. In fact, the majority did not have certification themselves. The general thinking is that such certificates are over-priced and do not necessarily improve the work of the travel agent. Certificates can be nice for show but they do not indicate how experienced a travel agent is.
Degrees
Experts agree that degrees can be helpful in the travel business. However, a degree is a huge commitment and cost so it is important to consider whether or not it is worth it. A degree in business, marketing could be important for running a travel agency. Degrees psychology or communications can help the agent better relate to clients and figure out their needs.
Experience
Travel agents agree that the best course of action to take if one wants to be a travel agent is to do a self-study. Working for a travel agency rather than getting the information from a textbook can be valuable for learning how to handle the daily stresses that come with running an agency. Working in a travel agency is about adapting to daily situations. Work experience gives a future travel agent the first-hand knowledge of how to remain flexible under pressure.
Who are the Experts?
Contributors ( in order the contribution was received)
So without further ado, let’s get into…
What are the best course/certification to become a travel agent in Canada?
Muriel Truter/Askari Travel
Do NOT KNOW AS NO ONE IN OUR OFFICE HAS CERTIFICATES – WE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PRODUCT WE ARE SELLING.
Eastern Representative/Eastern College
Formal training and education are necessary to launch a successful professional career. A great way to be successful in today’s competitive career market is to attend a career college, where you will get the specific, job-ready skills you need to perform in a relevant career field. With over 30,000 graduates and 32 years of success, Eastern College is Atlantic Canada’s most reputable and fastest growing school and we are here to help you to succeed.
Mario Skrpec/Mariden Tours
Both are useless.Tony J. Sotera/Travel 300
Of course I am bias as we have an in house training program to become a travel agent, as much as schools teach the knowledge aspect of the industry as it relates to tourism, they are all far from the on hand training that we provide to be an accomplished working independent travel agent in this ever changing and evolving travel industry. We take you from start to finish with ongoing support .
David Melse/Pose Travel
Having neither of these certificates personally it’s tough to comment. To be honest I think the best type of certificate / experience to have is real world travelling experience. Once in the industry there’s a lot of opportunities for ongoing training from tour operators / suppliers etc that are highly relevant to the job.
Sue Heeks/Travel Gurus
I used to believe that a CTC was the best tool an agent could have but I have done a 180 in recent years. Travel has become waaay less technical and more about sales. So to be successful in this business I believe you need to have confidence, be resourceful, have a thick skin and be willing to work hard.Kyle Oram/KVI
A degree in business, marketing, psychology or communications is far more valuable than any travel certifications. There are thousands of websites out there that can provide copious amounts of travel deals and data. An agent must be able to convince clients why they are better than a website.Kim Knapp/Flight Centre
Flight Centre provides comprehensive training when you join the company, which covers our booking systems, sales and product knowledge. It’s not necessary for you to have attended school for travel.
Shelley/Guardia Travel
I have no idea about schools or certificates. I have none of those certificates…never finding the time to get them.
Many of my colleagues do not have them either and it never affected their business.
Sorry, I am not trying to present a negative outlook…just a realistic one.
Derek Sidenius/Wanda Tours
Travel courses are a plus, but they can be lengthy and expensive. Most training is on the job. If the agent wants to pursue other areas of the industry, then the least costly training that targets front line consultants (like GDS training) is recommended. Sales and marketing is good for entrepreneurial individuals planning to become independent contractors.
Travel courses are a plus, but they can be lengthy and expensive. Most training is on the job. If the agent wants to pursue other areas of the industry, then the least costly training that targets front line consultants (like GDS training) is recommended. Sales and marketing is good for entrepreneurial individuals planning to become independent contractors.