How to Become an Independent Travel Agent in UK

An independent travel agent can make a good living. The rise in average spending of families and increased awareness about destinations worldwide has increased the number of people interested in this career opportunity. Travel agents mostly earn from the commissions and discounts that they get from the various entities like airlines and hotels on the card rate. In addition, an independent travel agent himself gets an opportunity to travel places at discounted rates for the purpose of evaluating the destinations that he may recommend to his clients.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Education

1. Enroll in a course for travel agents at a vocational school or a university in your area. You can contact your nearest university office to find out what courses are available.

2. Opt for online courses if your local university does not offer any courses related to travel agents. One such place is Online Travel Training (see Resources). It offers training on various products used by travel agents. In addition it also provides training on popular destinations for travelers.

3. Take a training on computer reservations systems and global distribution systems which is also available at Online Travel Training (see Resources).

Setting up Your Business

4. Register your business name with HM Revenue and Customs.

5. Set up your website, as most of the tourism business these days is conducted online. The site should give up-to-date information about the most popular destinations. In addition, offer pre-built travel packages on your website along with the option to customize them. Ensure your website offers your visitors the ability to book their trip online.

6. Keep your contact information up-to-date on the website, and make it easy to find. Ideally, visitors should be able to contact your from any page on your site. This can be done by listing your contact information or including contact forms.

7. Work together with other travel agents who provide services to the destinations where you do not have a direct contact. Such arrangements can be done on a commission basis.

Advertising

8. Offer a discount to the customers who come from a referral. Most travelers rely on the information from friends to decide on the travel destinations and the travel agent.

9. Place an advertisement in the national newspaper once every week or two and a few weeks before any bank holiday or a long weekend.

10. Join travel-related social networks. Be active and contribute. Include links to your site in your profiles or signatures when possible. This is one of the best ways to get exposure and it is usually free, only costing you time.

Memberships

11. Apply for the membership of Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) (see Resources). As a member of ARC you will be entitled to ticket distribution, reporting, and settlement services for more than 145 air and rail carriers.

12. Apply for the membership of ABTA The travel association (see Resources), once you have been in business for a while. ABTA members are required to meet certain financial and operational criteria.

13. Join other associations and memberships that may be helpful, or help you succeed as an independent travel agent in the UK:
    Association of Independent Tour Operators: http://www.aito.co.uk/
    Travel Trust Association: http://www.traveltrust.co.uk/
    Pacific Asia Travel Association: http://www.pata.org.uk/

Tips & Warnings

• Foreign language: A second language can help you get ahead. The choice of second language should be based upon your target customer base. Knowledge of travel destinations: As a travel agent, you are entitled to discount travels for the purpose of evaluating destinations. Make the most of it to gain firsthand knowledge about various destinations.

Resources

• Online Travel Training
• HM Revenue & Customs: Registering a New Business
• ABTA: Membership
• Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC)

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[celeryuk]

on 8/25/2009 Excellent advice - thanks!