If you’re an outgoing, friendly person and enjoy helping others, then a career as a travel agent may be for you. Learn what it takes to become a travel agent in GA.
Education and Training
Below are travel agent classes online, offered in conjunction with a local school or university.
Most employers will require an individual to have at least their high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additionally, many employers prefer that candidates have a college degree and knowledge of the travel industry.
How Does This Course Help You?
When you complete the course, you will ready to take the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test, designed by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).
The TAP is your first milestone towards professional travel agent certification.
What Do You Study?
Courses will cover topics such as:
- Promoting and marketing your services
- Customer service for the travel industry
- Professional travel agent basics and fundamentals
- Airline and ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, specialty travel, etc
- Foreign and domestic destinations that you can sell
How Long is the Travel Agent Program?
The programs above require 6 months to complete. Most other programs can take as much as 18 mos.
Attending a Travel Agent Program
Attending a travel agent program is an effective way to get the training and education you need to succeed in the role.
Georgia Travel Agent Requirements
There is no state mandate in Georgia that a person must obtain a license or certification to be a travel agent.
However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed some type of travel agent program. Certification will also credentialize you to your clients.
Certification Options
Founded in 1964, The Travel Institute is the premier certification authority for travel professionals, offering a variety of educational programs and certification paths that provide a solid foundation for those seeking credentials in the travel industry.
Other certifications you may be able to earn are:
- Certified Travel Associate (CTA)
- Verified Travel Advisor (VTA)
- Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma
- Certified Cruise Counsellor Program
Travel Agent Salaries in GA
The average salary in Georgia is about $56K according to Indeed.com.
A few salaries you may be able to earn as a travel agent in the state of Georgia are:
- Savannah $55,744
- Athens $59,169
- Augusta $58,755
- Marietta $61,328
- Atlanta $66,593
Agents make a flat salary if they work for an agency, and they also get commissions, money from service fees, and even incentives from the travel industries.
Examples
Salaries for travel agents in Georgia vary by employer and experience level. ADTRAV Travel Management offers between $23-$27 per hour, while Hilton provides a $22 per hour wage for its Group Reservations Coordinator role
. Independent contractor roles, such as those with Carlisle Travel Management or Kontra Leadership Group, allow agents to earn commission-based income. Benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and employee discounts.
Job Description
Travel agents provide travel advice and booking arrangements for both individual and business trips, vacations, and retreats. Individuals in these roles can find these positions rewarding as well as profitable.
These workers sell transportation and lodging to clients depending on their needs. They also provide assistance with planning trip itineraries and making travel arrangements.
Job Duties
Some of the daily tasks that a travel agent may be responsible for on a daily basis are:
- Arrange travel for clients
- Figure out the client’s needs and preferences in terms of cost and schedule
- Plan and arrange tour packages
- Find information relating to fares and schedules
- Calculate the cost of travel for the client
- Book reservations
- Describe trips to clients and advise of local attractions/customs
- Provide details on necessary documents like passports and visas, health protocols
- Make alternative booking arrangements
Other Skills Needed
These workers need a wide range of skills to help their clients and succeed in their roles.
Customer service is one of the biggest skills that a travel agent will need. Agents are typically the first point of contact with customers looking to plan business trips, vacations, or other types of travel.
What Employers in Georgia Look for in a Travel Agent
Key Qualifications and Skills
Employers in Georgia seek travel agents with strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
Companies like ADTRAV Travel Management and JPMorgan Chase Travel require agents who can handle corporate and international travel planning. Maximus Global Services and Hilton emphasize customer service and reservation coordination.
Agents must be proficient in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Sabre or Amadeus, as well as Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and Outlook. Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are essential for success.
Required Education and Certifications
Most employers expect travel agents to have a high school diploma or GED, though some, like RER Solutions Inc., prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or several years of experience in corporate travel management.
Certification in Sabre or Amadeus is often required for corporate and international travel roles, while knowledge of airline policies, visa regulations, and government travel protocols is beneficial.
Job Responsibilities and Expectations
Travel agents in Georgia must book flights, hotels, rental cars, and event accommodations. At ADTRAV Travel Management, agents handle complex international bookings and federal travel regulations. JPMorgan Chase Travel Advisors are responsible for resolving customer inquiries, negotiating with vendors, and supporting loyalty program redemptions. Hilton’s Group Reservations Coordinators manage corporate travel for large events and business meetings, while Maximus Global Services focuses on airport passenger services for international airlines.
Opportunities for Specialization
Georgia travel agents can specialize in corporate travel, international travel, hospitality, and leisure tourism. ADTRAV Travel Management and RER Solutions Inc. focus on corporate travel coordination and government travel compliance.
Hilton and Travel VK offer opportunities in hotel reservations and group bookings, while Maximus Global Services provides airport service experience. For those interested in luxury or entertainment travel, Carlisle Travel Management specializes in high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 executives and celebrities.
Crossover into Other Industries
Travel agents in Georgia often collaborate with hospitality, corporate event planning, customer service, and government travel agencies. At JPMorgan Chase Travel, agents assist financial clients with travel rewards programs, while Hilton’s reservation coordinators work closely with event planners and hotel management.
Many skills, such as problem-solving, organization, and negotiation, are transferable to roles in tourism, concierge services, and hospitality management.
Remote and Independent Contractor Roles
Georgia offers opportunities for remote travel agents, with companies like Carlisle Travel Management, Kontra Leadership Group, and RER Solutions Inc. hiring independent contractors.
These roles provide flexible hours, commission-based earnings, and discounted travel perks. Remote agents can work from home, set their own schedules, and build a client base in specialized travel services.
Conclusion
Employers in Georgia seek travel agents who are customer-focused, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy. Whether in corporate travel, luxury tourism, or event coordination, agents must be skilled in reservation systems, international travel policies, and customer service best practices. With salaries ranging from $22 to $27 per hour, plus commission-based opportunities, Georgia offers a strong job market for travel professionals looking to advance their careers.