Travel Agent

Travel Agents supply information, arrange travel itineraries and obtain necessary reservations.

Tasks

Advise customers on itineraries and method of travel;
Prepare itineraries;
Make and confirm reservations for transportation and accommodations;
Issue ticket, vouchers and other documents;
Inform clients of essential travel information such as travel times, transportation connections, and medical and visa requirements;
Provide clients with assistance in preparing required travel documents and forms;
Prepare bills and receive payments.

Basic Educational Requirement

Any educational background is acceptable but preference is given to graduates of a course in Tourism. Short-term courses in tourism management would also be an advantage for non-tourism graduates.

Skills and Competencies

Ability to convey information effectively;
Ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures;
Speech clarity;
Working knowledge of other languages such as Japanese, French, Chinese, Spanish, etc;
Knowledge of basic mathematics;
Computer literate;
Knowledgeable in system CSC (Amadeus, Galileo and World span) and other applicable computer software programs;
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (i.e. customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services; and evaluation of customer satisfaction);
Knowledge of clerical and office procedures and systems such as managing files and records, designing and accomplishing forms;
Adept at coordination work.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

Active initiative to solve customer problem;
Service-minded;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Socially perceptive;
Near vision - ability to see details at close range.

Salary/Compensation

The monthly basic salary of a Reservation and Travel Agent starts at P12,960 at the entry level. It may go as high as P15,660 while the median monthly basic pay is estimated at P13,500.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Travel Agents may advance to supervisory or managerial positions after they have acquired the competencies required for such position. He/She must be able to demonstrate the ability to manage organizational operations and to lead large organizations.

Travel Agents could also put up their own business as Tour Operators.

Employment Opportunities

The growth in tourism-related services will provide ample employment opportunities to the travel and tour segment of the tourism industry, thus, the demand for Travel Agent is expected to be sustained in the succeeding years.

There are likewise job opportunities for those seeking overseas employment.

Cost of Education *

A degree in BS Tourism cost around P25,000 to P35,000 per semester.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007-2008

Source: Bureau of Local Employment, Manila, Philippines.