Travel Agent Schools in Maine

Maine is an excellent state to consider a trade or technical profession and a conducive area for working as a travel agent. The state follows a general approach for candidates that is consistent with federal conventions but also a few unique requirements pertaining to residents of the area alone.

In the article below, we break down not only the general requirements needed to become a successful travel agent but also the unique requirements that candidates in Maine have to fulfill before they can call themselves fully-fledged professionals in their chosen specialty area.

We also explore the educational options, certification pathways, and annual average salary projections, among other areas of interest.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Maine

The process below outlines how to become a travel agent in Maine.

Characteristics & Specialty Area

Aspiring travel agents need to understand what the field entails and what possible qualities they will need to succeed in the industry. Naturally, problem-solving, critical thinking, planning, organization, and the ability to multitask are all very important.

Travel agents can focus on destination travel, corporate travel, group travel, or adventure Travel, among other possible duties and specialty areas.

Training Programs

An aspiring travel agent may choose to attend an academic program offered by a trade or technical school for their training. Many training programs structured this way offer online options for those who desire convenient, self-paced education.

Additionally, instead of attending an academic program, candidates can also attend a corporate training program offered by a host agency or travel association. The most important thing, regardless of training choice, is for them to pick up the right level of skills needed to secure placement when they finally complete their education.

Job Placement & Marketing

Well-trained travel agents can join a host agency and use the agency’s resources to ease into the profession. These include IATA numbers and booking and reservation systems, among other important tools.

Of course, even after securing employment, candidates must continue improving themselves and developing marketing strategies to reach more clients.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a home and building inspector in Maine

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Travel agents don’t necessarily need a license to start working professionally in the field, and the situation is no different in the state of Maine.

Professionals in the discipline are not required by law to be certified, either, but certification is very popular because it offers professional perks.

For instance, receiving a professional credential from the American Society of Travel Advisors can help candidates improve their skills in the field and maintain a high level of appeal to potential clients.

Other destinations to consider for strong credentials as a travel agent in Maine include the International Air Transport Association, Travel Industry Designator Service, and the Cruise Lines International Association.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Maine

The schools below offer excellent travel agent training programs in Maine.

Explore travel agent schools in Maine by city:

• Travel agent schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

The field of travel and tourism will keep growing in Maine, according to the report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state is also notable for a significant annual average salary for professionals in this field, with a figure of around $41,570 for the median travel agents and $68,258 for the top earners.

The lowest-paid travel agents in Maine can still expect to end the year with an annual average salary of at least $23,721. However, with time and by improving their professional credentials and marketing strategies, they may earn more and ultimately become the highest-paid.

As for the most favorable locations to work as a travel agent in Maine, these include Camden and Auburn, with annual average salaries of $47,024 and $46,201, respectively, and Biddeford, with an annual average salary of $44,956.