How to Become a Travel Agent in Minnesota

The travel and tourism industry is always growing. Learn how to become an independent agent and run your own business from home!

Online Travel Agent Schools for Minnesota

Benefits of the Program

Enrolling in the travel agent certification class provides crucial preparation for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) certification exam, setting the foundation for meeting professional industry standards.

The curriculum thoroughly covers all necessary knowledge and skills, ensuring a robust start in the travel industry.

How Much are Programs?

The financial investment will be about $2,300 and this will cover the certification exams fees.

How Much Time Do Programs Take?

Training durations vary based on how often you study, but it will take between 4 to 6 months.

What Will You Learn About?

Introduction to the Travel Industry
- Understanding the fundamentals of travel services including airlines, ground transportation, accommodations, and niche travel areas such as cruises.
Professional Skills
- Emphasis on customer service excellence, handling client needs with professionalism.
Destination Geography
- Training on navigating and understanding both international and domestic destinations.
Introduction to International and Air Travel
- Covers the specifics of international travel logistics and air travel dynamics.
Transportation Overview
- A look into the various modes of travel and how they integrate with travel packages.
Career Development in Travel
- Skills for effective self-marketing and career advancement in the travel industry.
Sales and Marketing for Travel
- Techniques to promote travel services in the digital era, focusing on attracting and retaining clients.

Salary Range

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for travel agents in Minnesota is $23.23 per hour or $48,320 per year.

More estimates for average salaries in Minnesota:

ZipRecruiter: $42,120 per year, $20.25 per hour
Indeed.com: $55,512 per year, $18.24 per hour
Talent.com: $55,532 per year, $26.70 per hour
Salary.com: $60,781 per year, $29.22 per hour

Travel Agent Job Types and Compensation in Minnesota

Corporate and VIP Travel Consultants

Companies Hiring: ADTRAV Travel Management, Maritz.
Salary Range: $23-$31 per hour.
Responsibilities: Handle high-end business and executive travel, including complex international bookings.

Group Travel Specialists

Companies Hiring: Fly My Group, ADTRAV Travel Management.
Salary Range: $22-$25 per hour.
Responsibilities: Organize large-scale group airfare bookings, negotiate contracts, and provide client support for corporate and leisure travel groups.

Leisure and Vacation Travel Agents

Companies Hiring: Riverdale Travel, AAA Auto Club Group.
Salary Range: Base pay plus commission ($31,200 base, with top earners making $80,000-$100,000 annually).
Responsibilities: Plan custom vacation packages, sell cruises, and provide travel consultations.

Entry-Level and Customer Service Roles in Travel

Companies Hiring: AAA Auto Club Group, Maritz.
Salary Range: $15-$18 per hour (with training and commission opportunities).
Responsibilities: Assist clients with travel reservations, itinerary planning, and general inquiries.

Getting Started

Minnesota Requirements

Minnesota does not impose specific state-level licensing for travel agents. However, they must register their business with the Office of the Secretary of the State and the State Department of Revenue.

Also, registered businesses in Minnesota may be subject to local municipal requirements, which typically involve simple registration and a fee or compliance with specific local ordinances in addi

This involves constructing a business plan, choosing a business type, and registering your business.

The Host Agency Relationship

Becoming an independent travel agent in Minnesota means establishing a business that directly offers travel planning services, providing the flexibility to specialize based on personal interests and expertise.

However, host agencies are pivotal for independent travel agents, especially those starting or operating without a physical office.

These agencies can offer travel agents significant advantages such as:

access to essential service such as:
- booking systems
- administrative tools
- client management tools
specialized training
established supplier relationships and discounts
connect agents to diverse travel suppliers
marketing help

This partnerships allows agents to remain independent while leveraging the resources and reputation of a larger organization, enhancing their service offerings and attracting discerning travelers.

Find a Specialty

Successful travel agents in Minnesota often find a niche, such as specializing in the state’s outdoor adventures or cultural tours, setting them apart from competitors. For example, maybe you like cruises, so you can become an expert on that topic and then purse an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) certificate.

Keeping informed about local attractions and global travel trends, networking, and effectively using social media are critical strategies for building a solid presence in this industry.

