Alabama is a wonderful place to start a career as a prospective travel agent. The state is home to several wonderful places, but more than that, travel agents here help residents connect with the wider world by showing them places to visit and helping them plan a journey like no other.
To become a successful travel agent in the state, individuals must be familiar with all the requirements beforehand. This will help them plan effectively and increase their chances of having a long, fulfilling career.
Thankfully, that is exactly what the purpose of this guide is.
We have explored all the major considerations while revealing other important information, such as the state’s high-quality training programs and annual average salary figures.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Alabama
In Alabama, residents become travel agents by following the steps below:
Choosing a Host Agency
Since there are no laws in the state mandating candidates to acquire formal education or even have a high school diploma or GED before they become travel agents, the most important step to becoming a travel agent in Alabama is to choose a host agency.
Most travel agents work as a part of a host agency because doing so offers several benefits, one of which is access to marketing resources. Furthermore, host agencies offer training materials and resources that are products of experience and have produced successful professionals in various sub-disciplines in the field.
Academic Training Program
Academic institutions also offer training for prospective travel agents. Most of these programs aren’t exactly branded as “travel agent” programs but are related programs through which interested individuals can start their careers on the right path.
For instance, candidates often enroll in business, communication, and tourism development programs to start a travel agent career in Alabama. Even more interesting is that individuals aren’t confined to 4-year programs only.
There are 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in these fields, but certificate and associate degree options exist. For convenience, individuals may opt for online and hybrid programs.
Getting Started on the Job
Finally, after completing a training program and choosing a host agency, candidates may start working as full-fledged travel agents in Alabama. They may also consider professional certification and continuing education for more career opportunities.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Becoming certified as a travel agent in Alabama is optional. Still, as mentioned above, it may be a strong avenue for candidates to participate in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops for career growth. It also helps validate their skills while providing a strong basis to network with fellow professionals in the field.
The American Society of Travel Advisors is a prominent professional organization for travel agents in the country that offers multiple highly rated credentials. These include specialty credentials in various fields, such as exotic and destination travel.
Candidates seeking other options may look to the Cruise Lines International Association, the International Air Transport Association, and the Travel Industry Designator Association.
Top Travel Agent Schools in Alabama
The following are some of the top training programs for travel agents in Alabama.
Coastal Alabama Community College
Gulf Shores, AL Campus Only
Coastal Alabama Community College offers several programs that candidates may use to start their careers as travel agents. Some of the more popular ones are the short-term certificate in Hospitality Specialization, the short-term certificate in Hospitality Supervision, and the Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Event Management.
Tuition
$129 - $256 per CreditContact
(800) 381-3722
admissions@coastalalabama.edu
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL Campus + Online
University of South Alabama’s Center for Continuing Education offers a 100-plus-hour program for future travel agents. Program features include an open enrollment policy, a convenient schedule, and a robust curriculum.
Tuition
$328 - $1,038 per CreditContact
(800) 872-5247
admiss@southalabama.edu
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL Campus + Online
Lastly, the University of Montevallo also offers a Hospitality and Tourism program with a dynamic learning environment.
Tuition
$403 - $1,047 per CreditContact
(205) 665-6000
admissions@montevallo.edu
Explore travel agent schools in Alabama by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Alabama travel agents can be categorized into three broad categories based on their annual income. The first category comprises the highest-paid agents in the state, taking home an annual average salary of $63,901. In the second category, we have the bottom 10% taking home an annual average salary of $22,207.
Lastly, in the third category to which most travel agents in Alabama belong, we have mid-level earners who take home an average salary of around $41,499 at the end of every year. This figure is also in line with the national average.
Location plays a huge part in determining a travel agent’s salary bracket. For candidates in Alabama, Decatur is where travel agents earn the highest annual average salary, at around $44,248 per annum. Also worth mentioning are Jacksonville, where travel agents earn an annual average salary of $44,019, and Opelika, where they earn an annual average salary of $42,035.
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