Travel Agency Manager

Introduction

Travel agency managers are responsible for the smooth running of their office. They use various marketing strategies to attract custom and make a profit. They also co-ordinate the work of staff and organise training programmes.

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Work Activities

Travel agency managers are responsible for the smooth running of their office. They make sure that the agency makes a profit by selling holiday packages on behalf of tour operators, who pay them a commission for every sale.

Managers use marketing policies to attract custom. For example, they may promote a particular resort or type of holiday to the public. They may do this by advertising in local papers or commercial radio and by putting up visual displays in the agency. They also give presentations on services offered by the agency.

In a large travel agency, there may be different sections dealing with counter services (mainly holidays), foreign exchange (currency and travellers' cheques) and business travel (telephone contact with company executives). The manager must co-ordinate the work of staff in each section. They also run staff training programmes to make sure that everyone has a wide range of experience.

Although clerical staff deal with most public enquiries, managers will give advice to those wishing to organise group holidays or excursions to unusual destinations which are off the beaten track.

Managers must reach sales targets set by their superiors, and compile accounts and sales figures for head office.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be able to communicate and relate well to the local community. You will need presentation skills, for speaking to groups about, for example, special promotional deals. Excellent organisational skills are vital for co-ordinating various aspects of the work and for keeping the office in order.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Travel agency managers earn in the range of £17,500 - £23,000 a year, rising to £28,500 - £32,000 a year, and higher earnings are possible. Salaries may include a bonus element.

Managers usually work a basic 39-hour week, and are normally required to work on Saturdays.

Employers are the many high street travel agencies. Some are small independent firms while others are part of a chain of companies.

Travel agency managers are often drawn from agency staff members who have completed in-company training schemes.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Many managers have worked as travel agency clerks/consultants.

Employers prefer entrants with relevant experience, for example, in retail sales and customer care work.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Business) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Relevant distance learning courses are offered by Cambridge International College and City College.

There may be opportunities for entry to this occupation in some parts of the country through government-funded training programmes. Details are available from your local Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Local Enterprise Company (LEC), careers office or Jobcentre.

• 17% of travel agency managers work part-time.
• 10% have flexible hours
.

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