Additional Certifications

Certifications are great for for career validation. The course above will help you earn the TAP certification.

As you progress through your career, there are additional certifications that you can consider:

Also, consider membership in professional organizations such as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

What Employers in Minnesota Are Looking for in a Travel Agent

Travel agencies and corporations in Minnesota are hiring skilled, detail-oriented professionals to manage leisure, corporate, and group travel.

Companies such as Fly My Group, ADTRAV Travel Management, AAA Auto Club Group, Riverdale Travel, and Maritz are actively seeking travel agents, corporate travel consultants, and group airfare specialists. These roles require customer service expertise, strong sales skills, proficiency in travel booking systems, and knowledge of industry regulations.

The Minnesota travel job market includes remote, hybrid, and in-person roles, spanning corporate travel consulting, VIP client management, leisure vacation planning, and group travel coordination.

Many employers also emphasize cross-industry skills, with opportunities in sales, hospitality, finance, and customer relations.

Key Skills and Qualifications for Travel Agents in Minnesota

1. Customer Service and Relationship Management

Employers prioritize candidates with exceptional client service skills.

Companies like Fly My Group, AAA Auto Club Group, and Riverdale Travel seek agents who can:

Build lasting relationships with clients by understanding their travel needs and budgets.
Offer customized itineraries for business and leisure travelers.
Handle customer inquiries efficiently, including booking assistance and issue resolution.
Deliver high-touch, personalized experiences for VIP clients (ADTRAV Travel Management).

For VIP and corporate travel consultants, white-glove service is crucial.

ADTRAV Travel Management looks for professionals who can manage high-value clients, international bookings, and executive travel logistics.

2. Travel Planning and Booking Expertise

Minnesota employers expect travel agents to be proficient in managing reservations for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and tours.

Fly My Group specializes in group travel coordination, requiring agents to negotiate airfare rates, manage group bookings, and meet deadlines.
AAA and Riverdale Travel focus on vacation planning, with agents selling dream vacations, cruises, and custom travel experiences.
ADTRAV and Maritz hire consultants to handle corporate travel arrangements, international bookings, and event-based travel.

Group travel specialists, such as those at Fly My Group and ADTRAV, must organize and manage travel for large groups of up to 4,000 travelers, ensuring cost-effective and seamless coordination.

3. Technology and Booking System Proficiency

Employers in Minnesota require travel agents to be skilled in booking platforms, expense tracking systems, and customer management tools.

ADTRAV Travel Management and Fly My Group require experience in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Sabre and Amadeus.
AAA and Riverdale Travel seek agents familiar with CRM software and digital booking tools.
Fly My Group emphasizes strong email communication skills (Gmail) and online business tools.

4. Sales and Revenue Growth

Employers value travel agents with a strong sales background who can drive bookings and increase customer retention.

AAA Auto Club Group and Riverdale Travel look for sales-driven professionals who can promote travel insurance, exclusive packages, and member benefits.
Maritz and ADTRAV require negotiation skills to secure competitive travel rates and vendor contracts.
Fly My Group agents must price-shop and monitor fares to ensure customers receive the best possible rates.

Successful travel agents must upsell travel-related services, maximizing value for both clients and the agency.

5. Cross-Industry Knowledge and Career Growth

Minnesota travel jobs often intersect with finance, event planning, and hospitality.

Maritz specializes in event-based travel and corporate travel expense management.
AAA combines travel planning with insurance and financial services.
Fly My Group and ADTRAV manage government, corporate, and incentive group travel, requiring familiarity with travel regulations and contract negotiations.

Professionals with backgrounds in customer service, sales, or finance can transition into travel agent roles, particularly in corporate and VIP travel consulting.

Conclusion

Minnesota employers are seeking motivated, service-focused professionals with strong sales skills, attention to detail, and travel booking expertise.

Fly My Group, ADTRAV, and Maritz prioritize group and corporate travel expertise.
AAA and Riverdale Travel seek sales-driven agents who can plan leisure and luxury vacations.
Maritz and AAA offer career growth in travel sales, insurance, and corporate finance.

For individuals with a passion for travel, strong communication skills, and proficiency in booking platforms, Minnesota’s travel industry offers diverse career paths with competitive pay, benefits, and advancement opportunities.