According to Data USA, 76 percent of the travel agent industry is made up of women, making it a very female-dominated industry. However, if you look more closely at the numbers, you'll find that the industry lacks women of color. People of Asian descent make up 7.9 percent, while only six percent of travel agents are black. The numbers are dismal in terms of Indigenous and Latino representation, too.
Unfortunately, those numbers aren't broken down by gender, so while 7.9 percent seems pretty low for Asian representation in the travel agent community, break it down by gender and the numbers become even lower.
From helping others travel and experience cultures around the world to being able to travel yourself and make your own hours, there are so many benefits to being a travel agent. Unfortunately, there is little data as to why there are not more women of color in the travel agent industry, so we're going to focus on why more women of color should become travel agents.
Jemica Archer of TruBlue Travels is a female travel agent of color who finds plenty of joy and satisfaction in her job.
"Being a travel agent has taught me so much about people, culture and customs all over the world," she said. "I think being exposed to different cultures helps you grow, develop and breaks down intolerance. It is important to be able to relate to all types of people, we live and do business in a global society."
While there aren't a lot of women of color in the travel agent industry, Archer sees the industry diversifying and a great career path for women of color.
She said, "In the last 5 years, I have seen a definite increase in women of color travel agents. If we continue entering the field at this pace, we will definitely be able to showcase the increased diversity of travel agents and also travelers of color."
For women of color who are interested in being a travel agent, you only need a high school diploma to begin. Plus, it doesn't require a lot of startup costs. Additionally, if you need some scheduling flexibility, you're able to work from home as a sole proprietor. For those who want some guidance, there are plenty of host agencies that are committed to working with diverse agents like Travel With Myght.
"I think the best aspects of being a travel agent now are all the opportunities to travel internationally," Archer said. "In, addition, with technology, virtual assistants, smartphones etc., you can run your business from anywhere in the world and maintain high customer service levels. I actually drive more business to my agency, because more people see me traveling to destinations and that adds another layer of credibility."
She added, "It doesn't take an extraordinary amount of money [to begin]. It depends on the business structure you select, state fee's, training and purchasing equipment like laptops, printers, etc. If you are home-based, even less... I got started under for $ 1,000 seven years ago."
While anyone interested in becoming a travel agent can take this advice, Archer says that women of color have a unique opportunity to fill a gap in the industry.
"There are so many different desired travel experiences. We can offer a different perspective to all of our clients. I have some colleagues that specialize in the niche of travel for people of colorwho trace their ancestry and want to travel to those destinations to experience up close," she said.
Archer is right. Cultural and heritage travel are major considerations for people of color who are looking to plan their next trip. While travel agents of any background have the ability to book these trips, as a female travel agent of color, you'd be able to offer insight into cultural and heritage nuances that travelers of color (especially women) experience because you may have experienced them, too.
As a woman of color, if you're interested in becoming a travel agent, start doing some research, figure out what niche of travel you're interested in, choose between joining a host agency or starting your own business and connect with other female travel agents of color through AgentAtHome, travel agent organizations or by connecting on LinkedIn.
The travel agent industry is a ripe market for women of color and it's just waiting for you to join.
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