classification of travel agency

22 Types of Travel Agencies Based on 4 Key Criteria

Travel agency definition

How many types of travel agencies exist.

The best way to understand the intricate design of the tourism industry is to observe the businesses that operate within it . Travel agencies are the cogs that keep travel machinery moving forward. However, not all travel agencies operate in the same way. Plus, these businesses often tend to go through operational and managerial changes driven by technology implementations and shifts in the best practices.

If you are planning to work with or in an agency, you need to know more about travel agencies in general. Staying tuned to the latest developments can be challenging. That’s why we decided to help you answer the ultimate question – “How many types of travel agencies exist?”  

Let’s start with the travel agency definition to lay a foundation for the information that’s to come.

The best way to understand a travel agency is to look at it as a private retailer . It is a business that specializes in selling travel products and services. At the core of travel agencies, we have a global distribution system (GDS). This commonly used agency software system plays a vital role in enabling agencies to check the availability and prices of accommodation and travel arrangements.

Two most commonly used travel agency definitions come from Airlines Reporting Corporation and SARC . The first one goes along the following lines:

“Travel agency is a business with the following functions: makes reservations, quotes fares, rates, arranges travel insurance, arranges travel tickets and accommodation, accepts payments, foreign currency, and documents.”

Here is the definition by SARC:

“Travel agency is a business that specializes in selling tourism products and tourism-related services to tourists and performs arranging transportation and accommodation, air ticket issuing, accepting payments, and providing additional specialized services.”

Travel agencies often work with vendors from whom they source travel products and enable direct, over-the-phone, or online booking for their customers. Their primary source of income comes from the commission rates the vendors give them. Without going into great detail, the commission rates are not uniform and depend on several factors. However, as you will see, some travel agencies act as intermediaries between vendors and other travel agencies. The primary source of income of these agencies is the services they provide to other agencies.

Travel agencies also differ in terms of the distribution channels they use. There are three main distribution channels available to travel agencies: online channels, strategic partnerships, and offline channels . To stay competitive, many agencies use more than one channel, often all three at the same time.

Now let’s see how many unique types of travel agencies are there.

There are dozens of types of travel agencies out there. The best way to understand each type is to have a classification system. That’s exactly what we decided to do. 

Below you can find different types of travel agencies based on the business model, business size, services, geographical coverage, number of outlets, level of specialization, distribution chain, type of vacations they offer, agency functions, and tourism flows.

Let’s start with some of the most basic classifications, including business model and size.

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏿 Travel agency types based on the number of travelers

Travel products don’t only differ in terms of destination and available amenities in the location. Some travel agencies prefer catering to individual travel needs, while others facilitate group travel. There are, of course, those that offer individual and group travel arrangements. There are three travel agency types based on the number of travelers.

FIT travel agencies

FIT stands for “foreign independent travel” or, a more modern term, “flexible, independent travel.” This is the most common type of agency you can find both online and offline . While they offer regular products, they also include tailor-made travel experiences to accommodate travelers’ individual needs and interests . The examples include:

• https://vacations.united.com/
• https://www.redtag.ca/

Group travel agencies

Group travel agencies, as the name suggests, specialize in group travel. They offer a number of group travel packages. The travel products they offer are often tailored for ten or more travelers. The agencies negotiate their travel products according to the size of the group . Some of them enable booking online. However, the majority offer services offline because some hotels tend to cancel the bookings if they detect a group . Here are a couple of examples:

• https://www.contiki.com/en-eu
• https://www.solresor.se/

FIT & Group travel agencies

FIT & Group travel agencies work with a wide range of travelers, including those who are interested in tailor-made experiences and those who prefer group travel. Their travel product portfolio is often quite big and diverse. The noteworthy examples include:

• https://www.appleleisuregroup.com/

🛒 Travel agency types based on the type of market

The famous question from Hollywood movies: “Business or pleasure?” brings us to our next travel agency classification. All travel agencies can be divided into two groups based on whether they sell leisure or business travel packages.

Leisure travel agency

As its name implies, a leisure travel agency specializes in selling holidays and leisure trips. They cater to the needs of customers interested in having fun, rest, and relaxation. Their itineraries can also include various activities ranging from excursions to local sightseeing. Here is an example:

• https://travel.aaa.com/

Business travel agency

Business travel agencies offer custom-tailored trip experiences to businesses. They help streamline sales presentations, conferences, and meetings, whether scheduled in a state or abroad. They cater to passengers traveling for working purposes and facilitate MICE and incentive travels . The two examples include:

• https://www.bcdtravel.com/
• https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/

🚛 Travel agency types based on the type of distribution

All travel agencies can be categorized into two big groups based on the type of distribution. There are those who source and cater their products toward businesses, so-called wholesalers, or B2B travel agencies. The other type of travel agency encompasses travel companies focused on B2C markets.

Wholesalers or B2B travel agencies

Wholesalers of B2B travel agencies distribute their products through other agencies . Their primary source of income is commission rates. They can either source products from other B2B travel agencies or create travel products of their own. There are several types of wholesalers depending on how they choose to do business.

Tour Operators

Tour operators are companies that specialize in creating complete travel products . Their products often include hotel rooms, transportation, and activities at the location, such as excursions. Tour operators exclusively distribute their products through agencies. Here are the examples:

• https://teamamericany.com/index.php/home/start
• https://www.gocollette.com/en

Bedbanks are companies that focus on distributing hotel inventory through different channels . However, over time their scope of services kept growing. Today, Bedbanks also offer transfers and various services in destinations . Here are a couple of examples so you better understand what Bedbanks are:

• https://www.hotelbeds.com/home
• https://www.webbeds.com/

DMC stands for a destination management company. As the name suggests, these are inbound travel companies . They create inbound travel products for specific destinations and distribute them across various B2B channels . The examples include:

• https://www.alliedtpro.com/
• https://galaxyvacations.com/

Wholesalers

Wholesalers operate similarly to tour operators. However, they don’t create travel products themselves . Instead, they source products from multiple Bedbanks, tour operators, and DMCs, and distribute them through B2B channels, mainly travel agencies . The examples of wholesalers include:

• https://www.jumbotours.com/
• https://www.bonotel.com/  

Travel networks

Travel networks are quite specific travel agencies. Their primary focus is on creating big travel agencies and travel advisor networks. Once the network is up and running, these travel agencies will provide all types of travel products to their partners and affiliates under exclusive terms and conditions. The examples include:

• https://www.travelleaders.com/
• https://www.allstar.travel/  

Retail travel agencies are the newest addition to the big family of different agency types. It is a new way of B2B distribution generated by Bedbanks . The goal is to provide products and services directly to travel agencies without the need to be a travel network . Here are some examples:

• https://www.bedsonline.com/home/en-df
• https://www.tboholidays.com/

Travel agencies or B2C travel agencies

Travel agencies or B2C travel agencies offer travel products and services directly to consumers. There are different travel agency types based on how they set up their business in terms of distribution channels, location, and dependency. Let’s see the most common types of B2C travel agencies.

OTA or an online travel agency is not every agency you can use to book travel packages online . These are big companies that sell directly to consumers . They offer a wide range of travel products, including hotels, air tickets, car rentals, tickets for shows, travel insurance, tours, and all kinds of land transportation. We are sure that you are familiar with the following two examples of OTAs:

• www.expedia.com  
• www.booking.com 
• www.edreams.com  
• www.despegar.com  

Physical offline travel agency

Physical offline travel agencies offer their services in person to consumers . Due to the shift to the online business model, the number of physical offline travel agencies continues to decrease . These agencies are mainly focused on providing personalized travel experiences to consumers. They provide advice regarding the best location to visit according to the travelers’ unique needs and expectations. Their offer also includes tailor-made itineraries and excursions. The examples include:

• www.pangea.com

Physical + online travel agency

Physical + online travel agency is a new type of business . These agencies offer most of their services online . However, they still have offices, so they can work with travelers in person, answer questions, or provide advice . The examples include:

• www.cvcviagens.com  
• www.viajesfalabella.com 
• www.almundo.com

Independent travel advisor

Independent travel advisors work as independent travel professionals . They don’t align with any particular company or work for one. Their number continues to increase worldwide, especially in the US market. Independent travel advisors provide personalized service to travelers. The examples include:

• https://www.asta.org/

Implants are travel professionals located within another company that has significant travel requirements . They often have a desk or entire office setup so they can meet the company’s travel demands and provide better services . The most noteworthy implants include:

Direct travel agencies

Due to the harsh competition and volatile markets, some businesses in the travel industry decided to offer their travel products directly to consumers through B2C channels . Such is the case with many hotels and airlines . Here are a couple of examples:

• https://www.deltavacations.com/
• https://www.latamairlines.com/
• https://www.wyndhamdestinations.com/
• https://www.viajaconviaja.com/

🛎️ Travel agency types based on the type of services

Finally, we come to a more specific classification of travel agencies. If you take a look at travel agencies only taking into account the type of services they offer , you can see that there are a number of different companies . With this in mind, we give you travel agency types based on the type of services they offer.

Regular services

Most commonly, travel agencies are focused on selling pre-designed products and services . They can sell those products and services on a regular or more exclusive basis . Here are two examples of travel agencies that provide regular services:

• https://www.grayline.com/
• https://www.gct.com/

Tailor-made

Tailor-made travel agencies develop specific itineraries travelers can’t find anywhere else . They often enable clients to create completely custom products and make their own itineraries. Tailor-made travel agencies are either contracting directly or via DMCs. The two examples include:

• https://www.intrepidtravel.com/
• https://www.evaneos.com/

Niche travel companies

Niche travel companies are focused on very specific demographics . They tend to study the particular needs and expectations of consumers in a demographic segment and create itineraries and experiences that reflect those needs. 

