Travel Agency Manager
Job Description:Travel agency managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of travel agencies, meeting sales targets and promoting travel products.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could:
- recruit and train new staff
- set sales targets and monitor staff performance
- work with tour operators to buy travel packages
- organise staff rotas
- control budgets
- manage travel accounts for corporate clients
- advise customers about travel products and destinations
- provide sales reports for head office
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to sell products and services
- active listening skills
- a desire to help people
- excellent verbal communication skills
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Travel Agency Manager, specific subjects are not mandatory, but certain subjects can be helpful in building a foundation for your education and career in the travel and tourism industry. As a Travel Agency Manager, you’ll oversee the operations and staff of a travel agency. Here are some useful subjects:
- Mathematics: Proficiency in mathematics is beneficial for managing financial aspects of a travel agency, such as budgeting, pricing, and financial analysis.
- Business Studies: This subject provides insights into various business concepts, including marketing, management, and finance, which are applicable to running a travel agency.
- Geography: Geography is valuable for understanding the world’s geography, including countries, cities, tourist destinations, and geographical features.
- English: Strong communication skills are essential in the travel and tourism industry, as you’ll often interact with customers, suppliers, and staff.
- Foreign Languages: Learning a foreign language can be advantageous, especially if you plan to work in international travel, as it can help you communicate with clients and suppliers more effectively.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- travel operations
- tourism management
- retail management
- business management
You could join a travel company as a trainee manager once you finish your course.
College
You could do a college course, which may help when you start to look for work as a trainee manager. Courses include:
- Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (Level 4 in the UK)
- Diploma in Tourism Management (Level 4 in the UK)
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship, then take further on-the-job training to become a manager.
Work
You could join a company as a travel agent and work your way up to become an assistant manager then manager, as you get more experience. You could also do training on the job.
Direct Application
You could apply to be a travel agency manager if you’ve got experience in retail management or sales.
Working Hours and Environment:
Your typical working hours could be variable.
You could work in an office.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could become a regional manager, with responsibility for several travel agency branches.
You could also work as a business travel manager with a multinational company.
You could set up your own travel business.