Everyone thought that 2020 brought the end to tourism, however, it appears this wasn’t the case.
People started traveling again, despite many restrictions and regulations.
This can only mean there’s demand for travel agents once again.
Read this guide to find out how you can become a travel agent in Arkansas!
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Arkansas
Most people think that these agents help tourists find:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
This is only partially true because these professionals need to do much more than that.
One of the first things these agents do is find a niche to specialize in:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
The above niches can even be combined for more specific needs.
Here’s a list of the most common tasks you’ll have to complete as a travel agent:
- 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
Additional tasks could be assigned or pop up when finding the best solutions for clients.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Arkansas
Despite what you might think, becoming a travel agent means you’ll have to meet some prerequisites.
Here are the most common requirements for those who want to work as travel agents:
- 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
- Liking to travel
Employers will prefer candidates with some experience in the field, though this is not mandatory.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Arkansas
There are classes or courses that can be taken by those interested in becoming travel agents.
Most of the courses have a duration of a few years and award a Bachelor’s degree diploma.
These colleges from Arkansas are where you want to start your search.
Top 8 Schools in Arkansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | 1600 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET MOUNTAIN HOME, AR 72653 |
| Arkansas Tech University | 1605 COLISEUM DR. RUSSELLVILLE, AR 72801 |
| East Arkansas Community College | 1700 NEWCASTLE RD FORREST CITY, AR 72335 |
| National Park College | 101 COLLEGE DR HOT SPRINGS, AR 71913 |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College | ONE COLLEGE DRIVE BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 |
| Pulaski Technical College | 3000 W SCENIC DR NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72118 |
| University of Arkansas | 2 East Center Div. of Continuing Education Fayetteville, AR 72701 |
| University of Arkansas | HIGHWAY 425 SOUTH MONTICELLO, AR 71656 |
These schools offer programs with a duration of two to four years.
There are some online classes available as well if attending in person is difficult.
Upon enrolling you might be asked to show at least a high school diploma or GED.
Check the other enrolling prerequisites as well when doing your research, to have your papers ready.
Travel agents will deepen their knowledge in these areas of study:
- 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 Arkansas
Working by yourself from home or wherever else is one of the perks of being a travel agent.
However, many such agents will be working for an agency.
You might have to often travel to various destinations to know better what you’ll be suggesting to your customers.
Salary usually depends on performance and experience.
By default, in Arkansas, salaries are higher in larger urban settings like Little Rock, Jonesboro, or Conway.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$32K | |
$35K | |
$42K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Arkansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $35,467 |
| Fort Smith | $33,478 |
| Fayetteville | $34,877 |
| Springdale | $34,877 |
| Jonesboro | $35,248 |
| North Little Rock | $35,467 |
| Conway | $35,123 |
| Rogers | $34,670 |
| Bentonville | $34,601 |
| Pine Bluff | $34,302 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 60 | $45,350 | $21.8 | $51,830 | $33,340 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to obtain additional licenses when running a business on your own.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Arkansas
Travel agents are advised to join organizations that can only improve their credentials.
Joining such organizations requires paying an annual membership fee.
