How to Become a Travel Agent in Georgia

Maybe not people see Georgia as a travel destination, however, this doesn’t mean residents of this state don’t want to travel.

They most likely want to travel even more after 2020.

However, there’s a need for travel agents in Georgia, and this guide will tell you how to become one!

Read on and don’t forget your cup of tea or coffee!

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Georgia

Being a travel agent means you have many responsibilities to complete.

Agents find, for their clients, the best:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Entertainment

This can only be done by knowing what the customers like or not, as well as what’s the price they’re willing to pay.

By narrowing down your expertise, you can better help your clients.

These are the main niches in tourism:

• Honeymoon
• Family-oriented
• Business
• Budget
• Cruise
• Luxury

You’ll be even more successful if you combine at least 2 of these niches.

A day in the life of a travel agent is usually filled with:

• Reviewing 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 are tasks that will help clients have a better and safer time at their destination.

It’s not uncommon to also receive additional tasks, at least periodically.

Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Georgia

What does it take to become a travel agent in Georgia?

The answer is not very easy, as you’ll need several abilities, such as:

• 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
• Speaking a foreign language
• Liking and having the ability to travel

Unlike with many other positions, having previous experience in the field is not mandatory for these agents.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Georgia

The majority of travel agents are highly educated individuals.

They graduate with Bachelor’s degrees in tourism and hospitality.

The schools below have such programs to offer to those interested.

Some of the schools have a 100% acceptance rate while others will select their future students.

In most cases, you’ll have to present a high school diploma or a GED.

It is also possible to be asked to have minimum grades in specific subjects in high school.

Online learning is available for those who cannot attend classes in person.

Some of the subjects for tourism and hospitality courses are:

• 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 Georgia

In Georgia, travel agents usually work for tourism offices.

They can also work on their own, but for this, additional licenses are needed.

One of the advantages of this occupation is the ability and need to travel, making it possible to work from anywhere.

As far as salaries are concerned, they’re usually higher in cities like Atlanta, Athens, and Roswell.

Salary by Metro Area

Additional Information for Travel Agents in Georgia

Travel agents from Georgia should look into joining various tourism-related associations.

This way, they’ll improve not only their credentials but also their careers.