Travel Consultant (Domestic and International)
Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects |
Openings 5 years to 2016-17: 10 000 < 25 000 |
| Salary Range |
Median weekly earnings: $801 to 950 (Source: DEEWR Australian Jobs 2012: www.deewr.gov.au/australian-jobs-publication) |
| Brief |
Do you like variety in your work? Then a job in the travel and tourism industry is for you. Travel Consultants give advice and information as well as plan and book holidays and tours.
You would perform a broad range of tasks using discretion and judgement. The industry is very flexible and is designed to meet a broad range of employment outcomes. The types of organisation you would be employed in include tourism business requiring multi-skilled employees of our operators and travel agents, for specialist attractions, e.g. Wineries or museums. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Travel Consultant (Domestic and International)
Accredited (Award)
Introduction
Individuals with this qualification are able to work in the retail travel sector, covering all types of retailers including those that cover or specialise in leisure, corporate, domestic and international sales. At this level, retail travel personnel can operate in domestic or international sales and the qualification allows for both.
Possible jobs include:
· Travel Consultant
· International Travel Consultant
· Tour Desk Consultant
· Leisure and/or Corporate Consultant
· On-line Consultant
· Mobile Travel Consultant
Your will need:
· Good communication skills
· Strong customer focus
· High level of personal presentation
· Enjoy working with people
Tourism is a world-wide growth industry. This growth translates into more people setting their sights on seeing the wonders of the world. Travel agents organise travel arrangements and make accommodation bookings for people with different travel requirements. This could be a lucky globe trotter, someone who needs to travel regularly for work or another traveller who just needs to get somewhere fast. On the other hand, tour guides plan day-to-day itineraries and provide assistance to people during their travels. Some guides specialise as shopping guides, others act as coach escorts while others become adventure or ecotourism guides. Also taking care of travellers are the tourist information officers who work in information centres and provide information about local services and attractions.
Similar Interests?
Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:
Influencing and Personal Contact
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Tourist Information Officer, Car Sales Representative, Event Coordinator, Nurse (Enrolled), University - VET Lecturers, Florist, Retail Sales Supervisors and Assistants, Management Consultant, Patient Care Assistant, Landcare Officer, Music Professionals, Personal Trainer, Beauty Therapist, Designers for Theatre, Performance and Events, Fitness Instructor, Project and Program Administrator, Marketing and Advertising Specialists, Copywriter, Bank Officer, Human Resources Manager, Financial Counsellor, Personal Assistant, Sports Coach, Butcher, Cellar Door Salesperson, Veterinary Nurse, Market Research Analyst, Fashion Designer, Accountant, English as a Second Language Teacher, Real Estate Sales Representatives & Property Managers, Actor, Hotel Manager, Youth Worker or Disability Worker, Author/ Book Editor, Police Officer, Travel Consultant (Domestic and International), Restaurant and Catering Manager, School Services Officer, ICT Network Professionals, Aromatherapist, Ecotourism Guide, Occupational Health, Safety & Environment Professional, Hairdresser, Film, Stage, TV and Radio Director, Counsellor and Community Worker, Child Care Worker, Conveyancer
Outdoor
Boilermakers/Welder, Caravan Park/Camping grounds Manager, Car Sales Representative, Painters and Decorator, Metal Fabricator (Boilermaker), Miners and Drillers, Jockey, Nursery Worker, Landcare Officer, Floor Finisher, Stablehand, Animal Attendant, Horticultural Tradesperson (Gardener), Horse Trainer, Viticulturist and Vineyard Hand, Sports Coach, Motorcycle Mechanic, Shearer, Police Officer, Glaziers, Bricklayer, Travel Consultant (Domestic and International), Cartographer - Surveyor, Ecotourism Guide, Car Detailer, Aquaculture Farmer and Technician, Child Care Worker
Education Requirements
There are currently no educational requirements needed to become a Tourism and Travel Manager, however, it's becoming increasingly desirable among employers that managers have some formal training.
TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you gain employment in this area:
Packaged Program in Hospitality and Tourism
Certificate III in Travel
Certificate III in Tourism (Retail Travel Sales - Specialising in International Travel)
Certificate IV in Tourism (Specialising in Marketing)
Still unsure? Then try a short course offered through TAFE SA. For further information about TAFE SA courses go to the TAFE SA website at www.tafesa.edu.au
Career Path
Job prospects are highly dependent on the activity of the tourism industry. There is a high number of people in training for the size of this workforce but there is a relatively high turnover of staff and quite a few part time opportunities on offer. Despite the unavoidable problems that arise, there has been an increase in airline activity which has in turn bolstered the demand for qualified and experienced travel and tour consultants.
Industries
Cultural and Recreational Services, Transport and Storage
Interview
"The best travel agents make the time for self-learning on products and destinations" says a travel consultant who has also worked in Canada. She thrives on the variety offered in her job. "Every day is different, providing new challenges. The greatest reward is the repeat and referral business developed from client relationships." Many people employed in the travel industry have also travelled extensively themselves. This is a great way for travel and tour consultants to see and learn about the host of well known and not so well known travel destinations.
Nature of the Job
Selling Domestic and/or International Travel. The job requires you to Interview Clients, whereby you are able to assess the Clients requirements. You should also be able to advise on Visa requirements suitable to the Clients needs. You will make reservations using computer reservation systems and by phone, and establish and confirm the detail to the clients, including the costs. You will also be required to undertake the processing of the reservations through the receiving of money and forwarding this onto the providers. You need to issue and collate all travel documents and prepare client travel itinerary, including air tickets, travel tickets and vouchers.
To be successful in the area of tourism, you need to enjoy working with people and be able to think outside the square. How do you ensure that a client's needs are best met, or what would you do if the holiday resort where you're client has been booked, suddenly shuts down because a cyclone has torn through it? Overcoming such setbacks is part of the job, because there is always so much new information to absorb. This includes; new travel packages, computer reservation systems, visa requirements and so on - ongoing learning.
Typical Physical Working Environment
Travel agents need to have a strong sales focus and usually work on a commission basis. They often provide additional or free services to clients which is a great way to establish an agent/client relationship for the future. Travel agents and tourist information officers usually work with the public in shopfront locations. Tour guides usually accompany tour groups where much of their time is spent on buses, trains, or on foot. Travel and tour consultants should be well informed about the travel products and services they provide and have excellent customer service skills.
Typical Occupational Example
While these careers are attractive for travel opportunities, it isn't uncommon to find yourself working long hours and on weekends. Travel consultants and agents can often work 10-hour days. When leading tours, tour guides are often on duty 16 hours a day. Only tourist information officers tend to work a regular 8-hour day. ''It is very high stress - you have to love working with people, the travel opportunities are not enough to motivate you day to day,'' cautions one tour guide. ''You're trying to make peoples' dreams come true so you have to get it right.''
To give yourself a jump start in the industry, try and develop strong computer, written and oral skills in secondary school. Those who have travelled widely may be able to get a foot in the door with their experience and knowledge, provided they intend to study. Because this is a competitive industry, employers usually look for people with at least certificate or diploma training in tourism. The emphasis in this occupation is on qualified and experienced staff and therefore employment prospects tend to be better for people who can demonstrate these abilities. If you're aiming for management, then a relevant degree is a good idea.
Another highly desirable skill amongst employers is a working knowledge of a second language - in fact, it is increasingly becoming a prerequisite. Entrepreneurial opportunities exist for people with creative ideas. Anything that provides a needed service to people can be spun into a winning idea. Ecotourism, which specialises in providing environmental knowledge and holidays in unique locations, is becoming big business the world over.
For further information, contact:
The Australian Institute of Travel and Tourism
PO Box 13183, George St Brisbane, QLD 4003
Ph: (07) 5477 5202
Email: info@aitt.asn.au
Website: www.aitt.asn.au
Tourism Training Australia
GPO Box 2493 Sydney NSW 2001
Ph: (02) 9286 3944
Fax: (02) 9290 1001
Email: reception@tourismtraining.com.au
Website: www.tourismtraining.com.au
Earning Potential
Salaries vary according to the sector and region in which you work. Bonus incentives exist among some employers. Salaries may also vary with age and experience. Commencement salary would be approximately $35,000 dependent on where you enter the industry.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or enquire online