LGBT travel agencies specialize in LGBT travel and tailor-made vacations. They carefully create travel experiences to only include supplies that welcome everyone . These agencies also offer advice and adhere to the highest travel quality standards . Here are two examples:

• https://www.protravelinc.com/luxury-vacations/lgbtq-travel

There are also travel agencies that specialize in offering products tailored for students . They enable students and youth to experience the world. These agencies often offer exclusive travel deals emphasizing cheap hotels, tours, and flights . Here are two examples:

• https://acis.com/
• https://www.yes-trips.com/

Seniors have enough experience to know how to make the best use of the travel time. Travel agencies for seniors offer travel tours specifically tailored to the needs of seniors ensuring they are freed up of all their worries so they can enjoy the destination they choose. Here are some examples:

• https://www.goaheadtours.com/escorted-tours/senior-travel
• https://nationalseniorstravel.com.au/

Backpackers

Travel agencies for backpackers offer tailor-made backpacking travel experiences to people who enjoy this particular way of experiencing destinations. The examples include:

• https://www.backpackingtours.com/
• https://www.backandpack.com/

Travel Adventure

Travel agencies can specialize in travel adventures as well. They carefully source their products to ensure they pack enough adrenaline and that “wow” factor so they can attract consumers who prefer their travel to resemble an adventure. Here are examples:

• https://www.exodustravels.com/
• https://www.oattravel.com/

Ski travel agencies specialize in customizing ski and snowboard vacation travel packages . They are often focused on creating or sourcing packages in one specific location. The examples include:

• https://www.esquiades.com/
• https://www.skican.com/

Luxury travel agencies specialize in offering exclusive destinations, hotels, and activities. Their focus is on a rich clientele that reflects their product portfolio. They often offer tailor-made holidays and have special honeymoon offers. Here are a couple of examples:

• https://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/
• https://www.virtuoso.com/travel  

When it comes to the travel agency types based on the type of service they sell, there can be many unique variations . 

Travel agencies can operate in many ways and play different roles in the distribution chain of travel products and services. To answer your initial question: 

“How many types of travel agencies exist?” There are more than 25 unique travel agency types depending on the segmentation you choose. 

However, it’s practically impossible for an agency to be of only one type. For instance, it can be an inbound, leisure, niche travel agency. Hopefully, our ultimate guide to travel agency types will help you better understand these companies in terms of how they operate and their role in the travel industry.

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Cristóbal Reali, VP of Global Sales at Mize, with over 20 years of experience, has led high-performance teams in major companies in the tourism industry, as well as in the public sector. He has successfully undertaken ventures, including a DMO and technology transformation consulting. In his role at Mize, he stands out not only for his analytical and strategic ability but also for effective leadership. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. He holds a degree in Economics from UBA, complementing his professional training at Harvard Business School Online.

Mize is the leading hotel booking optimization solution in the world. With over 170 partners using our fintech products, Mize creates new extra profit for the hotel booking industry using its fully automated proprietary technology and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue across its suite of products for its partners. Mize was founded in 2016 with its headquarters in Tel Aviv and offices worldwide.

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What is a Travel Agency? Types, Purpose, Function, Services

Home » Blog » What is a Travel Agency? Types, Purpose, Function, Services

The travel agency business is now something that most people want to do.

The main purpose of a travel agency is to make planning a trip easier and more useful for their customers by giving them information and making reservations .

Flights, hotels, transportation, trips, and other events can all be booked through the travel company.

If you learn about tour-related ideas and get knowledge from these articles, you’ll be able to start your travel agency in the travel industry. 

Table of contents

What is a travel agency, 1. traditional travel agencies, 2. online travel agencies, 3. corporate travel operators, 4. consolidators, 5. franchise travel services, 1. convenience, 2. expertise and advice, 3. access to deals and discounts, 4. risk management, 5. customer services, 1. travel planning, 2. booking services, 3. customized itineraries, 4. travel documentation, 5. emergency support, 6. customer services, services offered by travel agency, 1. booking services, 2. information and advice, 3. customer services, 4. negotiation and coordination, differences between travel agency and travel agent.

A travel agency is a business that helps people and groups choose, plan, and book travel-related services . Flights, hotels, rides, trips, sports, and other things can be a part of these services.

Most travel companies know about a lot of different trips that their clients can take that fit their wants and budgets.

A lot of travel and tour operators also hire people called tour agents who know a lot about important things like visa rules, places to visit, and travel trends. 

They plan and organize everything so that their clients’ trips are as easy, fun, and stress-free as possible.

Explore the beginner’s guide to launch your travel agency

Types of Travel Agency

Several types of travel agencies meet the wants and tastes of different travelers.

These are the most common travel agencies related to the travel industry:

These agencies are physical office companies where customers can go and talk to the tour planners. They give specialized services and often a wide range of trip needs.

Online Travel Agencies(OTAs) run the online trip business, where their websites or mobile apps provide tourists with book flights, rooms, rental cars, and other trip services. Expedia and Booking.com are some examples.

The corporate travel service makes trip plans for companies and groups. They take care of bookings for businesses, make deals, and offer services like keeping track of costs.

Consolidators buy a large number of plane tickets at a discount, they sell them at a lower price to travel companies or directly to customers.

Franchise companies work under a bigger brand name and use marketing, technology, and support systems in the travel industry that have already been set up. 

Within the franchise network, owners of travel companies get the training and tools they need to run their businesses.

Purposes of Travel Agency

The main purpose of travel agencies is to facilitate and enhance the tour experiences for individuals and groups. 

Travel companies try to make planning a trip easier by letting people book flights, hotels, transportation, events, and other services related to travel all in one place. 

Trip planners hire knowledgeable agents who can offer expert advice and recommendations based on their suggestions of different places or destinations.

Similarly, travel agents shared their experiences of various destinations, travel trends, visa requirements and more.

Airlines, hotels, ship lines, tour operators, and other travel companies often offer deals, discounts, and packages that only travel agencies can get.

They can help customers get the most for their money and save money on their trip costs by taking advantage of deals.

Travel agencies help mitigate risks associated with travel by giving travelers information or knowledge on safety, health issues, and security in different places.

Travel agencies or companies make sure their clients are happy by giving each one of them high-quality service and individual care.

Overall, the travel company’s main goal is to make planning a trip easier, more fun, and less stressful for their costumes by giving them advice, making things easier.

What does Travel Agency do?

Many services travel agencies offer to make it easier and better for people and groups to trip.

One of the things that a travel agency does is the following:

Travel agencies support the client in planning their trips by talking about their tastes, hobbies, income, and any special requirements they may have.  

These companies are called travel agents that help people book flights, hotels, rental cars, airport transfers, trips, events, and other services related to travel. 

They can use online tools and scheduling systems to get reservations for their clients.

Most tour operators make personalized trip plans based on what their clients want and what they’re interested in. 

It supports you on trip documents like passports, visas, travel insurance, and any other paperwork that is needed is available from travel companies. 

Before a client leaves on a trip, they make sure that all of their paperwork is in order.

Travel companies are there to help their customers in case of accidents or other problems that come up during their trip. 

In this case, they might rebook flights, arrange alternative accommodations, or give advice on medical help or legal issues.

Tour Operators prioritize customer happiness first by giving each client great services and individual care.

There are a lot of services travel agencies provide to meet the news and preferences of travelers. 

Trip planner aims to ease the trip planning process, provide expert advice and support, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for their clients.

These are some common services provided by travel agencies.

• Flight Booking
• Accommodation Booking
• Transportation Services
• Tour Packages
• Cruise Booking 
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Assistance
• Destination Recommendations
• Emergency Assistance

Overall, the travel agency’s purpose is to ease the trip schedule process, deliver expert advice and support, and provide smooth and enjoyable trip experiences for their customers.

Let’s launch your travel booking website today

Functions of the Travel Agency

The main function of a travel agency revolves around assisting and arranging various parts of travel and people and groups. 

The purpose of a travel agency is to ease the trip planning process, provide expert advice and support, and improve the entire trip experience for their customers.

Here’s an overview of the key tasks of a travel agency:

Travel agencies handle the planning process for flights, lodgings, transportation, trips, events, and other travel-related services.

Most travel agency provides guidance and formation on different parts of the travel, visa requirements, and health and safety measures. 

Travel companies put customer happiness first by giving each client great service and individual care.

The travel agencies deal with tour operator suppliers, including airlines, trip suppliers, and hotel and tour operators to secure good terms and rates for their clients.

A trip agency is a business company that offers other-related services, while a trip agent is a person hired by or connected with a tour operator who helps clients with their trip planning and bookings. 

These are some key differences between a travel agency and a travel agent:

In summary, travel agencies may have multiple trip agents working under their umbrella to help the clients, while a tour agent may work separately as a part of a bigger company.

Travel companies are essential businesses in the travel industry, acting as intermediaries between tourists and travel providers. They offer a range of services to ease trip planning and booking.

These companies can take the form of standard brick-and-mortar businesses, or online-based platforms. 

Each type of service responds to different tastes and wants, providing accessibility to a wide range of travel-related customers. 

Regardless of their form, the primary goal of travel companies stays consistent: to provide ease, knowledge, and support throughout the trip process. 

They give personalized systems to help, access to exclusive deals, and 24/7 assistance before, during, and after the trip.

By offering personalized solutions and reducing travel risks, travel companies play a crucial role in allowing enjoyable and stress-free travel experiences for individuals and groups.

There are two types of agencies, retail tour operators and wholesale travel agencies.  These travel companies, as well as tour providers, operate as intermediaries. The main goal is the buying and selling process in the travel business.

The global market size of the travel agency industry is estimated at nearly 296 billion U.S. dollars as of January 2024. ( Source )

Overall, roughly 589 thousand travel companies operated in the tourism industry, with employment reaching approximately three million.

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

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NAICS Code Description

561510 - travel agencies, top businesses by annual sales for 561510 – click for complete profiles:.

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acting as agents in selling travel, tour, and accommodation services to the general public and commercial clients. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Arranging and assembling tours that they generally sell through travel agencies or on their own account--are classified in Industry 561520 , Tour Operators;
• Providing guide services, such as archeological, museum, tourist, hunting, or fishing--are classified in Industry 713990 , All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries; and
• Providing reservation services (e.g., accommodations, entertainment events, travel)--are classified in U.S. Industry 561599 , All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services.

