Travel Consultant vs. Travel Agent: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
Traveling can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you’re going for business or pleasure. If you’re planning a trip, you may be wondering if you should use a travel consultant or a travel agent. While both positions can help you with your travel plans, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between a travel consultant and a travel agent, and we offer tips on choosing the right professional for your needs.
What is a Travel Consultant?
Travel Consultants work with clients to plan and book travel arrangements. This can include finding the best flight and hotel rates, as well as providing information on tourist attractions, activities and events at the client’s destination. Travel Consultants use their knowledge of the travel industry to provide recommendations and advice to clients so that they can make the most of their trip. They also keep up to date on the latest industry news and developments so that they can offer the most up-to-date information to their clients. Travel Consultants typically work in travel agencies or for tour operators.
What is a Travel Agent?
Travel Agents are responsible for helping their clients plan and book vacations, business trips and other types of travel. They work with airlines, hotels and other travel-related businesses to find the best deals for their clients. Travel Agents typically have a strong knowledge of geography and the various tourist attractions around the world. They use this knowledge to help their clients choose destinations that fit their interests and budget. Travel Agents often work with clients to plan itineraries, make reservations and provide other travel-related services.
Travel Consultant vs. Travel Agent
Here are the main differences between a travel consultant and a travel agent.
Job Duties
Travel consultants work for travel agencies and help plan trips for clients. They may research destinations, find transportation options and book hotels and flights. Travel consultants also advise their clients on things like vacation destinations and trip itineraries.
Travel agents work for travel agencies and sell travel products, such as airline tickets and cruises. They use their knowledge of different travel destinations to help them sell travel products to customers. Travel agents also provide customer service to their clients by answering questions about their travel plans.
Job Requirements
Travel consultants and travel agents typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the field. However, many employers prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in tourism or another related field. Additionally, both travel consultants and travel agents must obtain a license from the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). To become licensed, professionals must complete a TICO-approved education program and pass an exam.
Work Environment
Travel consultants and travel agents work in different environments. Travel consultants typically work from home or an office, depending on the type of business they run. They may also travel to destinations where they can meet with clients and tour locations.
Travel agents usually work for airlines, cruise lines or other transportation companies. They often work at airports, train stations or ports. Some travel agents work as independent contractors who set their own hours and choose which jobs to accept.
Skills
Both travel consultants and travel agents need to have customer service skills. This is because they are both working with customers who have specific needs and wants for their trip. They need to be able to understand what the customer is looking for and then find the best options that meet those needs.
Travel consultants also need to have sales skills as they are often responsible for finding new customers and convincing them to use their services. Travel agents do not typically need to have sales skills as they usually work with repeat customers or customers who have been referred to them by someone else.
Both travel consultants and travel agents need to be organized and detail-oriented. This is because they need to keep track of a lot of information, such as customer preferences, flight schedules and hotel availability. They also need to be able to pay attention to detail so that they can catch any errors that may occur.
Salary
Travel consultants can earn an average salary of $49,496 per year, while travel agents can earn an average salary of $44,694 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.