Travel Agent Training Curriculum

The Starting Your Program course is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner. You’ll learn about the earliest days of personal travel and then examine how travel and tourism has become one of the world’s leading industries. As you progress through this course, you’ll discover what tourism actually is and how it touches so many aspects of our lives. You’ll find out who travels, why they travel, and how they travel. You’ll also learn about the many employment opportunities within the travel industry.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Further express your goals and expectations
• Navigate the Penn Foster learning environment, including your Student Portal
• Describe what it takes to be a successful online learner
• Identify your preferred study aids and learning styles
• Practice some important study and time management skills
• Access and use helpful resources, such as the Penn Foster Virtual Library, and various help features
• Discuss why travel and tourism is an excellent career choice
• Describe the types of skills and abilities that travel consultants must possess to be successful
• Explain how travel agencies and travel consultants have traditionally earned money through the commission structure, and how that structure is rapidly changing
• Define the major components of the travel and tourism industry
• Describe the key functions of the major travel trade associations
• Identify the factors that must be considered when conducting a demographic study of potential travel clients
• Describe Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory of human motivation
• Explain the differences between the venturer traveler and the dependable traveler in terms of Plog’s study of travel destinations and personality types

You’ll begin by exploring the fascinating growth of commercial aviation, from the very first passenger flight to supersonic passenger air travel to today’s jumbo jets. Once you have a solid understanding of the history of commercial aviation, you’ll move on to learning the language of airline travel. Next, you’ll review the basics of airline procedures and operations from a travel professional’s point of view. You’ll then examine the history of important industry resources, from the original airline system timetable to the Official Airline Guide to the modern airline websites and consolidated websites. You’ll learn all about domestic airfares, including the different types of fares and discounts that are available, as well as how to calculate prices for air transportation.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Discuss the history of the airline industry and the effects of deregulation
• Locate and label each of the 50 U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia
• Identify by memory major city and airport codes within the United States, as well as the two-letter codes of major domestic airline carriers
• Discuss airline operations, including the process of code-sharing
• Identify aircraft types and the primary classes of service codes
• Use common flight itinerary terms
• Understand how to interpret basic information and flight schedules in a computer reservation system (CRS)
• Describe domestic airfares and the principles of domestic air fare construction
• Interpret the basic codes of airfares
• Explain electronic airfare rules
• Discuss the three basic components of airline ticket prices and federal airline ticket taxes
• Interpret all required information from a passenger reservation record and itinerary price display when completing airline tickets
• Interpret the entries on airline tickets and airline ticket refund notices
• Complete airline tickets using basic airfare codes and itinerary pricing

Geography is the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these. In this lesson, you’ll learn the basics of physical geography—the names of the continents and the major water and land features that make up our Earth, Geography is a word derived from the Greek words ge, meaning “the earth,” and graphein, meaning “to describe.” There are many kinds of geography, but travel agents are most concerned with the following three types of geography that enrich the travel experience:

 

• Physical geography, which is the study of the physical features that distinguish each country. You studied physical geography in World Geography, Part 1.
• Cultural Geography, which is the study of the people of different countries. Cultural geography includes their history, religions, ethnic groups, languages, customs, and related information. This aspect of geography will be covered in future lessons.
• Location geography, which is also called place-name geography. Location geography is the study of where places are located in relation to one another. This lesson covers location geography, and will introduce you to countries that perhaps you’ve never even heard of!

We’ll continue by exploring key destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. To make your learning easier, we’ll study these less familiar regions by dividing them into smaller geographic areas. As you discover more about individual destinations, you’ll find that the countries of the world are grouped in many ways, such as by:

 

• Geography
• Common ethnic heritage
• Similar political affiliations

You’ll learn the important aspects of booking international airline travel. You’ll also explore other important considerations you should keep in mind when advising international travelers, such as foreign currencies, airfares, airline carriers, travel documentation, and custom allowances.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify the seven continents and five oceans of the world
• Define and provide at least one example of a tourist destination for major land formations
• Explain latitude and longitude, and use absolute measurements to determine locations on a map
• Explain how the earth is divided into hemispheres
• Explain Greenwich mean time and the international date line
• Tell time using the 24-hour clock system
• Describe how travel agents use different types of maps and routes
• Describe how climate is affected by latitude, mountains, oceans, land elevation, and ocean currents
• Identify and name the 3 Canadian territories and the 10 Canadian provinces and their capitals
• Recite and identify the U.S. state capitals from memory
• Describe the location of the major lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges in the United States
• Locate and name the major islands in the West Indies
• Locate and name the countries in Central America
• Describe the topography of South America, and know the location of each country in South America
• Determine the locations and names of each European country and microstate
• Locate and name the major African countries and associated islands
• Locate and name the countries in Asia, and determine whether they’re located in Southwest Asia, Southern Asia, East Asia, or Southeast Asia
• Describe the topography of Australia
• Identify the major Pacific islands
• Define the functions and application requirements of a passport, visa, tourist card, international driver’s permit, and International Certificate of Vaccination
• Name the types of items that are required to be declared to U.S. Customs when returning to the United States
• Exchange U.S. dollars into equivalent foreign currencies when the exchange rate is provided
• Identify by memory the code and countries of affiliation of the major international airline carriers
• Identify the major international city, airport, and fare basis codes
• Interpret the flight schedule information in a computer reservation system (CRS)
• Name and describe the major restrictions of travel for each of the four major categories of international air fares
• Identify the four major types of international taxes and fees, and describe the basic elements of the mileage system
• Read and interpret a fare listing in a CRS
• Read and interpret an itinerary price display in a CRS and identify special codes and formats that are shown on an international airline ticket

