Travel agency manager : Employers and vacancy sources

Despite ongoing global economic turbulence, there still remains demand for all types of holidays with online bookings playing a significant role. Since the demise of some holiday airlines, the traditional package holiday - and therefore travel agencies - have received a renewed interest.

Most of the brand name travel agents are owned by a few large groups, made even larger in recent years by high profile mergers. However, there are a number of independent agencies, some small and some with branches throughout the UK, and other specialist agencies. Such travel agents may deal with particular destinations or products, for instance cooking holidays, sports activity breaks or niche locations.

There are also opportunities in all aspects of online travel management which are usually available for people with around three to five years' experience. This may mean relocating since operations will be based centrally. Check the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)  website to find a list of members (including retail outlets and online companies) in the UK.

Self-employment is also possible, particularly when providing specialist travel options. The internet has opened up opportunities due to demand from people wanting more tailored holidays at the best prices. TV travel shops are another area of opportunity with several of the major travel agencies having their own satellite and cable TV channels. Given the right qualities, it is possible to diversify to other parts of the industry, such as airlines and airports.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Travel Trade Gazette
• Travel Weekly
• New Frontiers
• Scottish Travel Agents News (STAN)

Recruitment agencies sometimes have vacancies - see the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)  for contact details. It is also common to find vacancies on the websites of travel agencies, tour operators and professional associations such as the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) . Well-known online travel companies also advertise job opportunities from their websites. Travel and Hospitality Industry Digest (e-TID)  offers subscription to a daily email service, which includes details of vacancies.

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