How to Become a Travel Agent in Colorado

If you are a passionate explorer with a knack for planning unforgettable experiences, becoming a travel agent in Colorado may be your ideal career.

Embarking on a new career as a travel agent can be a rewarding experience filled with exciting opportunities and unforgettable memories. 

Read on to learn about travel agent duties, training programs, and how to become a travel agent in Colorado. 

Travel Agent Duties in Colorado

The primary role of travel agents in Colorado is to plan memorable travel experiences for their clients.

They achieve this goal by drawing on a wealth of knowledge for booking flights, reserving rental cars, and creating exciting itineraries that keep their clients coming back for more. 

Colorado travel agents help clients plan their ideal vacations by carrying out the following duties. 

Client Consultations

A large part of a travel agent’s job is to have in-depth conversations with their travel clients to understand their unique preferences and travel goals.

Travel agents learn important details that can affect their recommendations, including the client’s budget, travel dates, accommodation preferences, and destination choices. 

Itinerary Planning 

One of the most exciting components of a travel agent’s job is to use the information learned during their client consultation to plan custom travel itineraries.

They curate one-of-a-kind travel experiences based on the preferences given to them by their clients.

No two travel itineraries will be the same, as each itinerary is specially customized for each client. 

Booking and Reservations

When many people think of travel agents, they automatically think of booking and reservations.

Securing flights, accommodations, tours, and attraction tickets is another one of the essential duties of Colorado travel agents who use computerized booking systems to generate the best deals for their clients. 

Colorado Travel Agent – Licensing Requirements

Like many states in the US, Colorado doesn’t require its travel agents to carry an official license.

Other areas of operating a travel agent business may require you to obtain a business license to work as an independent agent as a member of a travel group. 

Learn more about the rules and regulations for operating a business in Colorado by contacting your local Colorado Department of Regulatory (DORA) office or your local government office. 

Certification and Accreditation

Independent travel agents and home-based agents who are serious about their business will consider taking a certification course or becoming accredited as a travel agent by one of the state, national, or global accrediting bodies like the IATA. 

The International Air Transport Association

The IATA offers a wealth of online travel agent training opportunities that can help agents grow and legitimize their businesses.

Travel agents who take advantage of IATA services can earn an individual accreditation number to be officially registered as a travel agency. 

They offer a wide variety of other travel-based education and resources that teach travel agents basic, intermediate, and advanced skills needed to succeed as Colorado Travel Agents. 

American Society of Travel Advocates – ASTA

The ASTA is a national agency that provides education, training, and advocacy services for travel agents throughout the US. Colorado travel agents who join the ASTA gain access to continuing education resources online, networking opportunities, and travel agent advocacy services for agents. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Colorado – Summary Table

Colorado Travel Agent – Salary 

Becoming a travel agent in Colorado can be a lucrative career with a good salary.

Industry reports show that Colorado travel agents earn between $28,000 and $80,000 per year.

The average salary for agents in the state falls right around $47,000 per year. 

Several factors affect Colorado travel agents’ salaries.

Entry-level agents are likely to make less than more experienced agents who have been in the industry for years and have earned accreditation or certification. 

Location, experience, host agencies, and other factors can also affect how much travel agents make in Colorado. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Denver	$37,309
Colorado Springs	$36,538
Aurora	$37,284
Loveland	$35,956
Fort Collins	$36,005
Arvada	$37,309
Pueblo	$34,449
Westminster	$37,309
Boulder	$37,643
Thornton	$37,309

Regional Salary in Colorado

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC Code 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills do I need to become a travel agent in Colorado?

Industry experts recommend having some or all of the following skills if you’re considering becoming a travel agent in Colorado.

Customer Service Skills – communicating with clients and travel partners is essential for success as a Colorado travel agent.

Interested in Travel – agents who are already interested in travel can excel as travel agents when they research new cultures, destinations, and travel experiences.

Applying this interest will help agents excel!

Professional Certification and Training – getting professional training and certification from a local community college, online travel agent program, or from one of the national travel agent accrediting agencies is recommended.

Do I need a license to work as a travel agent in Colorado?

No.

You don’t need a license to work as a travel agent in Colorado.

However, industry professionals recommend investing in professional certification or accreditation to advance your career as a travel agent in Colorado.

What is an IATA number, and how can I get one?

An IATA number is a unique agent number assigned to travel agents who register with the IATA.

This unique identification number identifies travel agents and travel agencies when they book travel for clients.

Travel Agent Info by State