Travel agents need a variety of skills to deal with customer service, marketing, geography and international cultures. The curriculum of an online travel agent certificate program provides knowledge in these areas as well as the use of industry reservation systems. Read this article for more information.
Online Travel Agent Certificate Programs
An online travel agent certificate program prepares you for a career as a travel agent in a variety of settings, including travel agencies, vacation resorts, cruise lines, vacation clubs, tourism companies and corporate travel departments. Most programs are available for six months and can be completed at your own pace, with extensions available if necessary. Online travel agent programs provide the basic skills to help clients plan and purchase travel accommodations.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Continuing education programs may not have specific prerequisites; a high school diploma or GED is the entry-level education requirement to work in the field</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Travel agent/related positions available at travel/tour companies, cruise lines, convention bureaus, corporations' in-house travel departments</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certifications </td><td> Certification is encouraged for professionals from The Travel Institute, the International Airline Transport Association and Cruise Lines International Association</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> May be required to maintain professional certification</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $43,810 (<i>for travel agents</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 20% (<i>for travel agents</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CourseCurriculumOfAnOnlineTravelAgentCertificateProgram">Course Curriculum of an Online Travel Agent Certificate Program</h3><p>A wide range of skills is necessary to become a travel agent. The course curriculum within a certificate program usually includes the following:
</p><ul><li><b>Geography:</b> Students learn basic geography skills. These include map reading and distance measurement. Students also learn about major geographical features, climate, weather and local cultures.
</li><li><b>Air, Road and Rail Travel:</b> Airline and rail routes, industry jargon, car rental agencies, reservations and fares are discussed.
</li><li><b>International Travel:</b> Courses cover the rules and regulations governing international travel, passports, customs and currency exchange.
</li><li><b>Cruises:</b> Various cruise lines, cruising traditions, accommodations, reservations, destinations and regulations are covered.
</li><li><b>Tours:</b> This course covers different types of tours. Students also learn the basics of tour operations.
</li><li><b>Reservation Systems:</b> Courses in various and sometimes multiple reservations systems are offered, such as Apollo or Sabre.
</li><li><b>Sales and Marketing:</b> Students learn to market and sell travel. Techniques are explored, such as niche marketing, client identification and cross-selling.
</li><li><b>Business Skills:</b> Some programs offer courses discussing business skills that are useful to travel agents, including basic finance and accounting, communication skills and building a small business.</li></ul>
