The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Travel Sales Coordinator / Administrator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering booking systems (GDS), understanding basic fare rules, meticulous data entry, supporting senior sales staff with quotes and admin, learning about destinations.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently accurate with all booking entries and administrative tasks.
- Proactively identifies opportunities to assist senior colleagues.
- Demonstrates a solid foundational knowledge of key destinations and travel products.
- Receives positive feedback from senior executives on support provided.
- 2
Retail Travel Agent
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Direct client interaction, understanding client needs, selling a range of package holidays and bespoke trips, handling payments, basic problem-solving, hitting sales targets in a retail environment.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently achieves or exceeds personal sales targets in a retail setting.
- Builds strong rapport with clients, leading to repeat business.
- Handles customer queries and complaints effectively and professionally.
- Demonstrates a good understanding of various travel products and destinations.
- 3
Customer Service Representative (Travel Sector)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Exceptional client communication (phone/email), resolving complex travel-related issues, de-escalation techniques, understanding booking systems, identifying upsell opportunities.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently receives high customer satisfaction scores.
- Successfully resolves complex customer issues independently.
- Identifies and converts customer service interactions into sales opportunities.
- Demonstrates a calm and empathetic approach under pressure.