The work

Travel agency sales consultants, also known as travel agency sales clerks, advise clients and sell them holidays and travel. Much of their time is spent dealing with clients in person.

Sales consultants talk to clients to find out what type of holiday they want - many clients are looking for package holidays. They show clients holiday brochures, answer any questions and may suggest particular resorts or hotels.

When clients have chosen a holiday, sales consultants check by computer to see what is available. If clients accept, consultants book the holiday using a computer system linked to the tour operator. Consultants collect a deposit from the clients, then fill in booking forms.

Sales consultants collect the rest of the payment some weeks before the holiday. The tour operator sends the holiday tickets to the travel agency, which gives them to the clients.

Consultants usually have sales targets that they must reach.

They also deal with independent travellers who do not wish to use package holidays, but want to choose how to travel and where to stay. They may help clients plan their journey by using travel timetables and then book their air, rail or ferry tickets and accommodation.

Some sales consultants specialise in business travel, dealing with complicated itineraries which can often be changed several times before the clients leaves.

They also offer clients advice on passport, visa and vaccination requirements and offer them other services, eg holiday insurance, car hire, holiday excursions, foreign currency and travellers cheques.

Consultants handle cash, cheques and credit cards and must account for all money received. They may put up window displays, and deal with banking and general paperwork.

Recently online travel agencies, which operate on the web, have become very successful, as consultants (once they have sufficient experience) start and run businesses working from home.

Hours and Environment

Travel agency sales consultants usually work a 35-37.5 hour, five-day week normally between Mondays and Saturdays. Part-time work is possible.

Work takes place indoors, usually in modern shop premises open to the public. Consultants spend much of their time sitting at a counter or desk. They may go abroad occasionally to gather information on a holiday resort, but although enjoyable, this is not a holiday but a fact-finding exercise.

Skills and Interests

Travel agency sales consultants should:

• enjoy giving a service to the public
• like dealing with people
• have a cheerful and friendly personality
• be able to cope accurately under pressure at busy times
• have excellent listening and speaking skills
• have a good telephone manner
• be polite and calm, even when under pressure
• have good keyboard and IT skills
• have an interest in and knowledge of geography
• have a tidy, business-like appearance
• be interested in travel
• be good with figures and able to calculate holiday and travel costs
• be able to handle cash and credit cards
• have good organisational skills
• be able to work well with other staff as part of a team
• have good selling skills, both face-to-face and on the telephone
• like selling to clients and seeking opportunities to sell extra services, such as car hire and foreign currency.

Entry

There is no upper age limit for entry, but entrance salary is usually very low so tends to attract younger entrants. Although there are no set entry requirements, most employers would look for a good standard of education, probably including Olevel’s (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in subjects such as maths, English and geography.

It is possible to study suitable full-time courses at many colleges and universities throughout the UK. Adults with relevant working experience may be accepted onto courses in travel and tourism without the usual minimum entry requirements

Training

All entrants start as junior travel consultants and receive on-the-job training from their employers, usually starting with an induction course lasting one week. They may then be sent on further specialist training courses and educational visits.

They may also work for the ABTA Certificate in Travel level 2 or 3, which is relevant for retail travel agency work and provides evidence of underpinning knowledge for NVQs/SVQs candidates.

There may also be the opportunity to gain qualifications in customer service or administration.

Opportunities

Travel agencies range from small, independent agencies to large chains with many branches. A typical travel agency outlet has between three to six staff.

There is little possibility of working abroad. Travel agency staff are offered trips abroad. These are generally organised by a tour operator who wants agency staff to become familiar with their holidays. Staff see as many hotels and venues as is possible to fit in - leaving no time for relaxation.

Annual Income

Further information

Institute of Travel and Tourism http://www.itt.co.uk