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Travel Agency

A travel agent is a person who has full knowledge of tourist product – destinations, modes of travel, climate, accommodation, and other areas of the service sector. He acts on the behalf of product providers/principles and in return gets a commission. Technically, a travel agent is an owner or manage r of an agency, but other employees are responsible for advising tourists and selling packages tours/individual components of travel products.

A travel agent may be an individual /firm or corporation which is commonly known as a travel agency . An agency means the office of travel agent or organization where all travel goods and services are assembled and coordinated for the smooth conduct of travel agency business.

Travel agency is one of the most important organizations in the tourism private sector which plays a significant and crucial role in the entire process of developing and promoting tourism in the country or at a destination. It is a travel agency which packages and processes all the attractions, accesses, amenities and ancillary services of a country and present them to tourists. That’s why travel agency is known as ‘ image builder ‘ of a country.

A prospective travel agency is one which makes arrangements of travel tickets (air, rail, road, and sea); travel documents (passports, visa and other documents required to travel); accommodation, entertainment, and other travel-related services from principle suppliers. It may also secure travel insurance, foreign currency for traveling people.

History of Travel Agency

The first Travel Agency of the world was established by Thomas Cook in 1845 in England. The use of the term travel trade dates back from the early years of the 19th century, but this should not obscure the fact that what we today describe as travel trade (travel agency and tour operation business) was taking place much earlier in history.

Throughout history, there was travel middleman who helped the merchants traveling for trade and others who traveled for religious purposes.

In 1841 a fortunate day comes in the history of travel trade when Thomas Cook , as secretary of South Midland Temperance Association, organized a trip by a train for 570 members for his association to the distance of 22 miles. He bought railway tickets in bulk to sell them to people.

The experiment was successful and everybody was exultant. Mr. Cook had done his job on a no-profit basis. But, incidentally, It gave him a new idea and turned it into a tour business.

Four years later in 1845 , he set up a ‘ World’s First Travel Agency ‘ to organize excursions.  Due to this innovative approach, Mr. Thomas Cook is known as the Father of Travel Agency Business . He co-ordinated railway and steamship excursions throughout England, Scotland and Europe.

However, the railways only gave him a 5% commission which was not enough to meet his overheads, so he decided to diversify this business into tour operation .

In 1855 Mr. Cook started operating package tours . He conducted the world’s first international tour from England to Paris.

Types of Travel Agency

Travel agencies are basically categorized into two types-: Retail Travel Agenc y and Wholesale Travel Agency .

Retail Travel Agency

A retail travel agency sells tourists products directly to the public on the behalf of the products suppliers and in return get commissions. Some package tour is sold in two ways i.e., on a commission basis and mark up the price.

When a travel agency sells a tour on the marked-up price it means that first, it markup the cost of the tour and then sell it at a higher rate. The markup price is the difference between retail price and wholesale cost.

Definitions of Retail Travel Agency

According to Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) a retail travel agency is defined as ” a business that performs the following functions: quotes fares, rates, make reservations, arrange travel tickets and accommodation, arrange travel insurance, foreign currency, documents and accepts payments.”

According to SARC (1967), ” retail travel agency business consists of the activities involved in selling tourism products/services directly to the tourists and performs normal functions such as issuing air tickets, making accommodation and transportation reservation, providing specialized services, and accepting and making payments.”

The main source of the revenue for the travel agency is the commission received from the vendors. However, the rate of the commission differs from organization to organization an travel component to the travel component.

A travel agency receives appx. 95% of their revenue from the commission, and the remaining 5% from consultancy services and others.

Wholesale Travel Agency

These agencies are specialized in organizing package tours, which are marketed to the customers/tourists through the network of a retail travel agency or directly to the prospective clients ( if wholesale travel agency has a retail division). A wholesale travel agency purchases tourists’ product components in the bulk and designs tour packages.

Sometimes, a wholesale travel agency buys travel components from the vendor in bulk and resell them to other travel business originations.

Wholesale travel agencies assemble package holidays and sell them to clients through retail travel agencies. A typical package tour includes – air tickets, accommodation, and something other services may also be included in it such as entertainment, sightseeing, and sports activities, etc.

These packages are referred to as ‘package tours’ most of these tours include the services of escorts but a few are sold to people who wish to travel independently.

Now a question arises – How a wholesale travel agency generates profits?

Generally, a wholesaler receives volume discounts from the principal suppliers because a wholesaler might agree to purchase a large number of seats from a particular airline or reserve a large number of rooms at a particular hotel or resort.

Practically, a wholesaler who sells package vacations/tours is called a Tour Operator .  However, technically there is a difference between a wholesaler and a tour operator. A wholesaler who sells tourists products individually without assembling them into a package tour is called a Consolidator .

Mostly, these are specialized in particular product components such as air tickets, accommodation, and conferences, and conventions, etc.

Difference between Wholesale Travel Agencies and Tour operators

The wholesale travel agencies may offer or operate the package tours or may specialize in developing tours for inbound as well as outbound travelers. They are often referred to as tour operators , but these two essentially different:

• Wholesale travel agency does not sell directly to the public, while tour operators do sell directly to clients.
• A wholesale travel agency usually combines, assembles and contacts for existing travel services to formulate a new travel product she has his own one or more components of travel product i.e. ‘ inclusive tours.’
• Wholesale travel agencies are less inclined than tour operators to perform ground services i.e. handling agency or ground operators.
• A wholesale travel agency may deal with one component of travel product while a tour operator offers a variety of tour programmes.
• The size of the business is large in the case of tour operators in comparison to a wholesale travel agency.

Features and Importance of the Travel Agency

Travel agency plays an important role in the travel sector business. Some most important features and importance of the travel agency business are following as:-

• An important link between the clients and principal suppliers.
• Image-Builder.
• Ensures rapid travel services.
• Provider of authentic and reliable travel information.
• A social a continuous process.
• Establishes a good relationship with clients and vendors.

These are the most important features of the Travel Agency Business.

Functions and Services of Travel Agency

Today, Travel Agencies have been recognized as a vital component of travel and tourism and have become an integral part of the travel and tourism industry at globally. They account for more than 90% of international and 70% of domestic tourist traffic

Further, more than 60%  of all travel agency revenues are derived from business travel. Most travel agencies sell both commercial and leisure travel but there are many travel agencies that only specialized in one sector or the other.

The operation of each travel agency is based on the scope of its activities and organizational size. Here we discuss the functions of a large scale travel agency that performs all types of activities such as Retail travel agency, wholesaling and tour operations, etc. The main function of a large-scale travel agency are:

Travel Information

Whatever the size of a travel agency, it has to provide necessary travel information to tourists. A travel agency must give up-to-date, accurate, and timely information regarding destinations mode of travel, accommodation, sight-seeing, shopping, immigration, passport, visa, customs clearance and procedure, health and security rules, and various permits required to travel in particular areas, etc.

Itinerary Preparation

The term tourists itinerary is used to identify the origin, destination and all the stopping points in a traveler’s tours. It is a composition of various elements and designed after a detailed study of the market. Travel agencies prepare an itinerary for tour packages.

Airline Ticketing and Reservation

A travel agency sells a variety of tourism products. Airline ticketing and reservation is still a major source of revenue. Travel agencies perform a function of airline ticketing and reservation on behalf of various airlines.

Tour Packaging and Costing

Travel agencies prepare a tour package and sell them to tourists. The coasting and pricing of tour packages depend to a large extent on the ability of travel agents as to how effectively he is able to negotiate with the principal suppliers.

Reservation

It is a very important function of all types of travel agencies. A travel agency consistently makes linkage with the accommodation sector, transport sector and other entertainment organizations to reserve rooms, and seats in the cultural programs and transportation.

Travel Insurance

Some large-scale travel agencies perform additional functions to serve their clients. Travel insurance protects travelers against the person as well as baggage losses resulting from a wide range of travel-related happenings and problems.

Currency Services

Approved travel agency authorized by Govt. body provides currency exchange services to tourists.

Organization of Conference/Conventions

Large-scale travel agencies offer a complete convention/conference package which includes registration of the participants at the venue to be picked up for dropped to the airport/hotel, overhead projectors, slide projectors, TV, VCR, information counter, sightseeing, etc.

Travel Agency Linkages and Integration

Basically, a travel agency serves two types of clients: business travelers and leisure travelers. Incidentally, the requirements of these tourists are different and an agency has to assemble or purchase-related components from the principal suppliers to cater to their needs.

Essentially, travel agencies maintain close ties with Airlines, hotels, car rentals, banks, insurance companies, railways, government, trade associations, foreign tour operators and travel agents, ground operators, cruise companies, and tourism educational institutes.

9 Different Types of Travel Agents

Posted on June 24, 2022

Categories Travel

There are three main categories of travel agents: business, special interest, and leisure, and they fall into six types. These are:

• Global distribution systems
• Online travel agents
• Guest information centers
• Hotel and concierge agents
• Inbound tour operators
• Independent travel agents

Remember when we had to go to a travel agency and sit for a long time to book a trip or a tour? Those days are long gone. There are travel agents just about anywhere, from online to hotels and even independent agents. 

Some people think they don’t need a travel advisor until their plans begin to go awry. Plus, tour operators need them. Travel agents were and still are relevant today. Let’s look at the different types of travel agents, their role, and their relevance.

Types of Travel Agents

Here are the six different types of travel agents:

Global Distribution Systems

One of the many ways that tourists can get their travel needs met is through a global distribution system. A corporation manages the computerized network system, which makes online reservations possible through the facilitation of transactions. 

Global distribution systems will be used by both online and offline agents to reserve current travel experiences at a certain location. The most popular global distribution helps you boost your digital delivery and acquire more bookings. 

These systems want to cooperate with tour operators who make their activities and excursions available for convenient internet booking. The majority of global distribution systems rely on real-time inventory from service providers.

Online Travel Agents

A web-based system where tourists may organize and make travel arrangements straight from their internet sites is known as an online travel agency (OTA). They depend on the simplicity and comfort of the Internet to construct bundles for their customers.

