Travel Agent Schools in Louisiana

While travel agents are known to help clients make travel arrangements and explore travel options/packages, the scope of the profession can be wide-reaching. For instance, in Louisiana, a travel agent can leverage their understanding of the culture and geography of a particular location to help craft an intensely personal experience.

They are also able to help clients understand specific protocols pertaining to a certain destination, including health and safety requirements. In return, travel agents in Louisiana are well-rewarded for their efforts and may even be able to branch out to launch a successful business.

The following guide showcases everything that individuals need to know to become successful travel agents in Louisiana.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Louisiana

The steps below are needed to launch a travel agent career in Louisiana.

Research & Niche Selection

There are several specialty areas that a travel agent in New Orleans can choose to focus on and really build a reputation in. It is important for individuals who would like to enter into this profession to get familiar with these possible niches as early as possible.

This way, they can quickly start to understand what areas their natural skills and dispositions would best thrive in. Some choices to consider are destination travel, luxury travel, adventure tourism, and family vacations.

Training Arrangements

Prospective travel agents in New Orleans can take advantage of several training arrangements to start their careers. Examples include regular short-term Travel Agent programs, longer Hospitality and Tourism programs, and in-house training by hospitality firms and travel agencies.

Networking

Networking is crucial to becoming a successful travel agent. Candidates can improve their networks by choosing a host agency and forming strong partnerships with agents in the firm.

Additionally, they may leverage certification networks like the ones we discuss in the next section.

Marketing & Business Skills

Anyone who will become a successful travel agent in New Orleans must be able to market themselves regardless of whether they are working as part of a host agency or on their own. Modern technology, like the internet and social media, can also be leveraged to great effect.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a home and building inspector in Louisiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is one of the most prominent organizations offering highly rated professional credentials for aspiring and practicing travel agents in Louisiana. Although receiving a credential from the organization is not compulsory, it is usually a sign of professional seriousness and credibility in the field.

Additionally, the IATA offers travel agents a number that they must have to perform their duties fully. Most host agencies will provide new agents with an IATA number once they join the agency.

As prestigious as it is, the IATA is not the only relevant organization to consider for top-class certification and credentials as travel agents in Louisiana and across the country. Other popular options include the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the Travel Designator Association (TDA).

Top Travel Agent Schools in Louisiana

The programs below are the best options for aspiring travel agents in Louisiana.

Explore travel agent schools in Louisiana by city:

• Travel agent schools in New Orleans

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a travel agent in Louisiana can be grouped into three categories by volume. These include the following:

• The highest-paid (top 10%) take home an annual average salary of $60,286;
• The lowest-paid (bottom 10%) take home an annual average salary of $20,951 and
• The average earners (median category) take home an annual average salary of $36,715.

It is also possible to group professionals in the field by their location and respective annual income figures at these places. The top destinations currently include:

• Bossier City, with an annual average salary of $42,558;
• Baker, with an annual average salary of $42,185;
• Houma, with an annual average salary of $41,509; and
• West Monroe, with an annual average salary of $41,333.

Obviously, choosing a favorable location can help a candidate improve their yearly income. However, data shows that factors like business strategy, marketing skills, experience, and credentials are more important to achieving this goal.