The travel industry is a seven trillion dollar industry expected to double to fourteen trillion dollars within the next decade. This lucrative industry is currently growing 23% faster than the global economy.
A key factor in this growth phenomenon is the steady stream of baby boomers who are retiring, or getting ready to retire. In fact, baby boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds. Travel was rated the number one thing these baby boomers intend to do when they do retire.
There is now an increased demand for qualified travel agents, due to the explosive growth of the industry as a whole. To become a certified travel agent, your options are not limited to the traditional brick and mortar setting.
Many reputable travel agencies are now offering attractive options for the individual looking for a legitimate home based business.
If your goal is to work as an independent travel agent from the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider working as an online travel agent.
Here are some companies that you can research, that offer excellent income opportunities and complete training. Please note, that many travel companies that actively recruit agents to work from home, will hire their agents as employees.
There are also travel companies that recruit independent agents. This option will offer the agent the freedom of being self-employed, and the ability to set their own hours.
To take advantage of this option, be aware that there will be an investment required. The ability to make money will be solely at the discretion of the agent who chooses to invest in this business model.
On a positive note, many agents who have invested in this business model are making a very nice income, so be sure to research this option before ruling it out.
Travel companies that currently offer the independent agent business model include TraVerus Travel Network, Global Resorts Network, and Your Travel Business, also known as YTB.
Make sure to do your due diligence! Be sure to research each company carefully, and make it a priority to fully understand the compensation plan. You will also need to know what training is available, and whether the company will offer you the opportunity to become certified.
Don’t be afraid to ask important questions, such as whether the company has IATA(International Air Transport Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Credentials. This is important information to know, especially if you intend to take advantage of the travel perks and benefits available to those in the travel industry.
Here are some questions to ask – What is the initial investment, if any? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with obtaining licensing, or becoming certified? And finally, if you are considering a work at home position, what kind of support and training is offered?
Next, determine whether you a right fit for the travel industry. Lets break down the qualifications that will determine whether you are suited for this challenging, but rewarding career.
Travel agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma. Agents should have a true love for travel,as well as a sincere enthusiasm and love for working with people, because these traits are crucial elements for success in this industry.
Travel agents should also possess excellent multi-tasking and organization skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are very important, along with great communication skills. In addition, good computer skills will be needed.
Travel agents should possess a professional, courteous demeanor when working with suppliers, and the general public. Sales ability and great interpersonal skills are an added plus.
The benefits of becoming a travel agent are many. I have listed the top three.
Travel agents save up to 80% on travel to many of the worlds exclusive resorts and destinations. These discounts include, but are not limited to:
a. Complimentary upgrades
b. Hotel room upgrades and discounts
c. Car rental discounts and upgrades
d. Cruises
e. Theme park discounts
f. Vacation Packages
FAM trips, also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of their facilities. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge and first hand experience.
The supplier will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
So, how do I become a travel agent? In summary, becoming a travel agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Should you decide that you possess the skills and abilities needed for success, you can look forward to a promising career.
In addition to the companies named in this article, you can do further research online at Google or Yahoo using the following keywords – become a travel agent, how do I become a travel agent, travel agent careers, or online travel agent.
Tag-Archive for » Global Economy «
As large Corporations begin to outsource, automate and streamline their operations, many Americans are faced with the startling realization that company loyalty and seniority may not guarantee them the job security and retirement benefits they desire. Despite the economy, the travel industry continues to grow, with online travel making up the fastest growing sector of this industry.
Top 10 Reasons To Consider A Home Based Travel Business:
1. The Industry: Travel is a seven trillion dollar a year business, and is expected to double to fourteen trillion within the next decade. Despite current economic conditions, the travel industry continues to grow, and is growing 23% faster than the Global economy.
2. The Timing: A key factor in the growth of the travel industry in the upcoming decade is the Baby Boomer generation. This is a key demographic for the travel industry, for two reasons. The first reason is that the Baby Boomer generation is seventy eight million strong. Baby Boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds, and will continue to do so for the next twenty years. The second reason that this demographic will drive the growth of the travel industry is because Baby boomers consider travel a necessity, not a luxury, and they have indicated travel as the number one thing they intend to do when they retire.
3. The Technology: 52 percent of all travel booked in 2007 and 2008 was booked online, and is expected to grow to over 90 percent by the year 2010. In 2007 alone, over 19 billion in travel and related services was booked through online booking engines. More travel was booked online than offline with traditional brick and mortar travel agencies. Source: phocuswright
4. The Investment: True to the home based business model, home based travel businesses have very low overhead. The majority of your investment will be in training and licensing. Training and certification costs will depend upon which travel business opportunity you decide is right for you, based of course, on your due diligence research.
5. The Flexibility: The flexibility of a home based business makes a home travel business perfect for stay at home moms, stay at home dads, those looking for part time income, and retirees. This opportunity is not limited to that particular niche however. Many individuals have left their full time jobs after starting a home travel business, simply because their part time income surpassed their full time job earnings. The ability to set your own hours and to be your own boss is a very attractive advantage of working from home.
6. The Business Models Available: Several traditional brick and mortar companies now see the value of bringing on travel agents who work from home, but this option is still considered an Employer-Employee arrangement. There are other attractive options available that offer the business owner a travel booking engine, and the ability to become a Certified Travel agent for a small investment, and a monthly web hosting fee. Companies that offer this business model include Traverus Travel Network, World Ventures, Global Resorts Network, and YTB .
7. The Benefits: The benefits of becoming a home travel business are many. The travel industry has a reputation for taking care of travel professionals by making it extremely affordable to travel. Travel agents can save up to 80 percent on travel,and receive complimentary upgrades on flights, hotels and car rentals. In addition, many travel companies offer perks such as member trips and the ability to build an organization by recruiting additional agents to maximize earnings.
8. The FAM Trips – also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of what their clients will experience when they travel to the suppliers destination. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge. Travel suppliers will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
9. Say Goodbye To Traffic and Commuting: The true beauty of any work from home business is the fact that when you wake up, you are at work, when you are ready to work. Just to be sure to pace yourself, and if possible, have a designated area for your work. That way, when you close the door, and turn out the light, you are really off of work for the day.
10. The Tax Benefits – There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent, working from home. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.