Are you interested in starting a new career in a field you love?
If that is the case, you can easily become a travel agent in New Mexico.
Before you can start, you first need to find out more about training and certification.
For that, read the following article as it will provide info.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in New Mexico
If you choose this job, you should first know what your responsibilities are.
The usual job tasks you will have on a daily basis include assisting clients with:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
In addition, you also need to:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- 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
If you prefer getting a specialization, you have the next options:
- Honeymoon
- Have some more family time together
- For business
- Go on a cruise
- Luxury
- Budget
- Relaxation
Travel Agent Job Requirements in New Mexico
To apply for a job, you have to develop the skills below:
- 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
In New Mexico, you don’t need special education to become a travel agent.
There are also no rules about licensing, but you can get one to find a good job.
A lot of travel agents opt to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, or similar.
This will assist you in getting job opportunities.
One of the most significant tasks you need to complete is visiting locations to learn more about them.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in New Mexico
If you opt for certification, you need to first attend training.
To get complete training, you first have to enroll in a school that offers travel agent programs.
You can select a physical program or settle for an online program.
There are several schools that offer programs in New Mexico, such as:
Top 7 Schools in New Mexico
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 525 BUENA VISTA DR SE ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106 |
| Eastern New Mexico University | 709 MECHEM DR RUIDOSO, NM 88345 |
| New Mexico State University | 2850 WEDDELL STREET LAS CRUCES, NM 88003 |
| New Mexico State University | 2800 N. SONOMA RANCH BLVD. LAS CRUCES, NM 88011 |
| Northern New Mexico College | 921 PASEO DE ONATE ESPANOLA, NM 87532 |
| Santa Fe Community College | 6401 RICHARDS AVE SANTA FE, NM 87508 |
| University of the Southwest | 6610 NORTH LOVINGTON HWY HOBBS, NM 88240 |
Facilities in New Mexico need a high school diploma or a GED in order to accept new students.
Programs for travel agents include the classes below:
- 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 New Mexico
In New Mexico, agents get paid well as the industry is growing.
If you work as a travel agent, you can make your own schedule.
You will also be able to visit many new places and destinations.
You can also create a business and work independently.
This, however, requires additional certifications.
If you prefer working for someone else, you can also get hired by a travel agency.
You may also wonder how much you will earn if you work as a travel agent.
You will be better paid if you have some experience and education.
Travel agents who work in a city have higher salaries compared to those in small areas.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$31K | |
$35K | |
$41K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $35,937 |
| Las Cruces | $32,628 |
| Rio Rancho | $35,822 |
| Santa Fe | $36,275 |
| Roswell | $33,664 |
| Farmington | $35,530 |
| Clovis | $34,580 |
| Hobbs | $34,267 |
| Alamogordo | $34,240 |
| Carlsbad | $33,664 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 80 | $44,280 | $21.29 | $62,100 | $25,580 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in New Mexico
In New Mexico, you can join the New Mexico Travel Industry Association for increased career opportunities.
You will also need to keep your certification updated.
So, you need to learn what the renewal requirements are.
You might have to take some extra classes first.
You can learn more if you reach out to the agency that released the license.
As someone who’s always dreamed of turning their passion for travel into a career, this guide really breaks down the steps to becoming a travel agent in New Mexico.
I appreciate the detailed overview of the licensing requirements specific to New Mexico. It’s reassuring to have a clear roadmap laid out before diving into this profession.
The insights on networking and building client relationships are invaluable. Establishing trust and rapport seems to be key in this industry, and I’m ready to start honing those skills!