Now is a really good time to consider becoming a travel agent in Mississippi.
The tourism industry returns to normal as more and more people are allowed to travel once again.
Grab a warm drink and read on!
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Mississippi
We all think we know what these agents do, or do we?
Most of us use a travel agency to facilitate finding:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
We also hope to find lower prices by choosing this route.
Agents can really help us with that, but we first need to let them know why we travel.
This could be for:
- A Honeymoon
- Have some more family time together
- For business
- Go on a cruise
We also have to mention what our budget is.
Agents usually specialize in 2 or 3 types of travel, and all those details are really helpful for them.
To give the best service, these professionals need to:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Understand the needs and desires of their clients
- Keep accurate records
- Find solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handle payments and deposits
- Promote the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiate with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
In a case-by-case scenario, they might be responsible for other tasks as well.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Mississippi
Not just anyone can become a travel agent.
These skills are really useful for the candidates:
- 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
Some employers are asking for previous experience.
This can be achieved by working other jobs in a tourism agency.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Mississippi
Getting an education in Mississippi is not mandatory for travel agents.
You’ll discover fast that many actually hold a degree in tourism.
One of the most common degrees in this field is the Bachelors’.
The schools listed below offer 2 and 4-year programs in tourism, so you can choose the credential you want.
Top 12 Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Coahoma Community College | 3240 FRIARS POINT RD CLARKSDALE, MS 38614 |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College | 1001 CO-LIN LANE WESSON, MS 39191 |
| East Central Community College | 15738 HIGHWAY 15 DECATUR, MS 39327 |
| East Mississippi Community College | 1512 KEMPER STREET SCOOBA, MS 39358 |
| Hinds Community College | 505 E MAIN ST MN CAMPUS RAYMOND, MS 39154 |
| Meridian Community College | 910 HWY 19 N MERIDIAN, MS 39307 |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | HWY 3 AND CHERRY ST MOORHEAD, MS 38761 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | 51 MAIN STREET PERKINSTON, MS 39573 |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | 101 CUNNINGHAM BLVD BOONEVILLE, MS 38829 |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | 4975 HWY 51 N SENATOBIA, MS 38668 |
| University of Mississippi | 143 Ford Center, P.O. Box 1848 University, MS 38677 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | 118 COLLEGE DRIVE # 0001 HATTIESBURG, MS 39406 |
When enrolling, you’ll need to prove you either graduated from high school or have a GED.
However, if it’s difficult for you to attend classes in person, you can enroll in an online program.
These are the main subjects you’ll study in a tourism program:
- 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 Mississippi
Traveling to actual places comes with the job of being a travel agent.
This allows you to learn more and first-hand about all the options available to your clients, once they arrive at their respective destinations.
The majority of these professionals work for tourism agencies.
It is however possible to work on your own as well, from anywhere in the world.
This option, however, requires additional licenses, so check with your local authorities on the matter.
As far as your earnings go, this will depend on how much experience you have and your location.
If you’re curious to know where the salaries are higher on average, these cities are Olive Branch, Southaven, and Horn Lake.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$30K | |
$33K | |
$39K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $34,358 |
| Gulfport | $33,753 |
| Southaven | $35,518 |
| Hattiesburg | $33,542 |
| Biloxi | $34,021 |
| Meridian | $34,025 |
| Tupelo | $32,382 |
| Olive Branch | $35,429 |
| Greenville | $34,125 |
| Horn Lake | $35,501 |
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Mississippi
Those who obtain additional licenses will need to keep them current.
If you want to increase your credibility, consider joining an association related to touristic activities.
Thanks for sharing this! As someone from Mississippi interested in the travel industry, this guide is super helpful for getting started on the right track.
I never knew there were specific steps tailored to becoming a travel agent in Mississippi. This breakdown makes it seem much more achievable.
It’s refreshing to see a guide focused on a specific region like Mississippi. The insights into local regulations and resources are invaluable for anyone looking to pursue a career in travel here.
I appreciate the emphasis on networking and building relationships within the travel industry. That aspect often gets overlooked but can make a huge difference in finding success as a travel agent.
I’ve always had a passion for travel, and seeing this guide breaks down the process into manageable steps gives me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a travel agent right here in Mississippi.