Georgia is an amazing state in which to practice as a travel agent. These professionals get paid handsomely in the state, and constant demand and job opportunities are around.
In the guide below, anyone interested in starting a successful career as a travel agent in Georgia will find the key considerations needed for a straightforward entry into the field. They will also discover possible licensure and certification options for career growth and easy job placement.
To know the best places to acquire relevant skills, we have also listed a few top-quality schools for future travel agents in Georgia. Lastly, we conclude with the possible salary ranges that candidates may fall into based on their specific conditions, including location, experience, and certification.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Georgia
Below are the most important steps needed to become a travel agent in Georgia.
Step 1: Fulfill the Basic Requirements
A high school diploma or GED and an affinity for the job are the major basic requirements to become a travel agent in Georgia.
Candidates may also build upon their initial passion by learning more about the travel industry and cultures worldwide.
Step 2: Choose a Specialty
From early in the journey, aspiring travel agents may begin to contemplate their desired specialty area. Some possible fields to consider include destination, luxury, cruise, and group travel.
It is also possible for candidates to specialize as adventure travel specialists for individuals looking for adrenaline-pumping travel experiences.
Step 3: Acquire Training
Training as an aspiring travel agent in Georgia can be obtained from colleges, trade schools, online programs, and from potential employers offering “on-the-job” training opportunities.
During formal training, candidates are expected to develop crucial skills in organization, international affairs, budgeting, best business practices, insurance, and marketing, among others.
Candidates may earn various degrees, including associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
Step 4: Develop Transferable Skills
Developing transferable skills is a must for travel agents. These skills work well in any domain but are particularly useful for these professionals.
Among them are interpersonal, communication, teamwork, organizational, planning, budgeting, and research skills.
Step 5: Finding Partner Agencies
After receiving training and completing the key requirements above, candidates may secure a position with a host travel agency suiting their specialty area. Here, they will have access to various resources that will help them settle in conveniently and start their careers the right way.
Explore Trades with Similar Trades
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Licensure and certification requirements for travel agents in Georgia are quite relaxed. There are no licensure requirements, while certification is left to employers and individual agents to consider.
Even though it is optional, certified travel agents in Georgia are usually more favored than those who are not. For this reason, candidates are asked to at least consider professional credentials such as those offered by the American Society of Travel Advisors and the Travel Institute. Some of these are the Certified Travel Counselor and Certified Travel Associate credentials.
Top Travel Agent Schools in Georgia
Individuals interested in the most prominent travel agent schools in Georgia may consider the alternatives listed below:
University of Georgia
Athens, GA Online + Campus
The University of Georgia offers an online travel agent training program. The program includes an estimated 6 months of training and 100 course hours.
Tuition
$11,180 - $30,220Contact
(706) 542-8776
adm-info@uga.edu
Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta, GA Online + Campus
The School of Business at Atlanta Technical College offers a strong Hotel Restaurant - Tourism Management pathway.
Tuition
$3,164 - $5,564Contact
(404) 225-4400
admissions@atlantatech.edu
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA Online + Campus
Lastly, candidates may consider Georgia State University's online travel agent training program. This program is also quite comprehensive, with an open enrollment policy.
Tuition
$10,268 - $29,306Contact
(404) 413-2500
admissions@gsu.edu
Explore Travel Agent Schools by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a travel agent in Georgia will depend on several factors, including experience level, location within the state, size of agency, and commission structure. Generally, however, travel agents can expect to earn an annual average salary of around $56,087 if they fall among the midpoint.
Those who fall among the top 10% take home an annual average salary of up to $108,605, while those who fall among the bottom 10% will still manage an annual average salary of at least $28,965.
Travel agents in Atlanta are the highest-paid in the state with an annual average salary of $66,252. At the same time, those in Lawrenceville come second with an annual average salary of $64,508.
Notable companies hiring travel agents in Georgia include Bluegreen Vacations, AAA Club Alliance, and Xstream Travel, with annual average salaries of $80,395, $79,078, and $72,038, respectively.