Agent to Agent: Should Travel Agents be Licensed?

Question: Do you think agents should be licensed like realtors or insurance brokers?

Tammy: Great question. As an industry, we do not require a license to sell travel and travel-related services. But, there are Seller of Travel laws that exist in certain states—California, Hawaii, Iowa, Washington and Florida—that must be followed.

For example, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services requires that anyone who wants to run a travel agency in the state of Florida must submit an application that allows them to do this. So, you're going to need to first submit an application in order to apply for approval to run an agency. This is not to be confused with a travel agent license.

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The other four states have also put in place certain laws and regulations that must be followed when someone wants to work in the travel industry. This makes it necessary to check each state in order to understand their particular requirements and guidelines. Also be sure to fill out any applications that may need to be filed.

Experience, Authority

Of course, there are many travel agent certification programs that can help give you the experience, as well as the authority clients are looking for when needing the assistance of a professional travel agent, so keep this in mind when it comes to your credentials.

Goals, Relationships

And be sure to understand the importance of setting any travel goals you may have, which first requires you to have a vision in place so you have a good starting place. This is going to be important when it comes to achieving your goals. Developing relationships with the media can also be of great benefit when it comes to furthering your career in the travel agency niche.

Travel Agent License Benefits?

So is there a benefit to requiring a travel agent to get licensed? Licensing could help eliminate the multi-level travel scams that are much too common. Also, people who join host agencies often sell travel as a hobby, which ruins the industry for those who are truly working their business.

I wonder—who is responsible for making this happen? I have been asking this question for more than 20 years now. ARC? ASTA? IATA? Does anyone happen to know? Or are we going to have to keep traveling down the same route we are currently on? I would really love to hear some feedback on this one from all of you.