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Imagining free trips around the world is common when thinking of a travel agent – but it takes a bit more than booking holidays and a passion for beaches and adventure.
So what is required to get into this business? While no specific secondary education is required for this job, a tertiary qualification is commonly required.
Study options vary from a year-long National Certificate in Travel, to a three-year Bachelor in Travel Management.
During their studies, undergraduates may complete internships at travel agencies – Helloworld Stanmore Bay owner Carolyn Hedley is among those considering taking on an intern.
“The Stanmore Bay branch has the pace that would be suited to an intern, as well as a small, tight knit team ideal for mentoring someone,” Carolyn says.
Once you have that job, You Travel Ōrewa co-director Mandy Herd says the most time-consuming part is research.
“Things are always changing – so we have to keep up with the pace and are always learning,” she says. “For example, with the corona virus outbreak we have had to find out all potential travel limitations, so our customers have all of the information on how it may affect them.”
Having someone available 24/7 to help is one of the bonuses of booking with a travel agent – which has the potential to create long hours for staff.
While this may put people off the job, Mandy says frantic late-night calls from clients in distress are not common.
“It’s just a part of what we do – you definitely don’t want to leave someone in the lurch.”
Being a travel agent may appear to be a very one-on-one job, but Mandy says there is plenty of teamwork involved.
“We all have different expertise, so it makes sense to bounce off each other’s knowledge. That’s also how we decide who goes on what trip – if someone wants to learn more about a particular cruise, for example, we try and make that happen.”
The amount of work trips agents go on varies depending on the business. Mandy says the feeling of a place is something that can’t be googled, so going overseas is essential to provide a good service.
“My co-directors and I send staff on as many trips as we possibly can, so we can accurately match our client’s personalities to the trip – a vital part of what we do.”
The biggest downside of the job? Not enough time to do more travel.
“That’s why we are in this job – we can’t get enough!”
Travel agent stats
According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, over 4500 people work as travel agents in New Zealand. Despite the boom of booking online, Careers NZ also reports than 70 percent of travellers worldwide still book through a travel agency.