Tourism geography is one of the most important subjects you’ll learn as you prepare for your new travel career. While you’ll learn the basics about tourism geography in this program, you need to continually stay up-to-date with trends and changes. This lesson covers the major tourist destinations of the Western Hemisphere, including Canada, the United States, the West Indies, Mexico, and Central and South America. Then you’ll explore key destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. You’ll also learn about Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Identify the key tourism attractions and sights in each of the 10 provinces of Canada
• Identify the key tourism highlights in the United States
• List several key destinations for each type of vacation experience in the United States: (1) beach resorts, (2) historic sites, (3) national parks and sightseeing, (4) major cities, and (5) theme parks and entertainment centers
• Name and describe the unique features of the six islands of Hawaii noted for their tourism appeal
• Recommend major islands in the West Indies for clients with different interests and needs and name at least two major sightseeing attractions on the following islands: Puerto Rico, Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Bermuda
• Identify and briefly discuss at least two major sightseeing regions or attractions in Mexico that promote each of the following major reasons for tourism: (1) beach resort vacations, (2) colonial history, and (3) ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations
• Explain the importance of nature and ecotourism to Central America and South America
• Plan creative itineraries through the following countries of the British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland
• Recommend several sightseeing attractions in the major cities and identify popular countryside excursions for the European countries of France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Create interesting self-drive tours through the Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg
• Recommend major sightseeing trips and attractions in Iberia, including Spain, Portugal, and their islands
• Identify and describe at least three important sightseeing attractions in the Italian cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence
• Describe the city of Athens, Greece, and identify at least three important attractions located in the city or within a day’s excursion from the city
• Identify the major Greek islands noted for tourism in the Ionian and Aegean Seas and compare their topography and major features
• Plan Scandinavian itineraries that emphasize viewing scenic fjords and other major features located in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark
• Recommend major sights and excursions in the following Middle East countries: Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Cyprus
• Name the major national parks popular for African safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa
• Describe typical clients who wish to travel to south-central Asian countries, such as India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and describe what they would probably want to experience while there
• Recommend at least three major cities or specific attractions to clients visiting the Asia: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam
• Describe unique features that characterize the South Pacific as a tourist destination and that make this region different from other parts of the world
• Identify the major cities and sightseeing attractions in Australia and New Zealand
• Identify the major islands noted for tourism in each of the three South Pacific regions—Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia—and communicate each island’s appeal to clients

Before learning about the different accommodations available for your clients, you’ll learn about who those clients are. There are different types of lodging guests, which in the industry are called market segments. Travelers fall into one of four basic markets in the hospitality industry:

 

• 30% are on business
• 25% are taking a vacation or leisure time
• 25% are attending a group event or a convention
• 20% use hospitality services for a personal reason

