Travel agency manager : Entry requirements

A degree, HND or foundation degree is not generally required for entry into the profession, however subjects covering travel, business and management modules are useful, in particular those which have involved a practical work placement. A small number of companies prefer entrants to be graduates. The following subjects may increase your chances:

• travel/tourism/leisure studies;
• social/economic/business studies;
• business/marketing /financial management;
• business with languages;
• human geography.

HND/foundation degree holders are at no disadvantage when compared to graduates as employers also look for relevant managerial or travel-related experience.

Entry into a retail travel agency without a higher education qualification is commonly possible, and graduates/Diplomates are not normally fast-tracked into a branch management role. Companies with graduate recruitment schemes, such as TUI, expect you to follow a specific programme in your preferred area of the business. During this time, you may get placed in a retail travel agency but ultimately will be working in a specific business function. This tends to be at head office or other relevant locations - even overseas.

Vacation or temporary work experience in a sales environment as well as experience of foreign travel (e.g. as part of a gap year or summer placement) will enhance applications. The ability to communicate effectively in different languages is also very helpful.

Candidates also need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication skills;
• diplomacy and tact;
• innovation and energy with a desire to drive others;
• commitment to people management;
• sound judgement with attention to detail;
• competent IT skills;
• strong organisational skills;
• resilience to cope with long hours and pressure at peak times;
• a genuine interest in travel.

Relevant management experience in other areas of the leisure or tourism industry, such as hotels or airlines, is likely to increase your chances. Specific functional experience, perhaps in a marketing, sales, retail or IT role, may also be advantageous. Once relevant experience has been gained within a travel agency management capacity, competition for managerial posts is less severe.

Potential managers must also be able to demonstrate an awareness of some of the main trends in travel. This incorporates the demand for tailor-made holidays. There is also more industry and consumer awareness of sustainable tourism, including projects which look at the economic and environmental impacts of tourism. Of course, knowledge of popular and upcoming destinations is also important.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.