As a result, a growing number of vacationers are searching for the best ways to plan all-inclusive vacations that cover everything from transportation to lodging and activities.

Travel and tour companies can expand their digital delivery by building ties with online travel agents. A commission can be earned by utilizing an online booking system, which enables online travel agents to book directly with you and receive compensation.

Centers for Tourist Information

A tourist information station is a one-stop store where tourists may buy souvenirs and get free advice on things to do, places to stay, maps, and other useful information about the area. With this, they are a popular location for tourists who are new to the area and want to learn more about the local culture.

Tourist information centers, which are frequently run by local governments, confer legitimacy on the advice and assistance they provide.

If you want your local tourist information center to book your trips and activities for you, let them know. As a result, they’ll be more likely to spread the word about your products.

Independent Travel Agents

For most passengers, independent travel agencies are the preferred retail travel agents.

To incorporate travel experiences that their clientele is interested in, travel agents, whether offline or online, want to tailor the itinerary they provide for them.

You may enhance your online distribution by working with individual travel agencies and utilizing distribution technology entities. To make it easier for agents to promote your service.

The commission percentages for independent travel agents will vary from one agent to the next. Between 15% and 25% is typical for independent agencies that schedule your events.

Organizers of Outbound Tours

Inbound tour operators, are regarded as specialists in a certain location and are aware of the best excursions and activities in the area. 

Working with these advisors to sell your products is advantageous because they advocate these outings to their clientele. They are more likely to recommend safe, exciting trips that are simple to book if they have worked with them before.

Travel Agent Categories

Here are the three travel agent categories:

1. Business Travel Agents

Work or business-related travelers. This group of commuters heads to and from work every day from their homes.

Commuters need to concentrate on efficiency and timeliness when they travel. It’s not uncommon for business travelers to plan their entire journey around a single event or meeting. 

To stay productive when traveling, they chose workstations in the hotel rooms with high-speed web access. To make things easier, guests should be able to walk or use public transportation to and from their place of business.

Openings for Travel Agents

Business tourism is a multi-trillion-dollar industry, and travel agents may capitalize on this opportunity. Every day, up to 1.1 million individuals in the United States travel for work. This group of tourists is looking for a hassle-free journey. As a result, you’ll be called upon.

Travelers on business trips prefer to concentrate on their job rather than on the details of their journey. An excellent opportunity to select a hotel room with luxuries that will let the client forget they are even outside their hometowns is presented by the travel agent. As a result, understanding what a booking system is and how to utilize it effectively is critical.

Breakfast in the am, espresso in the foyer, and a fitness center are among the amenities that business travelers look for while they’re on the road for long periods. If your team manages to arrange appropriate lodging for a business traveler, you’ll have a satisfied and productive customer.

To get to and from work, commuters are more likely to be on the road. Loyalty programs are a terrific way to keep customers coming back to your business over and over again. Travelers will want to utilize your firm more often as their royalties grow, which will keep them invested in your brand.

In the event you play your chips properly as a travel agent and schedule hundreds of trips for a corporation, there are risks involved. But if something goes awry, it may suddenly turn from countless business visits to booking for one firm to none. In the travel agency industry, you need to be aware of the potential dangers.

Whenever it comes to corporate travel, there is no margin for error, since most appointments may not wait for a tardy attendee. Before the start of the project, everything must be planned out and accounted for. If the client is late for a business meeting, the meeting may be canceled, resulting in lost revenue, time, and labor for the business traveler.

If you’re going on a trip, it’s important to think about possible health concerns. A business vacation is not a time to put off illness, accidents, or catastrophes. You may want to recommend that the company purchase Business Travel Accident (BTA) insurance to fully safeguard the firm’s travelers.

The traveler must be satisfied if your travel agency provides a journey that emphasizes punctuality and convenience.

2. Special Tourism Agents

This type of travel caters to the interests and desires of the individual traveler. When it comes to special interest tourism, the goal is to get an exceptional experience that directly relates to the preferences of the traveler.

Special interest travelers have a wide range of features, as they are all based on the preferences of the individual traveler. There are a wide number of possibilities, including gourmet tours, religious travel, cultural trips, and more. 

The underlying denominator among these travelers is a great passion for something and a desire to travel the world to further explore this obsession.

Determine the purpose of the trip – Is it to unwind and relax? Is the purpose of this journey to learn and grow? Is the goal to see as many of the big tourist destinations as possible? Accommodations can be made once the purpose of the trip has been determined.

Create tour offers that will pique your client’s interest when it comes to customizing a trip for them. Packages appeal to special interest visitors since they are cost-effective and focus on what they want to see and do.

An adventure package is a traditional special-interest package. All of the area’s top places to visit would be included in this itinerary. People who are willing to take risks will be drawn to your website if you offer zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. You can guarantee that your consumers will have the vacation of a lifetime if you provide them with the most exciting options.

A rapidly growing segment of the travel industry is wellness tourism. These tours are specifically designed to focus on health, focusing on both physical and emotional well-being. 

Travel companies will make reservations for these customers based on their preferences for health and well-being, including staying in hotels with exercise facilities, eating at restaurants with organic options, and staying in places with plenty of greenery.

A travel agent may be contacted by someone in need of medical treatment. Because the patient doesn’t live in an area where medical aid is needed, medical tourism is a necessity. 

In any case, the patient already has a lot on their plate, and they don’t want the excessive strain of travel or hotel reservations on top of everything else. The treatment isn’t accessible in their homeland, or there may be better doctors abroad.

Due to needing to function as the liaison between the customer and the many tour operators, excursions, and activities, there is some risk for travel agents. Because of this, many people rely on the services of travel host agencies.

The client has placed their trust in you and your organization, and this is where tour operators come into play. The customer will come to you if something turns out badly.

Therefore, keep communication open between the two of you. To serve your customers with the highest service, you should have a list of organizations you can rely on.

To avoid a last-minute withdrawal from either side, you should plan . You should specify the dates by which cancellations are accepted and whether or not there will be a fee for doing so. There must be no misunderstandings when the day of the scheduled events approaches if you provide all the relevant information.

Unexpected medical concerns are another issue for tourists with specialized interests. Terrible events might occur when a trip is centered on being adventurous, tasting new foods, or getting medical treatment done.

Travel insurance is the right strategy to avoid any potential issues. This will protect your traveler in the event of an emergency, but ideally, it will never be needed.

3. Travel Agencies for the Leisure Traveler

Travelers who want to get away from the daily grind. Those that travel for leisure are more concerned about having fun and having a good time.

People who go on vacation tend to be alone or with a small group of relatives and friends. All of these tours are geared toward leisure, exploration, and fun.

There are several aspects of a leisure trip that include eating at fine restaurants, staying in luxury hotels, lounging by the pool or beach, and seeing tourist attractions.

Those who prefer a more authentic travel experience, however, may choose to backpack around a new location, overnight in hostels, steer clear of the most popular tourist attractions, and learn about the history and culture of the place they’re visiting. Online travel agencies can only provide this level of service.

There are numerous options for the travel agent to personalize a client’s journey while they are going for pleasure. An experienced traveler can help you get the most out of your vacation.

With a cruise, you don’t have the burden of choosing your itinerary, so you can relax and unwind. In one transaction, a cruise provides transportation, meals, amusement, and a place to stay. If a family is looking for a getaway from their bustling daily routine, this kind of trip is an excellent option.

In most cases, a customer will know where they want to go, but they will need assistance working out how to fill their days. A seasoned traveler can provide their recommendations for the must-see attractions, the best restaurants, and fun activities for the entire group. To ensure that your customers get the most value for their money, your travel firm can put together a well-thought-out itinerary.

When the word “leisure” is used, the first thing that comes up is sitting by a pool, reading a book, and wearing floppy hats. Travel agents that can propose a variety of resorts to potential customers are more likely to get the best deal. Travelers will love a hotel that is located close to a beautiful beach, has an on-site spa, and has a fitness facility.

There are few risks involved in working with leisure visitors. If something goes wrong, it usually doesn’t have a major impact on the holiday because the timetable is so slack.

There is an increasing trend for clients to submit evaluations on web forums. Internet sites like TripAdvisor make it easy for customers to sing your firm’s praises while also calling it out when it makes a mistake in the public eye.

Image and reputation may be ruined in a matter of minutes thanks to the power of the internet, and dissatisfied consumers are quick to spread the word.

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Exploring the Different Types of Travel Agents

Apr 29, 2024 | Travel , Travel Agent

Table of Contents

The days of travel agencies operating out of little booths in malls are over. Travel agents come in all shapes and sizes, and you can find them on almost every website these days. Everyone, no matter what their location, may now easily book tours and travel. Tours and activities can be reserved in a variety of easy methods, including through online travel agencies, global distribution systems, independent agents, and visitor centers. For that reason, we will explain the many kinds of travel agents and walk you through the most common kinds of travel agents so you can understand who does what.

What Is the Precise Definition of a Travel Agent?

A travel agent is an individual employed by a public service organization or private retailer who offers advice and services pertaining to travel and tourism. Travel agents provides various forms of travel agency packages for their clients on behalf of travel suppliers (such as hotels, transportation companies, travel concierge services , travel insurance providers, and tour operators). They will coordinate the logistical aspects of travel for their clients while operating as intermediaries between various travel service providers.

What Are the Different Types of Travel Agents?

Independent Travel Agents

A travel agent who is considered independent either works by themselves or for a smaller agency that is not part of a bigger network. When it comes to selecting vendors, goods, and services, they have greater leeway and independence. Additionally, they have the option to provide clients with services that are more tailored to their specific needs, like:

• Customized itineraries
• One-time offers
• Specialty products

Online Travel Agents

Online travel agents are those who conduct business exclusively via the internet, offering and selling travel products and services via websites, mobile applications, or social media platforms. Online travel agencies offer numerous benefits, including the subsequent:

• Decreased overhead
• Greater reach
• Constant availability
• Enhanced convenience
• Options for clients

Technology can be leveraged by online travel agencies to improve their services through the implementation of chatbots, artificial intelligence (AI), online booking systems, and big data. A variety of goods and services, including flights, hotels, vehicle rentals, tours, cruises, and packages, may be provided by online travel agents. Online travel agencies include Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, and Skyscanner.

