Travel And Tourism Courses: Your Career Path In The Travel Business
Successful travel agents usually have two things in common: they love to travel, and they've taken travel and tourism courses. You may not need a travel and tourism course to sell airline tickets, but taking a course will set you apart from other travel agents and offer your clients a level of professionalism that will establish your sterling reputation in this exciting, competitive industry.
What You'll Learn In A Travel and Tourism Course
Completing a travel and tourism course represents more than completing a conference or seminar, but less than completing an entire college degree. The course is a specialist program that teaches travel agents how to conduct the business of a travel agency, how computerized reservation systems work, how to work with clients, and how to put together profitable, compelling vacation packages. Travel and tourism courses also include vital information on airline and passenger safety, flight security, and anti-terrorism measures.
Once you know the basics, you can continue your education by taking an advanced level travel and tourism course that will teach you everything you need to know about booking international travel, incentive and conference travel, and business travel. Some courses include training in event management and facilities management.
Why You Should Take A Travel And Tourism Course
Besides enhancing your education and improving the service you provide your clients, taking a travel and tourism course makes you more valuable to your travel industry employer and makes you a more attractive candidate for employment if you are looking for work in the travel industry. Some institutions offer travel qualifications and certifications that provide objective proof of your specialized knowledge.
When deciding between two candidates with similar experience, an employer will probably choose the candidate who has completed a travel tourism course or who has a travel industry qualification over the candidate with no professional training.
How To Enroll In A Travel And Tourism Course
Fortunately, many travel and tourism courses are available by computer online and through home study courses, so you can complete your studies without quitting your job, moving to another city, and disrupting your family. If you are the kind of learner who prefers classroom instruction to an online course, you will find travel tourism courses offered at many community colleges and at other facilities in cities located near international airports.
When selecting a travel and tourism school, try to locate one that has received tourism industry recognition and awards.
