Travel Institute research focused on the evolution of the retail travel business has found a correlation between certification and financial success.
The second part of the Changing Face of Travel Agents research study looked at both financial compensation as well as on-the-job contentment or the positive outlook held by travel professionals when considering a long-term career in the industry.
One of the questions the survey wanted to answer was whether or not investing in education led to more money. The survey was also put forth to find out if the travel industry provided job satisfaction for people. The answers to both of the questions were yes.
"I look at these results, especially compensation, as a trifecta for our industry beginning with well-trained travel professionals who are earning significantly more money than agents without advanced learning," said Travel Institute president Diane Petras.
"Secondly, for suppliers, whose distribution network is immensely smarter and more proficient at selling travel, including their specific products," Petras added. "And lastly, the consumer who truly benefits from agents' hard-earned knowledge and skills that go hand-in-hand in creating an extraordinary vacation experience."
The results show that there is a clear line that can be drawn between higher sales numbers and certification levels.
The average sales in 2017 for travel agents that were Travel Institute Certified (CTA, CTC, CTIE) was $554,880. Those with Travel Institute Destination & Niche Specialist training saw average sales of $488,336.
CLIA Certified travel agents made approximately $446,512 in sales, and Supplier/other destination and niche specialist training meant about $403,775 in annual sales.
Travel agents with a Travel Institute TAP certificate (Travel Agent Proficiency) sold $265,541 on average and those with no certification or specialist training sold just about $215,114.
The correlation is the same when it comes to compensation. Top earners were those agents who had Travel Institute Certification (CTA, CTC, CTIE) at $42,953. Those with no certification or specialist training made approximately $19,428.
At the higher end of the compensation scale, nearly one in four or 22 percent of Travel Institute certified graduates and 16 percent of CLIA certified agents earned more than $60,000 in 2017, compared to just 7 percent of non-certified agents to reach the higher earnings threshold, according to Travel Institute research.
While compensation and earnings may vary, job satisfaction does not. Those seeking a career as a travel agent are overwhelmingly happy with their career choice.
Ninety-six percent of agents are happy with their current position. That number was 84 percent in 2008.
Most travel agents plan to continue in the travel industry. The research showed that 97 percent are likely to remain employed in the travel industry for the rest of their career.
Sixty-eight percent recommend a career in retail travel and only 11 percent feel job-related stress.
The first part of the Changing Face of Travel Agents survey found that, over the last 10 years, there has been a shift from brick-and-mortar agencies to more home-based work and that more and more travel agents are independent contractors.
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