Visitor Information Centers

Travel agencies that offer information and guidance to visitors at the location are known as visitor information centers. Locations such as airports, rail stations, bus terminals, city centers, and tourist attractions often house these.

Visitors information centers are a treasure trove of useful information for vacationers, including maps, brochures, guides, schedules, reservations, and insider tips. Local goods and services, including arts and crafts, excursions, events , and activities, can also be promoted and sold at these places.

Multiple Travel Agents

Multiple travel agents is one of the Types of Travel Agents that function as components of a larger conglomerate or organization that maintains numerous branches or locations. They may provide the following products and services, among others:

• Car rentals

Miniple Travel Agents

These Types of Travel Agents typically have a limited number of locations within a specific region. One advantage of these businesses is the personalized service they provide, which includes impartial recommendations for vacation packages. Another perk is that they can take use of economies of scale to a greater extent than independents can as they just have to pay a single licensing charge for all of their branches, as opposed to an independent who isn’t part of a branch paying a single price for their business.

High street Travel Agents

Physical locations where High Street Travel Agents conduct business, such as shops or offices in retail centers or main streets of cities and towns. High street travel agents may provide the following products and services, among others:

• Holiday packages

Call Center Travel Agents

Call center is one the Types of Travel Agents who function from a centralized office or center that manages a substantial influx of customer phone inquiries. The call facility Travel agents have the capability to provide and market travel-related goods and services via telephone by utilising a script and an automated reservation system. The call center Travel agents may also offer support, assistance, and customer service.

Business Travel Agents

Corporate clientele, including businesses, organizations, and government agencies, are the specialty of business travel agents. The following are examples of the kinds of products and services that corporate travel agents can provide to cater to the demands and tastes of their clients:

• Fare flexibility
• Flexible appointment times
• First-class seats
• Lounges at airports
• Rooms for meetings
• Discounts for businesses

Read more about How airssist Play Roll In The Corporate Travel Industry

Choosing the Right Travel Agent for You

Planning a trip can be an exciting but overwhelming task, especially with the abundance of information and options available online. That’s where a travel agent can come to your rescue. A reliable travel agent can save you time, provide expert advice, and help ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. However, not all Types of Travel Agents are created equal, and it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a travel agent:

Specialization:

Consider the specific Types of Travel Agents you’re interested in, such as leisure vacations, adventure travel, cruises, or corporate travel. Look for a travel agent who specializes in the type of trip you want to take. Specialization ensures that the agent has in-depth knowledge, established connections, and access to exclusive deals within that particular niche.

Experience:

A travel agent’s experience can make a significant difference in the quality of service they provide. Find out how long the agent has been in the industry and inquire about their personal travel experiences. An experienced agent will have firsthand knowledge of various destinations, understand potential challenges, and have a network of reliable contacts to rely on.

Reputation:

Research the reputation of the travel agent or the agency they work for. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their level of customer satisfaction. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations based on their personal experiences. A reputable travel agent will have a track record of delivering excellent service and ensuring client satisfaction.

Service fees:

Inquire about the travel agent’s fee structure upfront. Some travel agents charge a flat fee for their services, while others earn commissions from the travel suppliers they work with. Make sure you understand the fees involved and what services are covered. While price shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it’s important to ensure that the agent’s fees are reasonable and align with the value they provide.

Online presence:

In today’s digital age, a travel agent’s online presence is crucial. Look for an agent who has a professional website or presence on reputable travel platforms. A well-designed website can provide valuable information about their services, destination expertise, and contact details. Additionally, check if they are active on social media platforms, as this can give you insights into their knowledge, responsiveness, and engagement with clients.

It’s also essential to have a conversation with the travel agent before making a final decision. Ask them about their approach to trip planning, how they handle emergencies or changes, and what level of personalized attention they offer. A good travel agent will listen to your needs, provide tailored recommendations, and be responsive to your queries.

Travel Agent Fees vs. Value

Remember to have open and transparent communication with your travel agent to understand their fee structure and the services included, ensuring you receive the best possible value for your travel investment.

How airssist Could Make Travel Agents Client Happy

By utilizing airssist services for travel agents they will offer personalized assistance to their clients. This includes services such as airport Meet & Greet, Airport Greeter, Baggage Handling, And Private Lounge Access, also:

• save customers’ time by making the booking process very simple and easy.
• airssist is proactive with travel agent communication, and swift with its resolutions.
• We present wherever customers are to make their trips better, easier, less stressful,
• airssist deep personalization.

In Conclusion,

exploring the different types of travel agents can help you find the one that best suits your travel needs and preferences. Whether you’re planning a leisure vacation, an adventure trip, or corporate travel, there are specialized travel agents available to assist you.

Note : Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.

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Types of Travel Agency

Types of Travel Agency: The travel agencies play a pivotal role in the tourism & hospitality Industry. Significantly, travel agency is a crucial constituent of the tourism & hospitality Industry. As a vital component of tourism industry, travel agency has faced many operational and managerial changes over recent years and needs to constantly evolve in order to continue to meet the needs of tourists and diversity of distribution channels in the volatile tourism marketplace. Thus, understanding how a travel agency operates, remains competitive and meets the needs of customers is essential for any employee of a travel agency and those who want to join this vital sector as career. It is important that learners appreciate the complexity of working within a agency organisation and therefore the wealth of skills and knowledge needed to achieve success during this vital component of the industry. This module aims to develop an understanding about different types of travel agencies operating in the tourism industry. This module also appraises the students to know in brief activities and importance of different types of travel agencies.

Various types of travel agencies

The Travel agencies are classified on the following basis:

On the basis of distribution chain

According to the International Institute for the Unification of Private law (UNIDROIT), a travel agency can be of two types.  An Intermediary Travel Agency: This type of travel agency undertakes as intermediary to act for another, in obtaining either a journey or a sojourn possible in return for the price for the services.

 An Organizing agency : An organizing Travel Agency undertakes to arrange for the general public , a journey or sojourn comprising a series of services.

On the basis of Functions

 Retail Travel agency : Retailing mean to sell in small quantity of product / service to the end users. Retailing refers to all or any the transactions which involve sale of products or services to the last word consumers. A retail travel agency is a middleman between producers and tourists who procures goods from the producers /wholesalers and sells it to the final consumers. They form a vital link in the channel of distribution of products/ services because without travel agency the products/ services would not sell nor would it is possible for consumers to buy services of their choice. They have a way stronger personal relation with the consumers and deal directly with the people of various tastes and temperaments. They form the last link in the chain of distribution and give the final selling price to the product/ service. Thus, the retail travel agencies provide important services and solve the problems of the producers and wholesalers on one hand and the tourists on the other hand.

 Wholesale Travel agency: As the name indicates, a wholesale travel agency operates at large scale and deals in bulk purchase of products/ services and retail through the retail travel agency. Wholesaler may be defined as the middleman who operates between the producers (from whom they purchase goods) and the retailers (to whom they sell goods). Wholesaler refers to any individual or business firm selling goods/ services in relatively large quantities to buyers (retailers) other than the ultimate consumers. Thus, the producers who sell their products directly to retailers may also be regarded as wholesalers. The specialized knowledge and skill of wholesalers increase the efficiency of the distribution network. The wholesalers provide important services and solve the issues of both the manufacturers and therefore the retailers.

On the basis of Tourism flows:

On the basis of tourism flow types of travel agency are as:  Outbound Travel Agency: The outbound travel agencies are those travel agencies which provide product and services to tourists want to visit abroad. Generally, these travel agencies provide convenient location for the purchase of travel product/ service besides offering expert product knowledge and ancillary services.

 Handling Travel Agency / Inbound Travel Agency: This is very old form of travel agency which is specialized at a particular destination or location. This travel agency plans and executes of travel packages at destination level. In fact, a handling travel agency represents tour operators at a destination and supervises the delivery of local suppliers.

On the basis of Business or leisure

Travel agencies can be categories on the basis of business or leisure such as:  Leisure Travel Agency: These types of travel agencies manly serve holidaymakers with package tours.

 Business Travel agency: Today, business travel has become core area for many travel agencies. Business travel agency arrange travel for business travelers and corporations and provide extra services such as reporting and travel management.

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On basis of level of specialization.

 Niche Travel agency: Due to the emergence of new form of tourism like ecotourism, Niche travel agencies have evolved. Niche travel agencies and usually small independent travel agencies and specialized in certain products or certain suppliers.

 Mass Travel agency: Mass travel agencies are big travel agencies often large scale/ multinational travel companies. These travel agencies generally offer wide range of destinations and products/services having large supplier network. These travel agencies operate on economies of scale.

On  the premise  of Geographical coverage

Travel agencies  is  categories on  the idea  of geographical coverage  like  Multinational: Multinational travel companies present in many countries, either through own outlets or partnerships. A multinational travel company is one which is incorporated in one country (called  the house  country); but whose operations extend beyond  the house  country and which carries on business in other countries (called the host countries)  additionally  to  the house  country. Generally, multinational travel company has it’s headquarter  within the  home country.

 National:   agency  is serving  the requirementsof shoppers  nationwide. In fact, when a travel company conducts its affairs in its home country  is thought  as national  agency . A national  agencyis commonly  taxed differently than  a distantagencyand should  be required to pay duties or fees on the importation of its products/ services. Typically, a national  agencyis in a positionto work  business in other states or other parts of the country as per the articles of association.

 Regional: when a  agencyis working  at regional level  is usuallycalled  regional  agency . These travel agencies are specialized in certain  countries  and offer both leisure and business products/ services.

On the idea of Number of outlets

Travel agencies  may be  categories on  the idea  of number of outlets  like  Multiples : Multiples travel agencies are those travel agencies which operate nationwide and owned by large  agency . These travel agencies are large scale and  think about  package holidays. These travel agencies have  a sequence  of establishments spread throughout the country under  one  name. Thus, these travel agencies have  a large  number of clients.

