How to Become a Travel Agent in Mississippi

The travel and tourism industry is a rapidly growing field, including for prospective travel agents in Mississippi.

People who want to become a travel agent in Mississippi are likely to find that the process and requirements to do so are easier than the requirements for becoming a travel agent in some other states. 

Do you want to work in the travel and tourism industry without spending four years or more in college to complete a degree?

Mississippi is a good state where you can learn to become a travel agent and start your career. 

Travel Agent Duties in Mississippi 

Travel agents in Mississippi have many responsibilities, especially as more people today are turning to travel agents to help them with their personal and business travel needs.

The duties of a travel agent in Mississippi typically include: 

• Determining the needs of their clients and advising them on appropriate destinations 
• Creating an itinerary for their clients 
• Helping individuals and businesses with planning and booking domestic and international travel dates and costs 
• Advising clients about needed documents such as a passport or a visa 
• Booking modes of travel and accommodations 
• Using promotional and marketing tools for planning and selling travel services 

Travel agents who work in Mississippi perform duties such as following up with clients, making adjustments to travel plans, and reaching out to the client’s point of contact.

Providing brochures, guides, maps, and information that clients need about local customs or regulations are some other travel agent duties.  

Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Mississippi 

Students looking for their first career or people considering a new career are likely to appreciate the fact that Mississippi does not have any licensing requirements for travel agents.

That does not mean that you can declare yourself a travel agent and apply for a Mississippi travel agent job today.

You still need a business license and a tax ID number.  

No formal degrees are required to work in the tourism industry in the State of Mississippi.

Smart prospective travel agents will not start applying for travel agent positions without taking courses to become a travel agent or completing a program geared towards people who want to become a travel agent. 

Travel Agent Programs in Mississippi 

The Mississippi State University Center for Continuing Education offers the Travel Agent Online Training Program.

It is a six-month program that consists of 250 course hours.

The cost of the program is $2,245.  

Students learn basic information about the tourism industry.

They focus on global destinations where the travel agent is likely to recommend and sell to clients.

The third module focuses on selecting a computer reservation system. 

Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) exam.

The registration fee for the exam is included in the program cost.

Another option for people who want to become a travel agent in Mississippi is to attend East Mississippi Community College.

The school offers a two-semester technical certificate or a four-semester Associate of Applied Science in Travel and Tourism Technology degree. 

Students gain skills in areas that include becoming a travel agent.

Students take courses such as Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism, Tourism Specialist, and The Travel Agency.  

The college advises students to contact the business office for information on the tuition and fees. 

Complete the Experience Mississippi program, which is operated by the Mississippi Tourism Association.

Gain the knowledge and skills to become a travel agent.

The purpose of the program is to empower professionals in the tourism industry with the tools that they need to create meaningful experiences for clients. 

The four online video courses cover a variety of topics, including connecting with guests, and real-world experiences that travel agents in Mississippi may encounter in their day-to-day job. 

Students who pass the short quizzes with a score of 80 percent or higher will earn a designation as a “Certified Mississippi Hospitality Professional (CMHP).”

Salary for Travel Agents in Mississippi 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the job outlook for travel agents is much faster than average job growth through 2031.

Experienced travel agents or those with a certification or degree will likely earn more than a new travel agent. 

Salary.com lists the salary range for Mississippi travel agents at $32,738 to $41,843. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Jackson	$32,858
Gulfport	$32,279
Biloxi	$32,536
Hattiesburg	$32,077
Greenville	$32,635
Meridian	$32,540
Tupelo	$30,969
Southaven	$33,968
Vicksburg	$32,527
Pascagoula	$32,386

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a job as a travel agent in Mississippi without previous experience?

Yes, but check with companies where you want to submit your application.

Some may require prior experience.

Do Mississippi travel agencies accept certificates or diplomas from online programs?

Yes, an online certificate or degree program carries the same weight as an in-person certificate or degree program.

How long does it take to complete a program to become a travel agent in Mississippi?

Programs vary in length based on factors such as whether it is a diploma or certificate program or a college degree program.

The number of courses or credit hours also affects how long it takes to complete the travel agent program.

Travel Agent Info by State