How to Become a Travel Agent in Georgia

Considering becoming a travel agent in Georgia?

The state is the home of Atlanta airport, officially known as Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

It’s the busiest airport in the country, which makes Georgia a popular travel destination. 

Becoming a travel agent in the Peach State can be lucrative, exciting, and rewarding.

The best part is, the process is probably easier than you think. 

Travel Agent Duties in Georgia

There are no special duties for Georgia travel agents, but there are duties that you can expect to provide in any state.

You will be helping clients make travel arrangements, including booking flights and accommodation. 

You can choose to offer services for clients planning to travel to Georgia, or Georgia residents who are traveling to other states.

You’ll also need to be prepared to deal with any issues that come up during travel for your clients. 

Specific duties of a travel agent in Georgia include:

• Making flight and hotel reservations
• Booking tours and dinner reservations
• Creating a schedule or itinerary
• Ensuring that passports and visas are in order when needed
• Providing advice or information about the destination

Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Georgia

Georgia doesn’t have any licensing requirements.

This means that you can work with clients in Georgia or clients who are planning to come to Georgia, without a license. 

However, there are a few exceptions. California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa and Washington do have licensing requirements.

If you are handling travel arrangements to Georgia for residents in these states, you’ll need a license with the state. 

Even though licensing isn’t required in Georgia, it’s still recommended.

Holding a license or certification can help you attract potential clients, and it shows that you are a legitimate travel agent. 

Unfortunately, scams are a common problem in the industry, because basically anyone can claim to be a travel agent. 

Supplier Credentials

While Georgia doesn’t require you to have a license, you will need to have credentials to work with certain industries.

If you plan to offer international flights, you’ll need to register with the IATA (International Air Transport Association).

Cruise lines require you to have a credential with the CLIA (Cruise Line International Association).

You may also need the TRUE (Travel Retailer Universal Enumeration) credential.

For airline ticketing, you need to get the ARC, or ARC Agency Accreditation. 

Travel Agent Programs in Georgia 

To attend a travel agent program in Georgia, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED.

Then, you can apply for your school or training program of choice. 

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers a Travel Agent Training course.

This course takes about 6 months to complete, and requires 100 hours.

It’s completely online, so you can learn in your own home and on your own time. 

You’ll learn about the travel industry, including hotels, cruise lines, and airlines.

You’ll study national and international tourist destinations, and how to market yourself as a travel agent. 

Once you’ve completed the program, you can take the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test, which is offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA). 

The cost of the program is $2,345, which includes the fees for the TAP test. 

Gwinnett Technical College

Gwinnett Technical College offers a Travel Agency Operations Certificate.

The course is short, and requires 14 course hours to complete.

The cost is $1,400 for in-state students, and $2,800-$5,600 for out of state students. 

Classes include Travel Industry and Travel Geography, Tour and Cruise Management, and Hospitality Marketing.

You’ll also need to take the First Year Experience course, and Fundamentals of English. 

You’ll learn about domestic and international travel, and popular tourist destinations.

You’ll also learn how to plan and market cruises, and how to market your travel agent services.  

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Georgia – Summary Table

Salary 

The average salary for a travel agent in Georgia is $18.29 per hour, which is the same as the national average.

This adds up to $38,000 a year if you work full-time.  

The lowest salary is $9.60 per hour, and the highest is $35 per hour. 

The average travel agent salary for Atlanta, the largest city in Georgia, is a little higher, at $21 an hour. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Atlanta	$36,056
Augusta-Richmond County	$34,353
Columbus	$33,387
Savannah	$34,495
Athens-Clarke County	$35,799
Macon	$34,099
Roswell	$35,919
Albany	$33,745
Marietta	$35,954
Warner Robins	$33,997

Regional Salary in Georgia

* 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

Are travel agents in demand in Georgia?

Yes.

Nationwide, demand for travel agents is expected to grow by 20% over the next decade, which is much higher than the average growth rate.

How can I get started as a travel agent in Georgia?

You can get started as a travel agent in Georgia with no experience.

This is much easier if you have a certificate, diploma, or degree as a travel agent.

Experience in a related field, like wedding planning or hospitality, is also helpful.

What skills do you need as a Georgia travel agent?

There are some skills that will help you succeed as a travel agent.

You’ll need good communication and organizational skills.

You should also be customer oriented, and have strong marketing skills.

Are a Travel Agent and a Travel Agency the Same?

No, a travel agent and travel agency are not the same.

Travel agencies typically employ many travel agents, while travel agents can work with a travel agency or on their own.

Travel Agent Info by State