Then, you’ll learn about one of the most important land products that travel agents sell—accommodations. This material is important to learn and pass on to clients because a hotel selected in a convenient area, with good service, and at the right price can turn an otherwise ho-hum trip into something great. The reverse is also true. Staying in a hotel located far from town can complicate a business trip; finding out that your hotel by the shore is in fact many blocks from the beach doesn’t make for a great family vacation. To be competitive in today’s travel industry, you must provide your clients with complete travel products and services. To do so, you must understand your clients’ needs and possess the ability to translate this knowledge into the right travel choices. This lesson will give you a good foundation in how to sell tours and vacation packages. Combining travel products and services into a profitable package benefits both travel agents and their clients.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Identify and describe the major markets for transient hotels, including commercial, airport, all-suite, motor inns, resorts, and bed and breakfast lodging
• Define and provide examples of different types of resort properties, such as all-inclusives and spas
• Describe and compare the three major types of hotel ownership and organization: independent, franchise, and chain
• Define the four basic categories of market segmentation—low-end, midscale, upscale, and luxury—and provide several examples of each
• Identify and define meal-plan codes and room-type codes
• Explain the following types of hotel rates and discount programs: rack rate, run-of-the-house, group, package or tour operator, nonrefundable, frequent-lodger, and corporate discount rates
• Interpret the information contained in the major hotel resource, the Customer Reservations System (CRS)
• Name and describe the three major categories of tours and vacation packages
• Define and compare the functions of a tour operator and a tour wholesaler in terms of developing, marketing, and selling the tour product
• Describe the membership and function of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and National Tour Association (NTA)
• Name and describe the typical components of escorted, hosted, and independent tours
• Describe the major benefits to the client of taking a tour or vacation package rather than making independent travel plans
• Describe the major benefits to the travel agent of selling the tour product
• Identify and describe the impact of adventure tours, ecotours, student travel, and foreign study
• Explain the major function of the Official Tour Directory and the types of information contained in this resource
• Describe the step-by-step process used to transmit payment for a tour or vacation package
• Interpret information for selling and booking purposes from tour brochures
• Define the major components of a foreign independent tour (FIT) and a domestic independent tour (DIT), and the four major steps in developing FIT/DITs
• Interpret information from the World Association of Travel Agencies’ (WATA) Tariff regarding costing FIT/DITs

Selling cruises is one of the most lucrative markets for travel agents. In fact, travel agents are responsible for a huge percentage of all cruise bookings. Many travel agencies have a cruise department staffed with full-time cruise specialists. In fact, cruises have become so important that today there are hundreds of cruise-only agencies dealing exclusively with cruise and steamship travel.

 

This course will provide you with important information on the types of cruise ships, the accommodations available on cruise ships, the cost of cruises, and the itineraries of typical cruises. You’ll also learn what resources are at your disposal and how to use them to provide your clients with the best information. And, of course, you’ll learn how to book the cruise your clients have chosen.

 

Let’s now explore two very important land transportation products—rail travel and car rentals. Trains and cars provide travelers with independence and flexibility, and the chance to visit out-of-the-way places where standard tours don’t go. Although most business travelers take a plane or train to their destinations, they often need rental cars to get to their hotels, meet with clients, and sell their products. In fact, a lot of travelers prefer train travel over air travel to get them from place to place. This is especially true of those travelers who are apprehensive about heights and flying.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Discuss the reasons that cruises are lucrative products
• Compare the old steamship liners of the past with today’s cruise ships
• Describe the following types of cruise vessels and provide examples of each: standard cruise ships, luxury yacht-style ships, masted sailing ships, river ships, barges, and passenger freighters
• Define nautical terminology that describes the directions on a ship and parts of a ship
• Identify the officer and staff positions on board a cruise ship and define their major responsibilities as they relate to passengers
• Identify and describe passenger services and amenities offered on typical cruises, as well as the standard features and amenities of a typical cruise ship’s passenger cabin or stateroom
• Name and describe three major factors that affect the cost of a cruise
• Interpret a ship deck plan to point out passenger public areas and accommodations when selling a cruise
• Discuss which items and services are or aren’t included in the cost of a typical cruise vacation, as well as standard tipping policies on board a cruise ship
• Describe the types of information found in three printed cruise travel resources: the CLIA Compliance Manual, the Official Cruise Guide, and the Official Steamship Guide International
• Determine the related costs, terms, and conditions of a cruise
• Describe the information required from your client before contacting the reservations office to book a cruise vacation
• Read and interpret the typical information contained in a cruise confirmation/invoice document
• Identify the leading car rental companies and describe the general car categories used when renting cars in North America
• Describe the age, license, and credit requirements for renting cars
• Discuss the major benefits for both business and vacation travelers when renting cars
• Describe the four basic car rental plans, mileage charges, and any additional charges, such as insurance, that may be added to the basic cost of a car rental
• Compare foreign car rentals with North American car rentals in terms of vehicle size, standard features, taxes, and other important considerations to the traveler
• Read a car rental availability and rate display from a major computer reservations system (CRS)
• Describe the benefits of rail travel for both business and vacation travelers
• Identify the six general types of Amtrak service and equipment in terms of routes and other special features
• Name and describe the different types of seating and sleeping accommodations on Amtrak
• Discuss different types of Amtrak fares, such as passenger-type discounts
• Name and identify the general routes of special excursion, luxury, and highspeed trains around the world
• Discuss the use of international rail passes, especially the Eurailpass, Europass, and Britrail pass
• Describe first- and second-class seating in most European trains and compare the two types of sleeping accommodations: sleepers and couchettes
• Read and interpret basic information from rail timetables

Microsoft Word is a word processor application and one of the Microsoft Office products. Word is used to create, edit, print, email, and share documents. In this unit, you’ll learn about the features of Word and how they’re used to produce a variety of professional-looking documents. You’ll also be learning about document design and layout so that you’re able to effectively communicate your message. Whether you use Word professionally, academically, or personally, everything from a basic inquiry letter to a product brochure to personalized mail merge documents are within your reach.

