How to Become a Travel Agent in Louisiana

Everyone thought that 2020 brought an end to tourism, but things have changed.

While regulations change, there might be a greater need for travel agents at least in Louisiana.

Read this article to learn what you need to do in case you consider a new career as a travel agent!

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Louisiana

Usually, travel agents are in charge of arranging for their clients, the following:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Entertainment

They can’t do any of that without first completing these tasks:

• 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

Their job would be even easier if they considered becoming more familiar with at least two of these areas of interest:

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

Taking care of additional tasks and traveling from time to time will be common occurrences for these professionals.

Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Louisiana

The job of a travel agent can also be made easier with a certain set of abilities.

Generally, these are:

• 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
• Having a clean criminal record
• Being honest
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Speaking a foreign language
• Liking and having the ability to travel

Not many employers ask for experience in the field, but this can be obtained.

The most common way to become more familiar with the tourist industry is by working other jobs in this field.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Louisiana

To become a travel agent, you should get some formal education.

This will help you develop the skills you don’t have and teach you how many job tasks should be completed.

Louisiana doesn’t have many schools to offer tourism programs, but the existing ones can be seen below.

Some of these schools offer programs for distance or online learning while others just for courses in a classroom.

A high school diploma or a GED is required by all those institutions, for those who want to enroll.

These are the main classes you’ll attend:

• 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 Louisiana

The main benefit of being a travel agent is the possibility of frequent travel.

This helps the professional to be always informed of any possible changes.

Furthermore, some institutions prefer to negotiate terms and packages face-to-face.

These agents usually work for tourism agencies, though working on their own is also possible.

For this, additional licenses will be needed.

Your salary will be influenced by a series of factors, including your type of employment, experience, and location.

In cities like Metairie, New Orleans, and Kenner, average salaries are higher than the state’s median of $36,774 per year.

Salary by Metro Area

Additional Information for Travel Agents in Louisiana

If you obtain a license to run a business of your own, you might have to ensure it’s always current.

Most agents are part of various associations that help them create more connections and thus improve their careers.