Travel Counsellor
Travel counsellors advise clients on travel options and tour packages, make bookings and reservations, prepare tickets, and receive payment. They are enthusiastic about travel, and have good research and organizational skills. 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 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. The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) has information on training and certification.