Even though we thought that we would never travel again after the year 2020, things seem to go back to normal.
Alaska is an exciting place to visit and experience, and there’s no wonder there’s a new demand for travel agents in this state!
Read this article to learn how you can become a travel agent in Alaska!
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Alaska
One of the first things you must know about this job is what you have to do.
Travel agents aid their clients in finding the following:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
They do all those by completing the following job tasks:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Understanding the needs and desires of their clients
- Keeping accurate records
- Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handling payments and deposits
- Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
This is not all, for travel agents can specialize in the type of travel:
- Honeymoon
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
Furthermore, the agents that know specific destinations better, can be more successful in meeting the needs of their clients.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Alaska
Like any other job, that of a travel agent requires a set of skills and knowledge.
Ideal candidates have these attributes:
- Good communication skills
- Good management skills
- Able to use various computer programs
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great marketing skills
- Able to work full-time
- Detail-oriented
- Being confident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be honest
- Have a high school diploma or GED
Having previous experience or specific training is not mandatory but extremely useful for this occupation.
These professionals also travel quite a bit before starting their careers, but even after that.
Actual travel is expected as you’ll be able to better understand the destination and make better recommendations.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Alaska
While having education or certification is not mandatory, these will increase your credibility.
The majority of those who want to work as travel agents choose to earn a degree in tourism.
The most common degree is at the Bachelor’s level.
Future travel agents can attend classes both in-person and online.
For in-person courses, you can check out the schools in the table below.
Top 3 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Adventure Green Alaska | 610 E. 5th Ave., Ste. 200, Anchorage, AK 99501 |
| Travel Alaska | 610 East 5th Ave, Ste 200. Anchorage, AK 99501 |
| University of Alaska | 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 |
When enrolling, you might have to meet some requirements, such as presenting a high school diploma or GED at the very least.
When preparing to be a travel agent, you’ll be studying:
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic/International geography
- Destination geography
- Introduction to international travel
- Introduction to air travel
- Transportation
- Career development
- Sales and marketing for travel
Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Alaska
Being a travel agent has its perks.
Two of them are being able to travel more than the average person and being able to work on your own, from wherever you can.
This also means you can work in an office for an agency or run an agency of your own.
Keep in mind that those who want to work as independent travel agents might need additional licenses.
Salaries are higher in Alaska by default.
In some cities, like Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Ketchikan, salaries are higher than in other cities.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$39K | |
$42K | |
$51K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $42,626 |
| Juneau | $42,247 |
| Fairbanks | $42,450 |
| Wasilla | $42,051 |
| Sitka | $41,672 |
| Ketchikan | $41,672 |
| Kenai | $42,051 |
| Palmer | $42,051 |
| Bethel | $42,051 |
| Kodiak | $42,051 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 140 | $47,670 | $22.92 | $49,230 | $36,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Agents with more experience and more credentials also earn more than their peers.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Alaska
Future travel agents in this state can become members of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
By doing so, their credentials and success will only increase.
Some licenses will have to be renewed periodically, so stay in touch with the agency issuing them.
