Careers > Travel Counsellor
Travel Counsellor
Industry Group:
Travel Services
Overview:
Travel counsellors advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets and receive payments. They are enthusiastic about travel, and have good research and organizational skills. A travel counsellor in Canada earns a median hourly wage of $16.71 or a median annual salary of $41,400. In addition to salaries, travel counsellors also may be offered commissions and travel benefits. They are employed in retail travel agencies, wholesale tour companies and in corporate offices that have enough business travel to warrant their own booking divisions.
Duties:
- Provide travel information and itineraries to clients
- Counsel clients on terms and conditions of travel, e.g. cancellation policies
- Sell tickets/tours and make reservations
- Process payments and keep accounts
- Promote destinations, tour packages and other services
- Provide travel tips on currency, language, safety, health, etc.
- May also sell special event tickets or travel insurance
Experience:
Strong written and verbal communication skills, customer service skills and interpersonal skills are required for this position. An aptitude for selling and an ability to work under pressure are also necessary. Desired skills and experience include sales, marketing and computer experience, monetary transaction skills, and proven research, organizational and time management skills. Travel experience and a second language are also useful.
Education:
A secondary school diploma is required. A related college diploma is usually requested. You may need emerit Travel Counsellor Certification through the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC). This certification requires completion of a knowledge exam, having 1000 hours work experience and passing a practical evaluation of performance.
Career Path:
Senior Travel Counsellor, Travel Agency Manager, Agency Owner/Operator.
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