Occupation · SOC 41-3041
Travel Agents
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
Median wage
$48,450
$33,280–$74,160
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
59,150
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
81 mapped
Core skills
Service OrientationActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessPersuasionJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingGeographyComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareBusiness intelligence and data analysis softwareAccounting software
Representative tasks
Collect payment for transportation and accommodations from customer.Plan, describe, arrange, and sell itinerary tour packages and promotional travel incentives offered Converse with customer to determine destination, mode of transportation, travel dates, financial con
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Client destination and travel date details — collect and record under direct supervisor guidance during initial customer consultations.Transportation and hotel reservations — book using agency computer systems and telephone following established booking protocols.Customer payment for transportation and accommodations — process using agency-approved methods under close supervision at a retail travel counter.Basic itinerary tour packages — describe to customers using pre-prepared agency brochures and promotional materials.Client and vendor records — enter and maintain in the agency database following data entry templates and supervisor instructions.Travel cost estimates — compute using calculator and carrier tariff books for standard domestic itineraries with supervisor review.Transportation carrier tickets — print and verify using the agency computer printer system by following step-by-step procedural guides.Travel brochures and destination publications — distribute to customers and explain key points of interest under agent direction.Customer inquiries about local customs and foreign country regulations — respond using agency-provided reference materials and scripted talking points.Calendar and scheduling software — use to log appointment times and travel dates for assigned client files under supervision.
developing
Customer financial considerations and accommodation preferences — assess through structured consultations and translate into tailored itinerary recommendations with minimal oversight.Domestic and international tour packages — plan, price, and sell to customers by comparing carrier tariffs and hotel rate books independently.Travel cost calculations for multi-leg itineraries — compute accurately using GDS software and package pricing tools with routine managerial spot-checks.Client, vendor, and travel package records — maintain and update consistently in CRM software to support ongoing account management.Reservation conflicts or availability gaps — identify and resolve by coordinating alternative carriers or accommodations within familiar booking systems.Promotional travel incentives — present persuasively to prospective customers by matching offers to stated travel goals during in-person or phone consultations.Customer correspondence regarding booking confirmations and itinerary changes — draft clearly using office suite and email software within standard agency turnaround times.Transportation ticketing requests — process for a regular client portfolio through carrier system links, verifying accuracy before delivery.Geographic and cultural destination knowledge — apply when advising customers on points of interest, entry requirements, and local customs for commonly booked regions.Time management across concurrent client bookings — demonstrate by prioritizing tasks and meeting reservation deadlines in a moderately busy agency environment.
proficient
Complex multi-destination international itineraries — design, price, and sell autonomously by synthesizing carrier tariffs, hotel rate books, and GDS data to meet diverse customer needs.Non-routine customer travel problems — resolve independently, including last-minute cancellations, missed connections, and vendor failures, by applying critical thinking and industry contacts.Full client lifecycle management — execute from initial consultation through payment collection and post-trip follow-up using CRM and accounting software without supervisory intervention.Negotiated rates and upgraded packages — secure from hotel and carrier vendors on behalf of high-value clients by applying persuasion and market knowledge during direct negotiations.Customized promotional travel proposals — develop and present to corporate or group clients using business intelligence data and presentation software to close competitive bookings.Customer financial profiles and budget constraints — evaluate holistically to recommend cost-optimized itineraries while maintaining agency revenue targets.Regulatory and documentation requirements for international travel — advise customers comprehensively on visa processes, customs rules, and health entry conditions across diverse destinations.Agency vendor relationships and preferred supplier lists — manage and leverage strategically to obtain best available rates and inventory for a full client book.Escalated customer service situations — handle with social perceptiveness and clear oral communication to retain client trust and resolve disputes at the agency level.Database queries and reporting — run against agency travel package and client data systems to identify booking trends and support operational decision-making.
advanced
Agency-wide itinerary product portfolio — design and continuously refine by analyzing market trends, carrier partnerships, and business intelligence data to maintain competitive differentiation.Junior and mid-level travel agents — mentor and coach in GDS proficiency, customer consultation techniques, and vendor negotiation to elevate team performance across the agency.Strategic vendor and carrier partnerships — negotiate at an organizational level to secure preferred pricing agreements, override commissions, and exclusive promotional inventory.Agency sales targets and revenue goals — set, monitor, and achieve by leading team accountability discussions and reallocating resources in response to booking performance data.Quality assurance standards for client record-keeping and ticketing accuracy — establish and enforce across all agent workflows to minimize error and liability exposure.Corporate and group travel programs — develop end-to-end for major accounts, coordinating complex logistics across multiple carriers, hotels, and international destinations.Agency technology infrastructure — evaluate and recommend adoption of new GDS platforms, CRM systems, and scheduling software to improve operational efficiency at scale.Customer escalation policy and service recovery protocols — author and implement for the agency, ensuring consistent resolution standards that protect client retention and brand reputation.Industry regulatory changes and travel policy updates — interpret and communicate to the full agent team, translating compliance requirements into updated booking and documentation procedures.Agency market positioning and promotional strategy — direct by identifying high-growth destination segments, designing incentive campaigns, and representing the agency at industry trade events.
Also known as
28 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Virtual Travel ConsultantTour CoordinatorEntertainment Travel ConsultantLeisure Travel AgentBusiness Travel ConsultantVacation PlannerBeach ExpertCorporate Travel AgentInternational Travel ConsultantAuto Travel CounselorDestination SpecialistTravel Service ConsultantTravel SpecialistTravel AgentTravel ProfessionalTour AgentTravel PlannerTravel CounselorVIP Travel Consultant (Very Important Person Travel Consultant)Corporate Travel ExpertTravel CoordinatorBooking AgentTravel ConsultantCorporate Travel CounselorCorporate Travel ConsultantTravel Sales AgentCertified Travel CounselorTour Counselor