If you want to learn more about what it takes to become a travel agent in Arizona, read this guide!
Tourism is bound to return to normal after the year 2020, which almost brought the end for this industry, and not only.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Arizona
Being a travel agent is more than helping clients with finding:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
Traveling involves more than that brief list, therefore the professionals have a variety of job duties they must complete for their clients.
It is the agent’s duty to specialize in a type of travel:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
The following list is not complete, but includes the most common tasks of this job:
- 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
All these aspects will definitely help the agent better plan the trips for their clients.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Arizona
Being a travel agent is not as easy as one might imagine.
This occupation requires a set of skills as well as specific knowledge.
These are the characteristics of the ideal candidate for this position:
- 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 is not really necessary, however, employers might prefer candidates who have it.
Willingness and a penchant for traveling are great assets to have as well for this position.
These qualities will prove useful when trying to complete your tasks.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Arizona
Diplomas for travel agents might not appear as important as for other occupations.
Yet, the majority of agents choose to earn a degree in tourism.
Such specific education and diplomas will only increase the credentials of the agents.
In turn, they will benefit from more success, a better income, and better career options.
These are some of the schools in Arizona that offer programs for travel agents.
Top 5 Schools in Arizona
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306 |
| Arizona State University | 7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 |
| Arizona State University | 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287 |
| Central Arizona College | 8470 N. Overfield Road Coolidge, AZ 85228 |
| University of Phoenix | 4035 S Riverpoint Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
These programs have a duration of two to four years.
Travel agents can also take online classes.
You’ll be asked for at least a high school diploma or a GED when enrolling.
These are some of the areas 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 Arizona
Many travel agents start traveling before getting employed.
This helps them become familiar with specific destinations.
Those who want to gain some experience, start working as receptionists or in other entry-level positions in travel agencies.
Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe, are some of the cities where salaries are generally higher.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$34K | |
$37K | |
$45K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Arizona
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $37,860 |
| Tucson | $36,011 |
| Mesa | $37,866 |
| Chandler | $37,866 |
| Scottsdale | $37,866 |
| Glendale | $37,860 |
| Gilbert | $37,866 |
| Tempe | $37,866 |
| Peoria | $37,784 |
| Surprise | $37,528 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 70 | $51,290 | $24.66 | $68,530 | $35,030 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 810 | $63,660 | $30.61 | $134,520 | $29,360 |
| Tucson, AZ | 60 | $42,630 | $20.5 | $61,980 | $27,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
As a travel agent, you can also work on your own, from wherever you want.
For this, you might need additional licenses.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Arizona
In this state, it’s important for travel agents to register with the American Society of Travel Agents for Arizona.
Another organization you can join is the Arizona Business Travel Association.
Both of these associations offer extensive resources and even discounts that can only aid you in the future.
Keep in mind that membership with either of them requires the payment of a yearly fee.
