Why You Should Become a Travel Agent This Year
byCheryl Rosen/
Looking for a profession that lets you work from home, be your own boss, earn a good living, and see the world — and while you are at it, build understanding and human relationships? This year, many travel advisors say, their chosen career is more lucrative and rewarding than ever, and there is more support and training available from reputable host agencies to help newcomers learn the basics.
这是一些旅行顾问在旅行市场报告询问为什么人们应该考虑加入该行业时的回答。beplay客服
Because travel is a growth industry
“ 2019年是成为旅行顾问的好时机。旅行正在上升,许多人意识到旅行不仅是辛勤工作的回报。这是生活的作业。“我们的行业体现了真正的款待和个人联系。在我们技术驱动的年龄中,旅行顾问专注于以无缝的方式个性化经验和旅行,以使客户的想法成为现实。休闲时间是我们最有价值的资产,从他们伸出援手到他们安全回家的第一刻起,我们就在那里为我们的客户提供服务。我们的目标是通过我们的专业网络来创造令人难忘的假期。我们关心采取额外的步骤,使客户感到特别。”
Janet Harris, director of recruitment, at Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., also sees the increasing opportunities: “This year, the economy is strong and people understand the value of taking a vacation. Many Baby Boomers are retiring and want to stay active; they find becoming a travel advisor not only provides supplemental income in retirement, but it gives them the opportunity to see the world now, while they still can. It’s a booming business opportunity.”
Susie Cleary Chau, founder, Carpe Diem Traveler, talked about an encouraging trend: “Although 52% of Americans did not use all their vacation days last year, the average number of days Americans are taking off has been increasing since 2014 and is now 17.2 days/year — and that means more demand for travel advisors. Plus, Baby Boomers are retiring — as many as 10,000 per DAY — and many have been waiting most of their lives to take the bucket list trips they've been dreaming about! They especially need help from a professional to plan their trips.”
Geoff Millar, manager, Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel and Ultimate Hawaii Vacations, said: “As travel has gotten more complicated and confusing, many more people need help. We get more and more calls where the person says, ‘I have tried to do this myself and have only succeeded in confusing myself.’ A good agent can make a lot of money doing this while having a fun time, as long as they have a great business and marketing plan, along with some seed money and understanding that this is a sales job.”
因为消费者understanding the value of travel advisors
“Now more than ever, people value time; there’s never been a better time to offer value (and be rewarded for that service),” said Glenda Beagle, business coach at MainStreet Business Academy. “Travel professionals offer the service of saving time, and more clients than ever truly appreciate that and are willing to pay for convenience and time.”
同时,抢美女,独立vacation specialist, at Cruises Inc., in Rockford, Illinois, said: “There is no substitution for a real person who listens, understands, and builds a rapport — someone who is more than a travel professional, someone who is your friend. Mature clients have always known the value of relationships, while younger clients are slowly learning that while technology may be great for focusing, it is not an end-all to the best value. People of all ages see the value in the service and empathy that a professional travel advisor provides.”
Lynne Adams, owner, Lynne Adams Travel LLC, talked about the win-win of the traveler/advisor relationship: “Traveling to exotic places is more complicated, and flight delays, strikes, civil unrest, and weather create stress for my clients. I love solving problems and creating stress-free and memorable itineraries with back-up plans in case of hiccups. My clients know they have an experienced agent who is available, if they need me while they are traveling. This is why I love this career. It satisfies my people-pleaser needs. And of course, I love to travel. So, win-win.”
And, Helen Prochilo, owner, Promal Vacations, brought the repetitive message home: “There are so many stories of do-it-yourselfers getting into trouble booking their own travel; that is helping bring more attention to ‘why book with a travel advisor.’ We can save the public from themselves; we tell them the documents needed to travel, ensure their plane tickets are booked properly, make sure there is adequate time between connecting flight, and much more. There is no better satisfaction than a client returning home and thanking you for a seamless trip.”
Because you can be your own boss
“The employment landscape is changing; people used to work at one company until they retired, but it is no longer this way,” said Margie Lenau', travel consultant, at Wonderland Family Vacations, LLC. “As an entrepreneur, you can manage your own risk, instead of waiting to see if you lose your job — and there is no retirement age. Many older people need more income, and younger people building families can supplement their income. This career allows people to work from a home office, as well as pass on their passion for travel.”
瑞妮·史丹利(Renee Stanley)的所有者Renee Newallo-Stanley - 邮轮计划人员说:“雇主不再对员工提供忠诚。控制我的生活比让别人控制何时,何地和如何生活要好。去年我离开了我的旧生活,拥抱这条新的道路。”
Because it’s fun
“This is a booming industry that does have its challenges, but can be so fun!” said Lauren Capotosto Doyle, vice president, at The Travel Mechanic. “At the end of the day, it is a sales job, but it has so many ways to specialize and service an industry that needs better customization and clarity in an internet-cluttered world! As our society moves toward more work-from-home jobs, getting into the industry now will benefit you for sure!”
Stef Katz, owner/travel specialist, at The Travel Superhero, offered: “As a travel agent, I get the personal fulfillment of taking care of, delighting, and surprising my clients. I need this and the American ‘too many options, not enough time’ public wants it. Life is far too short to not follow one’s dreams.”
In the same vein, Alan Rosenbaum, Dream Vacations franchise owner and vacation specialist, in Johns Creek, Georgia, said: “As with any career, you should enjoy what you’re doing. As a travel advisor, you should enjoy and get satisfaction from helping people; you should be able to put disappointments behind you and look forward to new opportunities. Booking vacations that you’ve never booked before should excite you more than it scares you. And as for income, as a travel advisor, income will depend on a lot of things, including how hard you’re willing to work.”
Adding in some humor, Jay Dill, owner, The Travel Junkie, LLC, quipped: “Don't do it! It's a terrible job! (I don't want to let the word out that it's pretty much the best.)”
And, Rebecca Falkenberry, travel advisor, at Brownell Travel said simply: “Because it’s the best career ever.”