Opening up a travel agency..

[arbin]

Hello there people.. I have been thinking of opening up a travel agency but don't know where to turn. I have tried to find information on google but can't seem to find. Just wanted to how the system works.. And i am actually trying to open one up in Africa..but just wanted to get an idea before i just jump in... If anyone out there operate a travel agency please advise me for the process.

thank you

[MTLean]

whats up arbin, this is actually my first post but you asked right before i did...
heres some basic vital info, waiting for others to post some knowlege,
cheers


What is a Travel Agent?

Introduction
Tell me about the travel and tourism industry?
The Travel and Tourism industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. It encompasses a variety of specialized endeavors including travel agencies, airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines, tour operators, local attractions, motor coach companies, railroads, and many others.

How do travel agencies fit in?
Travel agencies employ a number of people in a wide variety of jobs, ranging from entry-level clerical support to highly trained and specialized travel consultants. The average traveler, must depend upon the professional travel agent for honest and accurate guidance because they are faced with a hundreds of alternatives for transportation, accommodations, and other travel services
Travel agents in the United States issue approximately 75% of all airline tickets and account for approximately 95% of all cruise sales. Approximately $50 billion worth of tickets were purchased through U.S. travel agencies for both international and domestic travel last year.

Travel Industry Outlook
Are there jobs available?
Yes. Travel has evolved into economic prominence as the second largest business in America. According to the US Department of Commerce, by the year 2000 travel and tourism will be the number one industry in our country. Currently 6.7 percent of our Gross National Product (GNP) is generated by the travel and tourism industry. Tourism generates jobs, more than any other industry except health and business services. Tourism's payroll was 83.4 billion in 1990, with over six million jobs.
Is the travel agency business highly competitive?
Yes again. As a result of airline deregulation in 1978 and other industry factors, the travel agency business has become increasingly competitive. New industry trends have forced travel agencies to become more creative in their marketing and advertising efforts. Travel agents have found it necessary to cultivate new fields to keep their profits high enough to sustain their agencies. Group travel, incentive travel, travel clubs, and corporate contracts are more important to travel agents than they were a decade ago.
Working as a Travel Agent: The Job, The Benefits

What skills do I need?
You'll need general business skills, good selling skills, the empathy of a counselor, and the knowledge of a seasoned traveler. It is beneficial to have a background in geography, communication, world history and computers.
In one day, a travel agent may make flight, hotel and car reservations for a business traveler going to Los Angeles and book a three-week safari to Kenya for a family. They suggest either independent or escorted tours and optional local sightseeing trips, answer questions about passports and visas, and may be asked to suggest a good local restaurant in Paris.
Travel agents need to know how to use reference directories for hotels and tour operators. They rely on computers for up-to-date information on airline schedules and fares as well as hotel, car rental and tour information. They must also be familiar with customs regulations, visas and health permits. Travel agents should be able to provide helpful travel tips to clients traveling all over the world.


Is This the Career For You?
Travel is one of the largest industries in the world and offers many benefits to hard-working individuals. It is demanding and requires a wide-range of abilities for success. A love of travel attracts many people to the field. But to succeed, agents must have a genuine desire to be of service. They must be friendly, articulate, and well groomed. To handle the technical aspects of their work, they must be well-organized, accurate and meticulous. You should make a thorough investigation by visiting travel schools and agencies before deciding if you are suited for a career in travel.

As an Independent Travel Agent you can:

1. Get Money Back On every Business Trip & Vacation you take
2. Get Paid Every Time Family, Friends, Clients and Others Travel if you help them plan their trip and book the trip
3. Have all the advantages of the Industry, without being desk-bound or having the disadvantages of boring routine work.
4. Choose when and where you will meet your clients
5. Avoid the paper work and much of the repetitive detailed work done by inside Travel Agents
6. Can specialize in either vacation or commercial travel.
7. Have office hours arranged to suit your needs.Your host agency should have hours that allow you to contact them at your convenience.
8. Work the hours you want and you are not restricted to a 40-hour work week.
9. Have a love of travel and a genuine desire to be of service so you can get paid for doing what you love to do.
10. Am paid on commission so the harder or smarter you work the more you make.
11. Work with the Inside Travel Agents who are paid on salary to handle the technical aspects of the work. These people are well-organized, accurate and meticulous.
12. Can take advantage of one of the best training programs for Independent Travel Agents
13. Get paid for referring each new Agent
14. Travel At the Lowest Rates Available Only to Travel Agents
15. Earn the same Privileges as full time inside travel agents
16. Reap the tax advantages of an independent business*
17. Receive Travel Agent Discounts on Hotels
18. Receive Agent Rates on Rental Cars
19. are eligible to receive Upgrades - A Hotel Suite, A First-Class Seat
20. are eligible to learn about the industry by taking "Fam-Trips" on Cruises and to Resorts
21. Receive Free or Discount Admission to Theme Parks and Shows
22. *Consult your tax advisor for details

[demanche]

I won't post too much information on this topic because it's likly to create competition :-p

check out iata accredition for being able to sell and print airline tickets on site

[arbin]

There is a private college that teaches you everything on Travel Agency.. If you are interested check it out.. I am thinking of joining.

http://www.travelcollege.ca/home_based_travel_agent.htm