If you love traveling and planning, becoming a travel agent might be for you.
If you live in Utah and want to become a travel agent, keep reading to find out what a travel agent does and what you need to do to become one.
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Travel Agent Duties in Utah
A travel agent in Utah has a diverse range of duties and responsibilities to assist clients in planning and organizing their travel arrangements.
One of their primary tasks involves researching and providing clients with information about various destinations, including popular tourist attractions, accommodations, transportation options, and local customs and regulations.
They thoroughly analyze and compare different travel packages and deals to help clients find the most suitable and cost-effective options based on their preferences and budget.
Travel agents assist in arranging flights, hotel bookings, rental cars, cruise trips, and other related services, ensuring that all necessary reservations and paperwork are completed accurately and efficiently.
They may also offer guidance on travel insurance, visa requirements, and vaccination recommendations, ensuring clients are prepared for their journey.
A travel agent in Utah must stay updated on current travel trends, new attractions, and changing regulations to provide clients with the most up-to-date information.
They must have excellent communication and customer service skills, as they interact with clients both in person and over the phone or email, ensuring their inquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
In summary, a travel agent in Utah serves as a knowledgeable and valuable resource, working diligently to plan and arrange seamless travel experiences for their clients while providing exceptional customer service.
Licensing Requirements
While you don’t have to have a license to become a travel agent in Utah, it is recommended to add more credibility to your travel agent business.
To become a licensed travel agent in Utah, individuals must meet certain requirements set forth by the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
First and foremost, potential travel agents must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Applicants must then complete a travel agent pre-licensing course, which is offered by various approved providers and covers topics such as travel law, ethics, geography, and customer service.
The course typically consists of a specified number of classroom hours, followed by an examination to test the candidate’s knowledge.
Once the pre-licensing course is completed, applicants must apply for DOPL, including the necessary fees.
They must also provide proof of completing the course and an affidavit stating that they do not have a history of certain criminal offenses.
Upon successful completion of these requirements, applicants can be awarded their travel agent license, allowing them to legally operate within the state of Utah.
It is important to note that licensing requirements can vary, and individuals interested in pursuing a travel agent career in Utah should review and comply with the most up-to-date information provided by DOPL.
Travel Agent Programs
Completing a travel agent program is not required, but completing one can increase your chances of getting a job as a travel agent.
Here are some programs available to help you become a travel agent.
Penn Foster Travel Agent Career Diploma
Penn Foster Career School offers a program called the Travel Agent Career Diploma.
The programs at Penn Foster Career School are 100% online, self-paced, have flexible payment options, and give you 24/7 access to online resources.
The courses included in the travel agent program include:
- North American Air Travel
- Exploring the World
- Tourism
- Travel Agent Proficiency Certification
The Travel Academy
The Travel Academy offers a program called the Travel Agency & Reservations Systems program.
This program takes about three weeks to complete.
The Travel Agency & Reservations Systems program teaches students the following:
- Airline and travel concepts
- Domestic and International Travel Requirements
- Selling and booking travel plans
- Consultative travel skills
- Satisfying the travel needs of clients
- Excisions and how to present them
- Hands-on access to reservation systems
- Creating a polished travel agent resume and cover letter
- Navigating employment websites
- Online applications
- Interviewing skills
- Time management and organization
- Goal setting
- Leadership
- Promotion and career advancement
- Budgeting
- Taxes and benefits
- Questioning techniques
- Listening techniques
- Conversation dynamics and management
Travel Agent Representative Schools in Utah – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster Travel Agent Career Diploma | 14300 N Northsight Blvd., Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States |
| The Travel Academy | 1299 Eagan Industrial Rd #201, Eagan, MN 55121, United States |
Salary
The average salary of a travel agent in the United States is $40,287, with the average range starting at $36,710 and reaching up to $46,920.
Your salary depends on many factors, including education, certification, experience, location, and the company you work for.
The average salary range for the state of Utah sits between $34,735 at the low end and $44,396 at the high end.
The average salary of a travel agent in Utah is $38,120.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $35,216 |
| Logan | $33,531 |
| Provo | $33,755 |
| Sandy | $35,121 |
| Orem | $33,755 |
| Ogden | $34,008 |
| West Jordan | $35,089 |
| Layton | $33,881 |
| Lehi | $33,596 |
| St. George | $36,765 |
Regional Salary in Utah
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 60 | $43,100 | $20.72 | $57,340 | $28,030 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 60 | $44,340 | $21.32 | $77,130 | $28,320 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 370 | $49,220 | $23.66 | $73,470 | $29,460 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a travel agent in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the education requirements for becoming a travel agent in Utah?
Utah, and much of the United States, requires only a high school diploma to become a travel agent.
While there are no official education requirements, many recommend completing a program for added education and experience in the field.
More education and experience look great on a resume and can set you apart from other candidates.
Where should I begin if considering a career as a travel agent in Utah?
The best thing to do if you are considering this as a career is to do your research and make a list of pros and cons.
You can decide from there whether you want to become a travel agent.
What is the job outlook of a travel agent in the state of Utah?
As more people take the time to travel, there is a growing need for travel agents.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agent jobs are expected to grow at least 20% by 2031.
Travel Agent Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
