A corporate travel agent is a suitable job for someone passionate about traveling while solving corporate travel problems. A corporate travel agent is responsible for creating and managing travel itineraries, handling bookings for all travel transportation and accommodations, creating and maintaining a budget for the entire trip, and following all the safety and travel protocols. Before we discuss how to become a corporate travel agent, let us look at the need of business travel agent.
Importance of corporate travel agents
As business travel is expected to grow significantly post Covid-19, the need for travel agents has been accelerated. Corporate travel management has become more complex and harder to manage. Businesses have started employing a dedicated person for their corporate travel needs who manage the bookings, itineraries, budget, and reports related to business travels.
Steps on how to become corporate travel agent
1. Education and training requirements
Unless one is sure that their experience in the industry will be enough to compete with the qualified personnel, they must go through a proper course or certification in the area of tourism, travel, or hospitality. It gives an upper hand to travel agents and helps them learn various methods of managing corporate travel. Some of the must-have certifications are Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE).
2. Gain travel industry knowledge
Just the passion for traveling is not enough. One must make significant efforts to know about the industry. They must be well-versed in travel terminology, ideal destinations, travel policies, and regulations. Research about the in and outs of traveling and keep updated about it.
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Corporate travel agent skills and tools
1. GDS
A global distribution system is software that holds information about millions of hotels, flights, and car rental companies. It gives real-time information about travel products and services. This helps in finding affordable deals online. A travel agent must be well versed with this software to be able to get huge deals for their customers.
2. Budgeting
Another skill that the corporate travel agent needs to master is budgeting. Corporates spend a significant portion of their money on business travel and travel agents must serve them with higher ROIs every time. Agents can save a lot of the company’s money by budgeting properly from the start.
3. Communication and interpersonal skills
- Negotiation: Travel agents need to bargain with lots of travel providers at each phase of the business trip. To save and ensure proper budgeting, they have to use their interpersonal skills and negotiate to hack the best deal possible.
- Empathy: Travel agents must have the ability to empathize with the employees by listening and understanding their needs and concerns. For instance, if the employee is not comfortable with flying, the travel agent must be able to provide them with a cruise option.
- Decisive: There are multiple decisions to be made while on a business trip. The travel agent has to be spontaneous with their decisions while choosing the best possible solution to provide a smooth travel experience to business travelers.
- Well-organized: There is a lot on a business travel agent’s plate. The travel agent cannot let this work pile up. They need to be well organized with their trips and itineraries and should be able to maintain this throughout the trip.
Roles of a corporate travel agent
1. Booking affordable and safe travel
A travel agent’s major responsibility involves searching various portals and finding affordable packages and travel products for their customers. The agent should refer to the travel policy set by their client and provide arrangements as per the requirement.
2. Managing costs
Another important role is to create a budget and ensure adherence to the budget. They must avoid unimportant and useless expenditures. The travel agents also need to maintain proper records of all the expenses so that they’ll be able to create an expense report after the business trip.
3. Analyzing expense reports
After recording, the travel agents must also analyze the report and generate insights regarding over and under-spending expenses. This helps them to rectify this in future business trips. The agent also needs to calculate the ROI from the trip and present it to the reporting business agent.
How to start a corporate travel agency
1. Define your specialty/USP
Think about what you mastered when it comes to travel. It can be destination expertise, it can target particular industries, or it can be your patented technology. Find your niche market and offer them what you specialize in.
2. Registration of company
Get a catchy name for your business that defines your business and values. Get it registered to incorporate your business. Start marketing your business through its name. It’ll help establish your place in the market.
3. Collaborating with a host agency
A host agency provides a huge database of global travel products. It helps you connect with different airlines, hotel chains, travel insurance providers, car rental and taxi companies. They often offer package deals and allow you to customize the packages according to your customer’s needs. Travel agents can leverage such platforms for their business while earning a huge cut for themselves.
4. Networking with travel providers
Travel agents have to make good business relations with travel suppliers worldwide. This can help them get discounts and commissions in the future.
5. Launch
When the agent thinks that they have established a good supplier base and skills they are ready to launch their business in full swing. They can market their business through different channels, be humble, and helpful to maintain positive customer reviews. This also helps in getting repeat customers and sustaining the industry.
Conclusion
The business travel industry is booming and there is wide scope for travel agents to leverage this opportunity and become successful. Knowing the technicalities on how to become a corporate travel agent becomes essential. Travel agents must always ensure the safety of their customers and save them from any kind of fraud. The corporate travel agent field, if managed properly, can help you earn a much higher income than other tourism and leisure industry counterparts. But they need to be careful at each step and ensure to be strategically moving ahead in their travel business.
Suggested Read: How Do Corporate Travel Agents Help In Efficient Business Trips
How To Become Corporate Travel Agents FAQs
What is the average cost for a corporate travel agent certification?
The cost of a recognized corporate travel agent certification lies between $339-$729.
What is the expected salary of a corporate travel manager/agent?
The average salary of a corporate travel agent ranges from $63000 to $82000 per year. This can vary depending on education and experience.
What are the tools a corporate travel agent must learn before entering the industry?
Travel agents need to master GDS, budgeting, and expense management tools to sustain themselves in this competitive industry.
What are some key skills that a corporate agent must possess?
To excel as a travel agent, one must have excellent communication skills, customer service, managerial skills, and the art of negotiation.
What Skills and Qualities Are Essential for a Corporate Travel Agent?
Essential skills and qualities for a corporate travel agent include excellent communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, customer service, geography and destination knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in travel booking systems.
How Do I Get Started in a Career as a Corporate Travel Agent?
To begin a career as a corporate travel agent, you can start by gaining industry knowledge, obtaining relevant certifications, and seeking employment at a travel agency. Internships or entry-level positions are often a good way to start.
Do I Need Formal Education to Become a Corporate Travel Agent?
While formal education is not always necessary, having a degree in travel and tourism or a related field can be beneficial. Many corporate travel agents gain knowledge and skills through on-the-job training and experience.
What Certifications Are Required or Beneficial for Corporate Travel Agents?
While no specific certifications are mandatory, certifications such as the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) from The Travel Institute can enhance your credibility and job prospects in the industry.
Is it possible to work remotely or as a freelancer in this profession?
Yes, many corporate travel agents have the flexibility to work remotely or as freelancers. This depends on the employer and the specific role, but remote work is increasingly common in the travel industry.
What are the salary and earning potential for corporate travel agents?
The salary and earning potential for corporate travel agents can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and the agency they work for. On average, corporate travel agents can earn a competitive salary with opportunities for commissions and bonuses.
What tools and software are commonly used by corporate travel agents?
Corporate travel agents commonly use travel booking systems (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo), customer relationship management (CRM) software, expense management tools, and communication platforms. They also use tools for research, such as travel guidebooks and websites, to provide clients with comprehensive travel options and information.
How do I contact a corporate travel agent to book my business trip?
One can contact travel agents through online search, referrals, professional networks, trade directories, and networking events.
Why should I use a corporate travel agent instead of booking online?
One can prefer corporate travel because of their numerous benefits such as expertise and industry knowledge, cost savings, personalized service, policy enforcement, time savings, emergency support.
How Can Effective Corporate Travel Management Enhance Employee Productivity?
Effective corporate travel management enhances productivity by Minimizing administrative burden, streamlining processes, ensuring policy adherence, and providing seamless travel experience.