 Mintiples : Mintiples travel agencies  targeta selected  region with multiple  business line . These travel agencies have number of branches scattered throughout the local area but sometimes operate under different trade names. These have head offices  and will  acquire independent firms  to show  them into  one in all  their outlets.

 Independent Agencies: Independent travel agencies usually cater for a special or niche market. Independent agencies have  one  outlet  and frequently  specialized in niche markets. These travel agencies  and frequently  small travel agencies and specialized in certain products or certain suppliers like eco-tour package, adventure tour package or others.

On the idea of Business Model

Travel agencies are often categories on  the idea  of business model  like  Offline Travel Agency:   the sort  of  agencyis that the  oldest  sort ofagency . Generally, offline travel agencies operate through physical offices and face to face customer service/product.

 Online Travel Agency: Online  agency  serving customers through World Wide Web channels. Online  agency  (OTAs)  could be a  relatively recent innovation and  may be a  major growth sector  within the  global distribution system. OTAs are a  style of  distribution mechanism where  an oversized  number of sellers and buyers are connected via  an online  site provided by an independent third party. The leading international OTAs are:

• Travelocity, owned by Sabre. Travelocity includes the brands lastminute.com, World Choice Travel and Zuji.  within the  corporate market, Sabre operates through the GetThere.com and TravelocityBusiness.com OTAs • Orbitz which operates  the subsequent  OTA leisure brands:

1. CheapTickets.com 2. Ebookers.com 3. HotelClub.com 4. RatesToGo.comOn the premise of Size

On the idea of business size travel agencies are often categories like

 Small Scale Travel Agency: the little scale travel agencies are those agencies which treat small scale, restricted to a little segment of the tourism market and to a narrow range of products. Small scale travel agencies are very large in number but account for atiny low portion of the overall retail tourism business.

 Medium Scale Travel Agency: Medium-scale agency business is that the outgrowth of a successful small scale agency. A agency business with 50 or fewer employees is mostly considered small, while one with 50-150 employees is taken into account to be medium-sized.  Large scale Travel Agency: Large scale agency is that business operation whose operates at large scale, having an outsized segment of the market and have a good range of products/ services. .

On the idea of Form

On the premise of business forms travel agencies may be categories like  Sole Proprietorship: when a agency business is owned, managed and financed by one man, it’s known sole proprietorship agency. In fact, its debt, obligations and taxes, are the owner’s personal liabilities, and income from a proprietorship is taken into account the owner’s income. this kind of agency is straightforward to begin and simple to dissolve.

 Partnership : agency being seen on a partnership basis is jointly owned by two or more individuals. In other words, when two or more persons agreed to contribute money or money’s worth and sharing profit/ loss as per the agreement is knowledge partnership. The partnership style of agency business organization enjoys the subsequent advantages: a. easy formation: Partnership is easy to create, inexpensive to ascertain and straightforward to control. No legal formalities are involved and no formal documents are to be prepared. Only an agreement is required. . b. Combined abilities and judgment: The skill and knowledge of all the partners are pooled together. Combined judgment of several persons helps reduce errors of judgment. c. Direct motivation: there’s no difference between owner and management. In fact, ownership and management of business are vested within the same persons. Thus, every partner is motivated to figure hard and to make sure the success of the firm. d. Close supervision: Every partner is anticipated to require personal interest within the affairs of the business. Different partners can maintain personal contacts with employees and customers. e. Flexibility of operations: Partnership business is free from legal restrictions and government control. Partners can make changes within the size of business, capital and managerial structure with none approval. The activities of partnership business may be adapted easily to changing conditions within the market. f. Corporate: Unlike a proprietorship or partnership a company is taken into account to own its own identity, break free its owners. a company agency is owned by shareholders/ stockholders who are represented by a board of directors. the company variety of agency is incorporated under the businesses Act. the company has differing types of merits like indebtedness perpetual existence, which implies it’s a separate person within the eyes of the law and simple to transfer ownership interests in an exceedingly corporation. The board of directors can authorize the problem of shares of stock in exchange for investors’ capital infusion into the corporate.

On the Bases of Services

On the idea of services travel agencies is categories like

Full-Service agency : A full-service agency could be a agency which offers s all services / products to both international and domestic tourists. Its operation includes every kind of tour packages like holiday and business travel on individual or group based. Further, a full-service agency is also small or large scale concentrating on both leisure travel and business travel.

Corporate/ Business agency : A Corporate/ Business agency are specialized solely in servicing the travel needs of the business or corporate clients. Generally, the merchandise line of corporate agency includes business / MICE and incentive travel.

In-House agency: In-House Travel Agencies are growing these days; and in house agency is simply diversification of product of the many large scale companies to help the corporate to prepare MICE / incentive travel. However, these travel agencies are differ from the company agency within the sense that they work with only 1 corporate account doing mainly business travel but also handling the leisure side for corporate clients. The Ashok Tour and Travel is that the best example of in-house travel of ITDC.

Speciality Agencies: A speciality Agency because the name indicates is specialised in an exceedingly particular market, destination or product. These travel agencies are the results of specific market needs, serving the wants of market segments like senior citizens, incentive groups or adventure travellers. Generally, these travel agencies are intermediaries between the retail travel agencies and also the tourists and are referred to as specialty channelers. These travel agencies may represent either the customer or the supplier and include incentive travel firms, MICE planners/ association executives, and company travel offices. Moreover, incentive travel companies put together and sell travel as an incentive to extend sales. Sometimes these travel agencies sell their ability to style, promote, and manage incentive travel programs.

Types of Travel Agency Types of Travel Agency Types of Travel Agency

Types of travel agency types of travel agency, you may be interested to read this travel agents and tour operators, you might also like.

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7 types of travel agents around the world

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Travel agents are an important part of the tourism industry. There are several different types of travel agents. The different types of travel agents vary according to the service they provide and the products that they offer. In this article I will teach you about the different types of travel agents and provide some examples too.

What’s a travel agent?

High street travel agents, business travel agents, call centre travel agents, internet travel agents, independent travel agents, multiple travel agents, miniple travel agents, types of travel agents: to conclude, further reading .

A travel agency is a private retailer that sells travel-related products and services to consumers. This includes package holidays as well as individual holiday elements such as hotel rooms, flight tickets and travel insurance.

Travel agents typically use global distribution systems (GDS). These systems enable to travel agent staff to receive real-time updates on availability and prices and to make bookings.

Travel agencies typically take a percentage of the overall fee that a consumer pays, known as commission. Commission rates vary depending on the product and/or service that is sold. It is for this reason that consumers will sometimes pay more for a holiday booked through a travel agency than they would if they booked it directly with the suppliers.

Did you know that you can set up your own travel agency business and earn from your sofa? Find out how here!

The different types of travel agents

There are four main types of travel agents in the travel and tourism industry: high street, business, callcentre and Internet. I will explain how each of these types of travel agents work below. BUT before you read on, hit play on my new YouTube video below!

High street travel agents have been around for a long time. Up until only a few years ago, high street travel agents were the most popular and themes common types of travel agents.

High street travel agents are typically found in major shopping areas, such as local high streets or in shopping malls.

High street travel agents typically have an area where holiday brochures are displayed and desks for consumers to sit at and talk than travel agent. Travel agent staff are generally very knowledgeable about the products and services thatchy are selling and offer high standards of customer service.

Many people continue to prefer house high street travel agents because they enjoy the face-to-face interaction.However, fewer and fewer people have been using travel agents in recent years. This has led to the closure of many high street travel agents.

High street travel agent examples: TUI, Hays Travel, Cooperative Travel

Business travel agents specialise in planning and booking travel for business purposes. Business tourism is one of the largest types of tourism . As such, this is an important type of travel agent.

Business travel agents do not always have a visible high street presence. Instead, they may be tucked away in office blocks or in quiet locations.This is because they do not tend to have walk-in business.

Business travel agents typically work with companies to organise business travel. Stays tend to be shorter than ordinary holidays. Business travel agents are popular because they help to save organisations timed money, given that they are able to quickly plan itineraries and book travel the best prices.

Business travel agent examples: Crystal Corporate, Click Travel, Kanoo Corporate

A call centre travel agent is a travel agent which is based in a call centre.

Call centre travel agents provide advice and guidance on booking your holiday via the telephone. Many major travel agencies will have call centres as wells high street shops.

Call centres have lower overheads than high street retailers because they do not have to pay premium prices for their offices- they have the flexibility to be based anywhere.

Some companies even choose to base their callcentres in developing countries, where wages and overhead costs are lower. However, this has been known to have a detrimental impact on the service offered due to language barriers and cultural differences.

Call centre travel agent examples: Flight Centre, Virgin Holidays

Internet travel agents are travel agents theatre based the Internet. This includes major travel companies as wells independent travel agents who are working from home.

Internet travel agents are the most popular types of travel agents nowadays. Many people prefer to book online.

Just like high street travel agents, Internet travel agents take a commission from the money paid by the consumer.

The rise of the Internet travel agent has been so significant in recent years that there is now a lot of competition in the marketplace. This helps to drive down prices and to make holidays more affordable to customers.

Internet travel agent examples: Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda

Types of travel agent businesses

The types of travel agents can also be distinguished by their business model. There are three major business models that are used: independent, multiple, miniple. I will explain what each of these are below.

An independent travel agent is an agent is a unique company. There is only one branch and it is not associated with any other travel agency stores or companies.

Independent travel agents are commonly found in small towns and villages. They are usually locally-run businesses. Because of scales of economy, independent travel agents are often not able to compete with the lower prices offered by larger types of travel agents.

Independent travel agents do not necessarily need to have physical travel agency. There are many people who are running their own, successful travel agency businesses from home. These are Internet travel agents who are operating on an independent basis.

Since COVID-19, many organisations have reduced their business travel requirements, opting instead for Zoom calls and webinars facilitated by the shut-in economy . It is predicted that this change will be irreversible and therefore that the need for business travel agents will be permanently reduced.

A multiple travel agent is one which has a chain of branches. They are typically large organisations with a strong high street presence.

