A luxury Travel Advisor needs a worldwide network of travel suppliers to ensure that their clients are treated like VIPs and get added amenities and benefits a sure fire way to get clients booking with you rather than directly.
What does it take to become a travel advisor?
You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.
Do travel agents travel for free?
In truth, most of the time, travel agents don’t get free travel although they sometimes get discounts or a chance to keep the commission they would get on their own travel plans. Convention properties give them a cheaper trip to let them learn about their property on a working vacation.
What education do you need to become a travel agent?
You can take travel agency courses at a two-year college, or earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in travel or tourism. Some universities and colleges even offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees in travel and tourism, which may lead to advanced positions in the industry.
Below is How to Become A Luxury Travel Advisor In South Africa
STEP 1: Decide if you need training.
Answer these three questions:
Do you have true experience planning trips? (We’re talking you’re the go-to, full-service planner for your friends and your friends’ friends.)
Have you traveled extensively and know several destinations inside and out?
Do you have a large network of friends, family, and contacts with the means and will to travel?
If your answer is YES to all of these, you might be ready to start your career as a travel advisor or an independent contractor in a host agency (learn what a host agency is and why you need one).
If your answer is NO to any of these, you need more training. You can participate in a year-long mentoring program that teaches you everything you need to know! (Learn more about the industry-leading Brownell Mentoring Program here!)
STEP 2: Decide which agency to join.
A luxury Travel Advisor needs a worldwide network of travel suppliers to ensure that their clients are treated like VIPs and get added amenities and benefits—a sure fire way to get clients booking with you rather than directly.
By joining an established agency, you immediately have the connections and name recognition that ensures a return call from the general manager of fill in the blank fabulous property.
STEP 3: Get online
Build a website and social media pages, and develop your online presence. Nowadays, everyone likes to do a quick online search, and you want to make sure you come up.
Commit to starting and maintaining a travel blog, even if you only post once a month. You’ll be able to market yourself, and let potential clients know what you’re about.
Unsure about social media? Embrace it because it’s here to stay. The ROI of social media is that you’ll still be here in 6 years. You’ll be able to connect with clients as well as other people in the industry!
STEP 4: Dedication, Patience & Training
Just like starting a business in any industry, you must be dedicated and patient. Use every opportunity to network and meet potential new clients. Neighborhood gatherings, community events, and even parties are great ways to get the word out about your new business. And once you tell someone you’re a luxury Travel Advisor, the questions will start flowing. Get ready!
Secondly, you need to be dedicated. You’ll experience the highest of highs (booking your first safari) and the lowest of lows (a dry spell, or worse—a “shopper” that takes up hours and hours of your time only to book on a travel deal website). Keep trucking through no matter what comes your way. In a few years, you’ll be so glad you did.
Lastly, never stop learning. Take advantage of any training opportunities. Log into webinars, go to Virtuoso Travel Week (a must!), experience a country through an educational trip, or sign up for a study tour. The industry is constantly changing, and it is crucial to keep up.
How much do travel agents earn in South Africa?
Travel Agency Jobs by Salary
Job Title | Range | Average |
---|---|---|
Job Title:Travel Consultant | Range:R62k – R263k | Average:R128,930 |
Travel Agent | Range:R83k – R231k | Average:R144,631 |
Corporate Travel Consultant | Range:R86k – R280k | Average:R177,000 |
Marketing Manager | Range:R97k – R453k |
What does it take to become a travel advisor In South Africa?
You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.
Do travel agents travel for free In South Africa?
In truth, most of the time, travel agents don’t get free travel although they sometimes get discounts or a chance to keep the commission they would get on their own travel plans. Convention properties give them a cheaper trip to let them learn about their property on a working vacation. .
What education do you need to become a travel agent In South Africa?
You can take travel agency courses at a two-year college, or earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in travel or tourism. Some universities and colleges even offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees in travel and tourism, which may lead to advanced positions in the industry.
How do I find luxury travel clients In South Africa?
Eight Ways to Attract Affluent Clients
Offer top-shelf vacations.
Advertise high-end products.
Join a luxury travel consortium.
To the manor born?
Mix with the elite.
Cultivate similar interests.
Get involved with charities.
Keep in touch with middle-class clients they may have become more affluent.
How much do you get paid to be a luxury travel advisor In South Africa?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as R 1503753.26and as low as R 256922.67, the majority of Luxury Travel Advisor salaries currently range between R 476062.59 (25th percentile) to R 869003.14(75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making R 1254387.14 annually across the South Africa.
Is it worth becoming a travel agent In South Africa?
Travel agents are among the most common and revered workers in the industry. … If you love traveling or helping people fulfill their travel dreams, becoming a travel agent might be an excellent option. Nowadays, we all want a job that is flexible enough to save you some you-time while still promising financial stability.
What are the disadvantages of being a travel agent In South Africa?
10 Cons of Being a Travel Agent
Demanding. This job is pretty much 24/7.
Stressful. Travel agents experience stress from all corners.
Limited progression.
Uncertain market.
Lack of job security.
You’ll constantly be away from home.
Exposure to customer laws
Is now a good time to become a travel agent In South Africa?
Travel Agents Are Back! “I was passionate about travel and that’s what I wanted to do and like then, now is a great time,” she said. Travel advisors are in the spotlight now in a positive way and new advisors can take advantage of that. Saburn pointed out that demand for travel advisors is higher now after this event.
Do you need a college degree to be a travel agent In South Africa?
There are no specific requirements to be a travel agent, but a bachelor’s degree will open up more job opportunities, and certifications might make travel agents more marketable.