Travel Coordinator vs. Travel Agent: What Are the Differences?

Travel coordinators and travel agents are both responsible for helping people plan and book travel arrangements. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a travel coordinator and a travel agent, and we provide additional information about working in the travel industry.

What is a Travel Coordinator?

A Travel Coordinator is responsible for planning and booking travel arrangements for a company or organization. They work with travel vendors to find the best deals on transportation, lodging and other travel-related expenses. Travel Coordinators also create itineraries, track expenses and maintain travel records. They may also be responsible for coordinating travel logistics for large groups, such as corporate events or conferences. Travel Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality or a related field. They must also have excellent customer service, organizational and communication skills.

What is a Travel Agent?

Travel Agents are responsible for helping individuals and groups plan and book their travel arrangements. This can include booking flights, hotels, rental cars, tours and excursions. Travel Agents typically have access to special rates and discounts that the general public does not, which can save their clients money. They use their knowledge of the travel industry to advise their clients on the best options for their needs and budget. Travel Agents typically work in an office setting, but some may work from home.

Travel Coordinator vs. Travel Agent

Here are the main differences between a travel coordinator and a travel agent.

Job Duties

A travel coordinator’s duties can vary depending on their employer and the size of the trip they’re coordinating. For example, a travel coordinator for a large company may handle trips for many employees at once, while a travel coordinator for an individual client may plan a single trip for them. However, there are some duties that travel coordinators typically perform in every job. These include researching destinations, booking flights, hotels and transportation and communicating with clients to ensure they’re satisfied with their trip.

Travel agents also perform a variety of tasks to make sure their clients have a great trip. They often do similar work as travel coordinators, but they usually focus more on finding cheap fares rather than making itineraries. This means that travel agents spend more time searching for deals on flights and hotels than coordinating other aspects of the trip.

Job Requirements

Travel coordinators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality management or another related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree as well. Additionally, many travel coordinators pursue certifications through professional organizations like the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or the National Business Travel Association (NBTA). These certifications can help professionals stay up-to-date on industry trends and learn new skills that they can use on the job.

Travel agents also need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Many travel agents pursue certification through professional organizations like the ASTA or the NBTA. These certifications can help agents stay up-to-date on industry trends and learn new skills that they can use on the job.

Work Environment

Travel coordinators and travel agents work in different environments. Travel coordinators typically work for large companies that organize trips for their employees, such as airlines or cruise lines. They may also work for travel agencies or other organizations that plan group vacations.

Travel agents usually work for individual clients to help them book flights, hotels and rental cars. Some travel agents work for travel agencies, while others work independently.

Skills

Both travel coordinators and travel agents need to have excellent customer service skills. This is because they are often the first point of contact for customers who are planning their trips. They need to be able to understand customer needs and provide them with options that meet their budget, schedule and preferences.

Both travel coordinators and travel agents also need to be well-organized and detail-oriented. This is necessary in order to keep track of all the different elements of each customer’s trip, as well as to ensure that everything is arranged and confirmed in a timely manner.

Travel coordinators typically work more behind the scenes, using their organizational skills to put together the various components of each customer’s trip. They may also use their research skills to find the best deals on flights, hotels and other travel arrangements. Travel agents usually work more directly with customers, using their customer service skills to help them plan their trips. They may also use their sales skills to upsell customers on additional services or products, such as travel insurance.

Salary

Travel coordinators can earn an average salary of $52,817 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.