Travel Agent Schools in Tennessee

Travel and tourism are booming industries in the United States. In Tennessee, the demand for knowledgeable travel agents continues to grow. This article focuses on guiding prospective travel agents in the state through the step-by-step process of becoming certified travel agents and thriving in this exciting field.

The first section covers the general requirements for laying a strong foundation before training and the possible training routes for different environments. We then move on to what candidates should do when they’re properly trained and what avenues to consider for career growth and continuing education.

Finally, we conclude by reviewing a few high-quality training programs and historical data on the annual average salary of travel agents in the state of Tennessee.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Tennessee

Travel agents in Tennessee typically enter the profession by following the route below.

Step 1: Basic Understanding of the Travel Industry

To become a successful travel agent in Tennessee, one must have a basic understanding of the travel industry. Candidates will acquire more knowledge once they start formal education, but having a strong foundation to build upon as early as possible can be quite beneficial.

Step 2: Choosing a Training Program

Candidates must choose their training program, and Tennessee residents have many choices. One option is to go with an academic institution offering a self-paced, online travel agent program.

Most of the programs structured in this way lead to a certificate of completion and the possibility of certification.

Candidates who can secure training placement at a host agency can also start their careers this way.

Step 3: Marketing & Business Strategy

Strong marketing and business skills are essential for a successful travel agent. Most training programs teach candidates how to handle this side of the profession.

It is also advisable to leverage the online space to build a solid branch and reach potential clients.

Step 4: Joining a Host Agency

It is common for new travel agents to join a host agency at the start of their careers. This position offers several benefits, including access to marketing and business tools and the provision of an IATA number, which all travel agents across the country must have.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Candidates will need all the above to start a fully fledged travel agent career in Tennessee. The state does not require professionals in the field to register with a government organization or receive a license before they can start working legally.

Certification is entirely up to the individual travel agents in the state. However, the majority of travel agents in Tennessee are certified because they improve their skills and gain more credibility.

Those interested in pursuing credentials and joining noteworthy organizations may choose the Travel Institute, the International Air Transport Association, and/or the American Society of Travel Advisors.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Tennessee

The schools below offer high-quality training programs for aspiring travel agents in Tennessee.

Explore travel agent schools in Tennessee by city:

• Travel agent schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

Data from the employment platform ZipRecruiter shows that Franklin and Pulaski are where travel agents in Tennessee earn the highest annual average salaries. The reported figures for these cities were $42,400 and $42,280 respectively.

Those who work in Nolensville make around $41,888 per year.

Other than location, a travel agent’s experience level, marketing strategies, and placement in a host agency can also influence how much they take home at the end of the year. Generally, the highest-paid travel agents in Tennessee earn around $63,988 per year, while the lowest-paid are those whose annual average salary is around $22,237.

The most popular category is those whose annual average salary is around $38,969, making them the median earners.

The career outlook for this profession in Tennessee and across the country is optimistic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 3% year-on-year increase for the next 10 years.