The travel industry is a $1.2 trillion industry, and it is growing. With more people traveling than ever before, online travel agents are in high demand.
If you love to travel and you want to help others experience the world, becoming an online travel agent may be the perfect career for you. Here are the steps on how to become an online travel agent:
1. Get the necessary training.
There are a few different ways to get training to become an online travel agent. You can take online courses, attend trade shows, or work for a travel agency to gain experience.
Some of the most popular training programs include:
- The Travel Institute's Certified Travel Agent (CTA) program: This program is accredited by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and covers all the essential topics you need to know to become an online travel agent, including booking flights and hotels, creating itineraries, and marketing your services.
- The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Travel Agent Training Program: This program covers the basics of travel agency operations and management. It is designed for both new and experienced travel agents.
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel and Tourism Training Program: This program provides comprehensive training in all aspects of the travel and tourism industry. It is ideal for those who want to work in a variety of travel-related fields.
2. Get licensed.
In some states, you are required to be licensed to sell travel. Check with the licensing board in your state to find out if you need a license.
3. Set up your business.
Once you have the necessary training and licenses, you can set up your own online travel agency. You will need to choose a business name, register your business, and obtain a business license. You will also need to create a website and market your services.
4. Get started selling travel!
Once your online travel agency is set up, you can start selling travel to clients. You can use your website, social media, and word-of-mouth to attract new clients. You can also partner with other businesses, such as hotels and airlines, to offer discounts to your clients.
Tips for Success as an Online Travel Agent
- Be passionate about travel.
- Be detail-oriented.
- Be organized.
- Be good at customer service.
- Be willing to work long hours.
- Be prepared to deal with stress.
If you can meet these requirements, becoming an online travel agent can be a rewarding and lucrative career.