Multiple travel agents did have a monopoly of the market for many years. However, they have struggled to compete with the Internet travel agents, who have fewer overheads and are more conveniently located- on a consumer’s computer/smart device!

Miniple travel agents are travel agents that have several branches. These are usually mid-sized companies. They are often regional.

As you can see, the travel agency market has changed a lot in recent years. We have moved away from the traditional multiple on the high street towards an Internet-based approach when researching and booking our holidays. Nonetheless, there does continue to be a desire for travel agents, albeit largely online.

If you’re studying travel and tourism then I highly recommend the following texts to support your learning:

• The 10 Major Types of Events
• The 8 Major Types of Cruise
• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• 20 Popular Types of Hotels Around The World
• 21 Types of Tourists Around The World

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Complete Guide to Travel Agent Commissions

by Core Commissions | Feb 16, 2023

According to research by  Statista , as recently as 2022, the travel industry was reported to be worth as much as two trillion dollars. It is one of the  largest industries  in the world based on employment, with an average growth of 12% over the past five years specifically among travel agents. 

Travel agents earnings are made up of a mix of salary, commission, and other incentives. Their pay can fluctuate significantly month to month or even annually. Different destinations, seasons, suppliers, affiliates, or even how the booking is made, all factor into the percentage of commission that an agent takes home. Pay is often commensurate with experience, meaning a more seasoner travel agent may be able to negotiate a higher commission rate. All of these variables make the process for calculating and managing commissions for agents ever-changing and very complicated.

Similar to other commission-based industries such as  insurance  and  finance , an agent’s pay will vary depending on whether they are employed by an agency or if they are self-employed. Typically, agents employed by an agency have a  salary and receive commissions and incentive pay  as an additional source of income. Whereas, a self-employed agent is not paid a salary and is  only paid commissions  earned from suppliers and fees paid by customers.

In this guide, we’ll cover vocabulary, types of commissions, commissionable revenue, and commission payment schedules that are common for US-based travel agents. 

Travel Agent Vocabulary

Supplier: The vendor or business that provides travel services. Suppliers could be airlines, hotels, rental car companies, tour guides, cruise lines, etc.  

Host Agency: Many independent agents may prefer to work under the umbrella of a larger organization to earn higher commissions and benefit from better contracts, relations, and marketing assets. These organizations are referred to as host agencies.

Accreditation Number: The identification number that suppliers use to keep track of sales made by each agency is known as the accreditation number. Suppliers group all bookings made under the same accreditation number together, meaning that host agencies, or agencies with multiple reps, can more easily generate enough sales to place them into higher commission tiers.

Non-Commissionable Fees (NCF): There are some aspects to the cost of travel that are not commissionable, meaning agents cannot accrue any commissions from them. Non-commissionable fees typically include any services fees and taxes added on to a booking, though there are some cases where both fees and taxes can be fair game for commissions.

Types of Commissions for Travel Agents

There are three main commission types for travel agents: flat commission rates, tiered commission rates, and airline commissions.

Flat commission rates

With flat rate commissions, every travel agent gets the same commission rate no matter how much they book. Flat commission rates are standard and predictable.

Tiered Commission Rates

For larger suppliers, they may utilize a commission tier structure as a way to incentivize agents to book more with them. Suppliers may base their tiers off of two variables: annual sales revenue or passenger count. In either case, the supplier establishes a commission structure that rewards agents or agencies who meet certain thresholds. Once an agent reaches a threshold, they receive a higher commission rate.

How many levels each supplier includes in their tier structure can vary, but generally they have three to four tiers for agents to reach. As mentioned above, suppliers keep track of all bookings made by agents through use of an accreditation number.

Annual Sales Revenue: In most cases, suppliers opt to build their commission tiers around overall sales volume achieved by an agent or agency. Once a certain threshold for annual sales is met, an agent’s commission rate increases.

Passenger Count: Alternatively, some vendors may choose to use passenger count as a way of structuring their commission. This can be a common route for suppliers such as cruise lines as they have several vacancies to fill on each cruise.

Either way, agencies have an advantage with tiered commissions because they have multiple agents working under the same accreditation number, all of whom will benefit from the commission rate increase. Because of this, they are able to reach the tiers with higher commission rates quicker and easier.

Airline Commissions

Airline commissions are unique from flat rate commissions and tiered commissions because they vary completely based on the contract that is negotiated with each agency. Agencies with better contracts earn a higher percentage rate. Even with a well-negotiated contract, an agent’s compensation will be impacted by domestic vs. international flights, city pairings (where they are flying to and from), class of service, the carrier, and the time of year. Airline commissions are also typically fairly minimal compared to commissions earned from other suppliers. 

Not all airlines pay commissions to travel agents, but airlines that do will have their own policies and commission rates. For specific commission rates, you will need to inquire with each individual airline. 

Commissionable Revenue for Travel Agents

Almost any travel services booked by a travel agent can be eligible for commissions or other incentives, some examples include:

• Car Rentals
• Travel Insurance
• Service Fees
• Custom Itineraries

Other Variables

Aside from the variables mentioned above, there are additional factors that contribute to how an agent gets compensated.

Commission Confidentiality: Many suppliers choose to keep their commission rates private. You will only learn the commission rate when you sign on with a host.

Commission Split with Agency: If employed by an agency, travel agents will usually have to split the commissions earned from the supplier with their employer. Each agency will have a different policy in place for how the split is structured, but the agency will usually use their portion to help cover the cost of maintaining supplier relationships. 

Net Commission vs Gross Commission: As mentioned above, for some aspects of travel, there are non-commissionable fees. This can play a role in whether the commission accrued for each agent is based on the gross cost of the booking or the net, which is gross less any taxes. In most cases, a travel agent’s commission will be on the total cost before taxes are added. 

Phone vs. Online Bookings: In some cases, suppliers may base their commission percentages on how the booking is made. This won’t have a huge impact on the rate of commission paid out, but it can alter the rate a little bit.

Price Matches: Many suppliers will offer price matching for customers, which can result in a lower commission rate for agents.

Travel Type: Leisure and business involve different methods for planning and agents will earn different rates depending on the type of travel being arranged.

Travel Agent Commission Pay Schedule

Another complicating factor to travel agent commissions is the schedule in which they receive their incentive pay. Some commissions may be paid out immediately, whereas, other commissions may not be paid until after the client has traveled. Below are more details on payment schedules for travel commissions:

Payment upon booking: Agents will receive payments upfront for things such as travel insurance, if the agency requires any type of deposit prior to planning, or when the agency submits their final bill to the customer. The fees incurred from completed bookings for the customer are received go into incentive payments for the agent.

Payment after client has traveled: On the other hand, suppliers will not usually issue payment to agents until the client has concluded their travel, which means that in most cases agents will go long periods before seeing their commission hit their paycheck.

Ensure Accurate Payments to Your Agents

There are a lot of moving pieces involved in managing sales compensation for travel agents and ensuring that the commissions received from suppliers are accurate with your records. Core’s customizable sales compensation solution has all of the tools you need to reconcile payments from suppliers, track commissions tiers, and accurately calculate your agents’ pay.

Single-button processing allows you to process commission cycles at any point once payment is received from your suppliers and our customized dashboards give you a real-time view into which suppliers are your biggest revenue generators.

Contact us or set up a free demo and we’ll show you how Core can automate the entire compensation process for your agency.

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It’s official: Internet booking sites are the worst. Which means travel agents are back in a big way, to such a degree that the crème de la crème among them are so selective that they’ll work with only a small group of card-carrying members.

We talked to the top dogs at four very different membership travel companies to find out what kind of VIP hook ups they’ll get you—and how much hand-holding you can expect along the way.

Fischer Travel

Courtesy of The Tailor  Nathan Dyer

Source:  Stacy Fischer Rosenthal, president

The Gist: Founded almost 54 years ago by her father, Bill Fischer—who got his clients into sold-out spots like the Hotel du Cap in Antibes in the ’80s—this family-run business is as exclusive as a club gets. “We have a very serious vetting process,” says Fischer Rosenthal.

The Membership: You might want to sit down for this: a $100,000 initiation fee, plus an annual $25,000 renewal fee, plus service fees for all trip planning. And that’s only if you’re accepted. Right now, Fischer has just 175 members.

The Claim to Fame: One-on-one tennis lessons with John McEnroe, a private tour of the Egyptian pyramids, Christmas dinner cooked by a Michelin-starred chef—you name it, Fischer Rosenthal can do it. If she told us her team could move mountains, we’d almost believe her.

Hand-Holding Quotient: Next-level. “My clients will never check in at a front desk, they will never fill out any forms, they will never have a moment when their trip isn’t absolutely seamless.”

Essentialist

Courtesy of Essentialist

Source: Joan Roca, founder

The Gist: Former Travelocity exec Roca ditched digital and went private bespoke in 2017 after realizing travelers didn’t need more choice—they needed more curation. His cabal of experts includes more than 75 journalists and editors specializing in various destinations around the world.

The Membership: A flat fee of $1,400 per household per year includes unlimited travel-planning services by a designated “travel designer” who knows everything about you, from what you like to eat to what you like to drive.

The Claim to Fame: Ultra-insider experiences are the name of Roca’s game, whether it’s the best paella in Majorca at a secret restaurant few locals know or a private dinner in a Venetian palazzo. “It’s not about the price tag,” he says. “It’s about discovering things that are under the radar and unique.”

Hand-Holding Quotient: Minimal. “Our client doesn’t require a lot of hand-holding,” Roca says. “They don’t want people standing at the door of their hotel room every morning. They just want to go.”

Courtesy of Marchay

Source:  Karl Backlund, cofounder

The Gist: With partner Jon Ein of private equity firm Foundry Capital, Backlund devised not an agency but a “travel community of like-minded individuals,” in which pay-for-play travel agents wouldn’t be welcome.

The Membership: $4,500 for a full annual membership with unlimited bespoke trip planning , or $1,750 for a one-trip planning fee. “We admit limited members to make sure the service standards are maintained,” Backlund says.

