Become a travel agent and enjoy the advantages of an independent income stream fueled by a booming travel economy.
Online Travel Agent Schools for North Carolina
For beginners, you can get started by choosing one of the online certification courses below.
How You Will Benefit
The classes will help you study and pass the TAP certification exam (Travel Agent Proficiency) from the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).
Certification as a travel agent establishes credibility and expertise, enhancing trust among clients and employers.
What Will You Study?
The curriculum will cover topic such as these:
- Overview of Travel Sector
- Skills for Professional Advancement
- Basics of Domestic and Global Geography
- Detailed Destination Studies
- Essentials of Overseas Travel
- Introduction to Flight Travel
- Travel and Transportation Insights
- Advancing Your Travel Career
- Travel Sales and Marketing Techniques
Learning about the business aspects of tourism and travel, will help students who plan on opening their own independent agencies or providing services to people that they know.
How Long Does It Take?
You will be able to earn a travel agent certificate in about 6 months. There are 100 course hours to complete, and you can go at your speed.
What Is The Cost?
The total price is $2,300, with financing as an option if desired.
North Carolina Requirements
North Carolina allows unlicensed individuals to become travel agents in NC, as long as they are at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.
Once you’ve completed the necessary training or educational program, you can start working.
Some employers might require you to obtain an official certification before you can become eligible for hire.
Certification Options
Becoming a CTA or CTC might make it easier to find jobs with high-end, luxury travel companies or attract more clients to your personal business.
Some organizations that offer travel agent certification include:
- The Travel Institute
- The Cruise Line International Association
- The American Society of Travel Advisors
- The International Air Transport Association
Salary Range
The average annual salary for the stare is about $49,090 per Indeed.com.
According to the Bureau of Labor, the salary is $46,150.
Below is more BLS data for different areas of the state.
| Area | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $21.86 | $45,460.00 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $22.36 | $46,510.00 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $24.62 | $51,200.00 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $23.46 | $48,790.00 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $21.45 | $44,610.00 |
| Raleigh | $23.96 | $49,840.00 |
| Winston-Salem | $22.28 | $46,340.00 |
Occupation: Travel Agents (SOC code 413041)
source: data.bls.gov
Types of Travel Jobs and Salaries in North Carolina
Corporate and VIP Travel Consultants
- Companies Hiring: ADTRAV Travel Management, Omega World Travel.
- Salary Range: $23-$31 per hour.
- Responsibilities: Manage executive travel, high-end bookings, and corporate travel programs.
Leisure and Independent Travel Agents
- Companies Hiring: Travel VK, Globe Life AIL, AAA Auto Club Group.
- Salary Range: Base salary with commissions ($31,200 base, top earners exceed $80,000).
- Responsibilities: Sell vacation packages, cruises, and exclusive travel deals.
Government and Military Travel Specialists
- Companies Hiring: Omega World Travel, ADTRAV Travel Management.
- Salary Range: Competitive hourly rates.
- Responsibilities: Book and manage official travel for government employees.
Group and Event Travel Coordinators
- Companies Hiring: ADTRAV Travel Management, World Racing Group.
- Salary Range: $22-$25 per hour.
- Responsibilities: Coordinate travel for conferences, corporate groups, and special events.
Key Responsibilities of a Travel Agent in North Carolina
1. Trip Planning and Client Consultations
Travel agents in North Carolina collaborate with clients to plan personalized trips, ensuring every detail aligns with their budget, preferences, and travel goals.
- Discuss trip details such as destination, accommodations, transportation, and activities.
- Create detailed itineraries that include events, day trips, and guided tours.
- Book travel components, including flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and dining reservations.
- Gather and verify travel documents, such as passports and visas.
- Recommend travel insurance and special packages from partner companies.
Companies like Travel VK and Globe Life AIL focus on leisure travel, while ADTRAV and Omega World Travel specialize in corporate and government travel, requiring knowledge of federal regulations and booking policies.
2. Travel Coordination and Problem-Solving
Once trips are booked, travel agents must monitor itineraries and assist clients with adjustments.
- Maintain communication with travelers to address itinerary changes and disruptions.
- Handle last-minute cancellations, rescheduling, or travel delays.
- Coordinate with airlines, hotels, and vendors to resolve booking issues.
Corporate travel consultants at ADTRAV and World Racing Group are responsible for coordinating business travel, securing group discounts, and managing event accommodations.
3. Sales and Customer Service
Sales and client relationship management are crucial for travel agents, especially in leisure and independent consulting roles.
- Recommend travel packages, tours, and insurance options.
- Upsell premium services and exclusive travel experiences.
- Maintain long-term client relationships for repeat business.
AAA Auto Club Group and Travel VK focus on selling vacation packages, cruises, and travel perks, making strong sales skills an advantage.
4. Booking Systems and Travel Policies
Many North Carolina employers require proficiency in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Sabre, Apollo, or Amadeus for booking and ticketing.
- Use GDS software to issue airline tickets, hotel reservations, and transportation bookings.
- Stay updated on travel industry regulations and corporate policies.
- Follow company scripts for client consultations and policy compliance.
Government and corporate travel agents at Omega World Travel and ADTRAV must navigate Fly America Act regulations, Open Skies Agreements, and federal booking rules.
On-the-Job Training for Travel Agents in North Carolina
Employers in North Carolina offer structured training programs for entry-level travel agents, particularly those with customer service or sales backgrounds.
Training Covers:
- Planning different types of trips, including business, leisure, and group travel.
- Following company-approved scripts when speaking with clients.
- Using industry-specific software for reservations, itineraries, and expense tracking.
- Selling and recommending travel insurance and exclusive vacation packages.
New hires at AAA Auto Club Group, Travel VK, and Globe Life AIL often start with sales and booking training before moving into customized trip planning.
Conclusion: What North Carolina Employers Want in a Travel Agent
Employers in North Carolina seek detail-oriented, sales-driven travel professionals who can plan, book, and manage trips efficiently.
- ADTRAV and Omega World Travel focus on corporate and government travel.
- AAA Auto Club Group and Travel VK emphasize vacation planning and sales.
- World Racing Group hires agents with experience in event coordination.
With structured training, competitive salaries, and career advancement opportunities, North Carolina offers strong prospects for experienced and entry-level travel agents alike.