Delaware travel agents must understand their local attractions well but are open to their immediate areas. These professionals are called upon nationwide to facilitate enjoyable and profound trips, ensuring convenience, effectiveness, and a wonderful all-round experience.
The following article showcases the requirements to launch a long-lasting career as a travel agent in Delaware. It explores the general requirements for travel agents across the country and the specific requirements relevant to candidates in Delaware only.
Furthermore, it showcases certain training programs that candidates may attend to start their careers on the right path.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Delaware
Delaware travel agents are advised to start their careers correctly by following the steps below.
Finding a Host Agency
Prospective travel agents must choose a host agency to start their careers. These agencies offer help with things like handling commissions and facilitating smooth logistics.
They also act as a training destination, providing marketing support and an IATA number that will allow agents to earn their commissions in compliance with legal specifications.
Participating in a Training Program
Host agencies can offer training programs for aspiring travel agents. They can also be offered by academic programs courtesy of community colleges, vocational schools, and private institutions.
It is worth noting, however, that most academic training programs for travel agents will not be officially referred to as “travel agent” programs but programs in business, tourism, travel, and even sociology.
Since all of these make up the field, having a certificate or degree in these disciplines is more than enough to get started on the job.
Candidates who can secure placement with a host agency from the start may not need to attend an academic program or may attend one provided by the host agency.
Notably, they will also enjoy one-on-one mentorship from experienced travel agents already in the agency.
Certification
Like academic training, certification is technically not required to become a travel agent in Delaware. However, thanks to its many benefits, becoming certified is a common practice among travel agents in the state and across the country.
The next section deals with the best certification options for fresh travel agents in Delaware to consider for career growth.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The best certification options for new travel agents in Delaware include the Certified Travel Advisor (CTA) credential offered by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) or the Travel Institute.
Both are highly respected professional organizations, with even more options for candidates looking to specialize or those with years of experience. For instance, the Travel Institute also offers the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) credential for travel agents with at least 5 years of experience and the Certified Travel Industry Executive credential for those seeking executive and managerial positions.
Top Travel Agent Schools in Delaware
Below are some high-quality training programs for aspiring travel agents in Delaware.
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE Online Only
Wilmington University's hospitality certificate program is a great way to become a travel agent in Delaware. With only 18 instruction credits, students can receive their education efficiently yet effectively.
Tuition
$419 per CreditContact
(877) 967-5464
infocenter@wilmu.edu
Delaware State University
Dover, DE Campus Only
Delaware State University, through its College of Business, offers a strong Hospitality and Tourism Management training program for aspiring travel agents in the state.
Tuition
$9,050 - $19,014Contact
(302) 857-6982
jeclarke@desu.edu
University of Delaware
Newark, DE Campus Only
Lastly, candidates may consider the University of Delaware's Hospitality Business Management program to start their travel agent careers.
Tuition
$14,600 - $39,190Contact
(302) 831-6077
hospitality-dept@udel.edu
Explore travel agent schools in Delaware by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Delaware travel agents typically earn an average annual salary of $39,432, especially those at the midpoint of the earning scale, representing most of the workforce. However, there is significant potential for financial growth in this field.
As such, the top earners in the state who have successfully optimized the key factors influencing these figures bring in around $70,561 annually. Anyone who has attained this figure will be in the top 10%.
Those in the lowest 10% bracket can still expect to manage an average salary of $24,521 annually.
As mentioned above, only those with optimized key factors can increase their earnings. These factors include experience, credentials, place of employment, specialty, and location.
For the last point, travel agents based in Rodney Village tend to earn the highest annual average salary among their Delaware peers, around $47,989 annually. Other notable locations in the state include Bethany Beach, where the annual average salary is $44,758, and Glasgow, where the annual average salary is $44,125.