The Claim to Fame: Seamless execution of even the most complicated itineraries, whether it’s an island-hopping extravaganza in the Caribbean via private jet and yacht or a Scottish golf spree with 11 tee times in 11 days.

Hand-Holding Quotient: That’s up to you. “Our clients appreciate a significant portion of discovery—the thirst for exploration is definitely there,” Backlund says. But he’ll still hold your hand if you ask.

Inspirato Pass

Source:  Brent Handler, founder

The Gist: Handler is like the Thomas Edison of travel clubs . He invented the destination club with Exclusive Resorts in 2002, then went on to create Inspirato , a similar but more affordable club in 2011. The Inspirato Pass , his latest brainchild, is a subscription app.

The Membership: $2,500 per month gets you household booking rights to exclusive trips, events and accommodations—all at no added cost. The catch? After booking a trip, you have to take it before you can reserve another.

The Claim to Fame: There’s the usual hotel suites and over-the-top villas, but what gets really interesting is Inspirato Pass ’s access to marquee events and experiences, from US Open seats to a European river cruise.

Hand-Holding Quotient: Surprisingly high, for an app. “All Inspirato Pass trips include pre-trip planning by our expert travel designers, including custom itineraries,” says Handler. Impressive.

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How to Become a Travel Agent: Everything You Need to Know

A re you great at finding reasonably priced flights and hotel rooms? Does making itineraries and solving booking issues come naturally to you? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider becoming a travel agent. And if you're the designated "trip-planning friend," you're already halfway there.

You might think the the profession is outdated, but that's not what the data shows: According to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), 50 percent of travelers are more likely to use a travel agent now than they were in the past. Not only are travel agents needed, but the career's earning potential can be impressive, depending on the type of agent you choose to be. Use this guide to learn how to become a travel agent and kickstart your journey into a unique career.

RELATED: 26 Best Trip-Planning Hacks Straight From Travel Agents .

What do travel agents do?

A travel agent's job is to ensure their clients have the best travel arrangements. Using their expertise, they offer advice and essential details about your trip, make your reservations, book flights and hotels, and manage your travel plans overall. Any hiccups regarding your accommodations are handled by them, and they are the best at finding money-saving deals. Travel agents prioritize your needs, like your vacation schedule and budget.

Their goal is to provide peace of mind throughout the trip-planning process so you can get the most out of your vacation.

What credentials do you need to be a travel agent?

You don't necessarily need a degree to become a travel agent, but getting some training within the field could be in your best interest. This not only makes you an attractive candidate to employers and agencies who may require a form of certification , but also helps you appear more qualified, which can help further your career in the long run.

Even though there might not be a degree in "travel agency" per se, you can opt for a related program like business, economics, or hospitality instead.

What do you need to become a travel agent?

There are different ways to become a travel agent, but anyone hoping to break into the field should definitely keep the following three points in mind.

Decide what kind of travel agent you want to be.

Having a specific focus on the kind of travel experience you want to provide allows you to build the knowledge and resources to best help those specific clients. Suppose you want to work in corporate travel: Building your skills according to your niche clientele and field will help you sharpen the skills you need to develop your expertise.

Learn about the travel industry and its trends.

The travel agency field is constantly shifting, so it's important to stay up-to-date on industry changes and trends to know what you should be offering clients. People's preferences are ever-changing, so knowing what's hot and what's not is crucial. Spend time learning which places are popular and unpopular based on the season, or which restaurants are staple visits. This shows a solid and up-to-date understanding your clients will appreciate.

Build your communication and interpersonal skills.

A large part of being a travel agent is advising your clients and earning their trust, which doesn't happen overnight. Presenting yourself as knowledgeable and approachable can encourage them to trust your judgment and recommendations. This is especially important if you're not working with a travel agency, because you'll have to rely more on your brand and relationships instead of leaning on a company's reputation.

Maintaining a healthy balance of communication between you and your clients is also essential, which means scheduling phone calls, in-person meetings, keeping up with emails, and any other form of communication your client prefers.

RELATED: 9 Ways Flying First Class Can Actually Save You Money, Travel Experts Say .

Get certified if you can

Getting a certificate can be pricey and cost hundreds of dollars . So, if this option is not feasible for you, that's understandable. However, while certification isn't a requirement to become a travel agent, it can certainly help you throughout your career. Here are a few certificate programs to consider.

Certified Travel Counselor

This Travel Institute certificate requires at least five years of experience and a Certified Travel Association certification. This course focuses on marketing and building consumer relationships. CTC costs $550 to complete the course and $600 for the CTC Fast Track.

Certified Travel Industry Executive

CTIE is also backed by the Travel Institute and requires at least five years of field experience. This $550 program includes courses on travel business, marketing management, bookkeeping, and travel law.

ASTA Verified Travel Advisor

This certificate is given by the American Society of Travel Advisors and teaches applicants about the legalities of travel and how to solidify relationships with consumers. The nine-course program also focuses on ethical travel advising, agency law, and travel agency compliance.

For ASTA members, the course is $399, and for nonmember independent contractors, it's $598. Travel Advisor nonmembers pay the steepest price, which is $729, and $179 for recertification.

RELATED: 7 Hacks for Flying With Just a Carry-On—No Matter How Long Your Trip Is .

How much do travel agents make?

According to Indeed , travel agents make an average of $53,924, and salaries can range between $30,131 and $96,506, depending on where you live. But other factors can affect an agent's earning potential, like working independently instead of for a travel agency.

A travel agent's income also depends on their area of travel. The Hotel Agency Review 2023 report revealed that corporate and luxury travel agents earn much more than agents who focus on Disney and cruise trips.

Your experience level can also impact your earning potential, as agents who have worked in the field longer are typically viewed as more qualified.

RELATED:  The 7 Best Cruises to Book If You're Over 60 .

Do travel agents get discounts on flights?

Being a travel agent doesn't automatically mean you get tons of discounts and deals, but they do have access to perks that can help make planning trips easier and less expensive. Travel agents have the inside scoop on reduced rates because of their relationships with hotels and airlines. As a result, agents share these negotiated prices with their clients to help them save. Agents can, of course, also benefit from this insider knowledge and save money on their own trips.

Thanks to their agents, clients can enjoy luxury accommodations at high-end hotels like Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS&Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, and Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, to name a few. These perks range from spa services and later checkout times to room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

How do you make money as a travel agent?

There are several ways a travel agent can make money in their field beyond selling travel packages or working for an agency.

Travel agents can charge a service fee, which is a base pay clients cover along with any other charges.

Travel agents can also make commissions from their contracts with hotels, tour/excursion companies, cruises, car rental services, and airlines. Add-ons like insurance can also help boost an agent's income, if their client wants it.

Booking group tours can increase a travel agent's earnings because their commission is based on how much their clients purchase, so more people means more accommodations. For example, booking travel for destination weddings or family reunions is an excellent way to book multiple hotel rooms. It's such a lucrative strategy that some agents make group booking their niche, because managing just a few a year can bring in a substantial profit.

RELATED: The Best Day to Book Flights for Your Next Getaway .

Being a travel agent comes with many perks, but ultimately, becoming one takes a lot of dedicated effort. Taking the time to learn about the travel industry is a great way to expand your tourism knowledge and consumer communication techniques. Refining your skills and becoming certified is one of the best ways to attract and retain clients.

So, if becoming a travel agent sounds like the career for you, join this community of globetrotters and combine your love for adventure, great deals, and helping others plan impressive getaways.

In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter to enjoy similar career-building content, as well as the latest in wellness, entertainment, and travel.

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According to the Uniform State Register of Legal Entities published by the Russian Tax Service, Galkina Liudmila Anatolevna (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number 235300678739) is referenced in the following legal entities.

• 1. Company Head, CEO
• 2. Founder Galkina L. A.
• 3. Operating as a Sole Entrepreneur
• 4. More Information
• 5. Galkina Liudmila Anatolevna and indirectly associated parties

This TIN was issued by the tax office of Krasnodar Krai .

• Moscow (wholesale non-specialized trade in food, beverages and tobacco products)
• Moscow Oblast (travel agency activities )

USRLE has the following linkages with this TIN 235300678739: Cherkasskaia Liudmila Anatolevna (v OOO "BEST-TUR" ).

Galkina L. A. is a sole proprietor

Company Head, CEO

Galkina L. A. has been the head of SMART IMPORT LLC since 28 April 2022 (a person entitled to act on behalf of a legal entity without a power of attorney).

Founder Galkina L. A.

Galkina L. A. has been the founder of OOO "BEST-TUR" since 19 May 2017.

Operating as a Sole Entrepreneur

Galkina Liudmila Anatolevna is registered in the registry as sole-proprietor, belongs to the category of micro-enterprises.

Sole Entrepreneur Galkina Liudmila Anatolevna

Main activity: Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet (OKVED code 47.91).

Registrar at place of residence of the individual entrepreneur: Mezhraionnaia inspektsiia Federalnoi nalogovoi sluzhby №23 po Moskovskoi oblasti (tax office code – 5081). Tax authority with which is registered: Inspektsiia Federalnoi nalogovoi sluzhby po g. Mytishchi Moskovskoi oblasti (tax office code – 5029). Date of registration with the tax authority: 08/02/2021.

Registration number in the Pension Fund: 060029069573 from 3 August 2021.

Latest changes in the Unified State Register of Individual Entrepreneurs:

• 08/04/2021 . Providing information on registration as an insurer in the territorial body of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation.
• 08/02/2021 . Representation of information about accounting with the tax authority.

More Information

Galkina Liudmila Anatolevna has 1 registered trademark 935400 .

Galkina Liudmila Anatolevna and indirectly associated parties

According to the data contained in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, the following indirect links with Russian organizations, their heads and founders can be traced. Please note that the links may be of a formal nature and do not necessarily indicate real contacts of these persons. When establishing the connection, not only the match of the surname, first name and patronymic, but also the TIN of the individual was taken into account.

The data presented on this page have been obtained from official sources: the Unified State Register of Legal Entities (USRLE), the State Information Resource for Financial Statements, the website of the Federal Tax Service (FTS), the Ministry of Finance and the Federal State Statistics Service.

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