Travel Agent Schools in Ohio

Successful travel agents typically possess an in-depth understanding of human psychology. These professionals don’t just book tickets and make reservations; they also have to understand various individuals personally quickly.

This way, they can help craft personalized and exhilarating trips that clients remember for the rest of their lives. Aspiring travel agents in Ohio will be glad to know that the steps they must follow to start their careers on a strong path are all quite direct.

It all begins with meeting the basic education requirements, acquiring relevant skills, and putting yourself in the best position for employment by meeting licensure and certification requirements. All of these are what we explore in detail in the upcoming sections below.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Ohio

Below is a detailed overview of the required steps to launch a successful career as a travel agent in Ohio.

Basic Requirements

As a basic requirement, aspiring travel agents in Ohio must understand the job’s basic requirements. Naturally, they don’t have to know every major detail, just enough of an overview to understand what to expect.

A high school diploma or GED also comes in handy to secure training opportunities with the best institutions.

Transferable Skills

A travel agent in Ohio must possess crucial technical knowledge. They must also possess transferable problem-solving, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

While some training programs try to help students cultivate these skills, most are what candidates must try to emulate on their own.

Formal Training

Individuals in Ohio looking to acquire valuable certificates and degrees to start their careers as travel agents have a few alternatives.

They may enroll in 2-year colleges, studying courses in travel and tourism. They may graduate with certificates or associate degrees.

Those looking to spend more time in training may enroll in 4-year programs studying courses ranging from business management and tourism to various cultures around the world and sociology.

Certification & Employment

Becoming certified is optional for travel agents in Ohio. Still, more professionals choose to become certified than not.

This is because certification can open the door for career growth and professional networking. It can also make securing positions with host agencies easier and take advantage of continuing education opportunities.

Below, we dive deeper into the state’s possible certification options for travel agents.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Ohio, a new travel agent must only obtain an IATA number to start working legally. Those who partner with a host agency don’t even have to obtain an IATA number, as they can use the one belonging to their host agency.

The best organizations to consider for professional credentials include the Travel Industry Designator Service (TIDS), the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Most of these organizations mandate continuing education courses and periodic certification examinations to maintain credentials.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Ohio

Aspiring travel agents in Ohio may consider the schools below for top-class education.

Explore Travel Agent Schools by City:

• Travel Agent Schools in Columbus

Salary & Career Outlook

An average travel agent in Ohio earns an annual salary of $57,673. Those among the highest earners may take home an annual average salary of at least $88,918, while those among the lowest will still manage an annual average salary of $37,407.

Some top companies and travel agencies in Ohio include Bluegreen Vacations, where travel agents earn an annual average salary of $80,395, and Xstream Travel, where employees take home an annual average salary of $72,038.

The best locations within the state to work as travel agents include Cincinnati, with an average salary of $52,131 per year, and Columbus, with an annual average salary of $51,130.