How to Become a Travel Agent in Tennessee

Are you ready to graduate from high school, and you aren’t sure what you want to do with your life?

Have you started a career that isn’t for you or you don’t feel passionate about?

If so, you should consider being a travel agent.

You can always work with different people as a travel agent, and you can be an essential part of a person’s dream vacation.

Travel Agent Duties In Tennessee

Tennessee travel agents must perform several duties to ensure everything is planned and settled before their clients leave for their trips.

The duties include:

• Recommend travel destinations for clients who need help figuring out where to go.
• Warn clients of potential hazards at their travel destination, such as high crime and the potential for a natural disaster.
• Stay up-to-date on new warnings at specific destinations.
• Book travel and lodging for clients
• Help clients with passports, visas, and any necessary vaccines to travel to their desired destination.
• Negotiate with tour operators and resorts to get the client the best price possible.
• Create an itinerary including entertainment, events, and must-see attractions your client will enjoy.
• Solve problems that occur when the client is on their trip, such as flight and hotel cancelations and emergencies.
• Collect payment from the client and apply it to the cost of the flight and hotel or resort.
• Understand and relay COVID policies and relay them to the client.
• Keep accurate records of the client’s reservations and the money they paid.

Licensing Requirements To Become a Travel Agent In Tennessee

You don’t need to be licensed to become a travel agent in Tennessee, but you must have at least a high school diploma or GED to begin your career.

However, consider taking a training course to land a job with an established agency or find a higher-paying job.

If you plan to open your own agency, all you need to do is fill out a form and pay a small fee, and it’s best to complete a training program first if you want to be successful.

Taking courses to become a certified travel agent is a good idea because the certification will show future employers and clients that you’re serious and a reputable travel agent.

Also, the certification will create trust between you and your employer or you and your clients.

Travel Agent Programs In Tennessee

If you’re serious about being a travel agent and want to be successful, Tennessee has a few training programs to help you achieve your goals.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is located in Nashville and offers a travel agent certification course that is completed online at your own pace.

It’s a 100-hour course and often takes six months to complete.

The courses you must pass include: 

• Introduction to the Travel Industry
• Professional Skills
• Basic/International Geography
• Introduction to International Travel
• Introduction to Air Travel
• Transpiration 
• Career Development
• Sales and Marketing for Travel
• The program costs $2,245, and if you can’t afford to pay the tuition in full, you can apply for Affirm. You can take the course for as little as $109 per month if approved. 

Chattanooga State University

If you live far from Nashville and Chattanooga is closer, Chattanooga State University offers the same travel agent program that Tennessee State University offers.

The courses, cost, and payment options are the same, and you’ll have a shorter commute. 

University of Tennessee Knoxville

If you want more than a certificate, the University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a bachelor’s program in travel and tourism.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management degree prepares students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The program curriculum includes: 

• Intro to Travel and Tourism
• Career Planning
• Leading and Managing Hotels and Resorts
• Event Planning and Design
• Talent Management in Hospitality and Retailing
• Control cost in Hospitality and Tourism Operations
• Customer Service
• Sensory Branding and Marketing in Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Consumers in the Global Marketplace
• You also must choose four electives from the 13 available. 
• The tuition for in-state students is $13,244 per year, and $31,664 for out-of-state students. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Tennessee – Summary Table

Travel Agent Salary In Tennessee

You can make a good living as a travel agent in Tennessee.

The average hourly wage is $17.63, the same as the national average.

If you’re paid a salary rather than hourly, the average annual salary is $53,679, the same as the national average.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Memphis	$34,019
Nashville	$34,226
Knoxville	$33,682
Chattanooga	$33,097
Clarksville	$33,344
Murfreesboro	$33,969
Jackson	$33,762
Johnson City	$31,950
Kingsport	$32,070
Franklin	$34,107

Regional Salary in Tennessee

* 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

Is continuing education necessary as a travel agent?

Yes and no.

After receiving your certification or degree, you don’t need more formal education.

However, you must research and stay up-to-date on recent vacation trends, popular places, new travel policies and restrictions, and new hotels and resorts.

Studying and learning independently will make you a more successful travel agent.

Do you have to worry about the Internet taking travel agents' jobs?

No.

Although websites like Travelocity.com and Trip Advisor.com make it easy for people to book flights and hotels, you will get a different service than you would with a travel agent.

Travel agents can help clients decide the best place to go and will be there if emergencies arise during the vacation.

Also, the industry is expected to grow by 7.1 percent throughout 2023, proving that the internet hasn’t taken over the role of a travel agent.

Should I spend the time and money to attend a certification or degree program?

Yes.

Although you can become a travel agent without more than a high school diploma or GED, potential employers and clients will take you more seriously if you have a certificate or degree.

Travel Agent Info by State