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application and one of the Microsoft Office products. Excel is used to organize, analyze, and interpret data. In this unit, you’ll learn about the features of Excel and how they are used to produce spreadsheets that include formulas, functions, charts, and tables. You’ll also be learning about spreadsheet planning and how to format and present data for greatest impact. Whether you use Excel professionally, academically, or personally, the techniques you’ll learn will help you use spreadsheets effectively.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Investigate the essential functions of MS Word 2016
• Create a simple document
• Format text in a simple document
• Create documents using page level formatting features
• Produce documents with graphic elements, including images, charts, and clipart
• Create a table within a document to organize information
• Integrate information from a table into a mail merge document
• Identify the features of the MS Excel 2016 interface
• Create a spreadsheet
• Apply formatting to make worksheet data easier to understand
• Produce calculations using formulas and functions

Computer reservation systems (CRSs), which are commonly called global distribution systems (GDSs) by those in the travel industry, perform thousands of functions that impact practically everything that travel agents do—from selling airline tickets to getting the weather forecast for a specific destination. CRSs compile into one system all of the important resources travel agents need to access, allowing these agents to work efficiently. Though clients can make their own travel reservations online, the fact is that many travelers find the huge volume of information to be quite daunting. At the worst, some information is just plain wrong. One aspect of your job is to research the thousands of pertinent sites on the internet, finding the ones that will best meet your clients’ needs.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Outline the history of airline computer reservation systems (CRSs) in travel agencies from their inception in 1976 to the present
• Identify the four major CRSs used in North America
• Define the roles of the host, participant, and subscriber in terms of a CRS
• Define and explain supplier booking fees and subscriber fees in terms of using a CRS
• Describe how a typical travel agency uses the capabilities of a CRS
• Name and define the function of each type of hardware found at the travel agent’s workstation
• Describe the transmission process between the travel agency and a CRS’s main computer
• Define direct link or direct connect as a way of obtaining last-seat availability
• Explain the importance of the sign-in and sign-out process when operating a CRS
• Name the five fields required to complete and store a personal name record (PNR)
• Name three types of optional fields in a PNR and their functions
• Read and interpret a basic flight availability display from a CRS
• Read and interpret a displayed passenger name record from a CRS
• Define the internet and the World Wide Web
• Describe the function of web browsers
• Identify the browsers that are used by most computer users
• State the function of an internet service provider (ISP)
• Explain how to use search engines
• Name the major uses of the Internet for travel agents
• Explain how a travel agent uses four main types of online communication in the workplace: email and instant messaging (IM), fax, scan, and social media
• Describe the types of online resources that travel agents use to research destinations, documentation requirements, and other travel-related topics
• Describe the typical features included on traditional travel agency websites
• Identify the major online travel agencies and the features that set them apart from other agency sites
• Describe the common features found on websites for travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotel chains, cruise lines, and ground transportation companies
• Discuss the general guidelines to follow when designing a travel agency website

In this course, you’ll choose a CRS—either Apollo or Sabre—and learn about that system.

 

CRS—Sabre

There are several major computer reservations systems (CRSs) used worldwide. Four of the largest CRSs used in the United States and Canada are Apollo, Sabre, WORLDSPAN, and Amadeus. Each CRS can be used to:

 

• Make air and rail reservations
• Book car rentals
• Reserve space on tours and cruises
• Reserve hotel rooms
• Order limousine service with any connected supplier
• Give current fare and rate information
• Print travel documents
• Locate information vital to the travel professional

These systems are interconnected. As a travel agent, you’ll probably work within one or more of these systems. Your work here in the Sabre CRS will allow you to access one of the largest information databases in the world.

 

This course will walk you through the Viasinc CRS Training System, which you’ll access via the internet. Viasinc is a huge database that simulates a CRS. It will guide you step by step through the many procedures done in a CRS, and show you how to effectively use your time to complete your Sabre exams. Think of this lesson as being a companion to help you review and practice the information from your Sabre hands-on training program. It follows the same format as the Viasinc Sabre training program. Each section in this course provides a brief overview of the major concepts of the corresponding training lesson in Viasinc.

 

Remember: You’ll log on to Viasinc to complete the quizzes and exams for Sabre. It will help reinforce what you’ll learn in the Viasinc Sabre CRS Training System.

 

When you complete this lesson, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Sign in and sign out of the CRS
• Explain the required parts of a passenger name record (PNR)
• Encode and decode airlines and airports
• Pull an availability screen
• Describe the meaning of each letter, figure, and word on the availability screen
• Choose and reserve the best flights for a client
• Enter passenger name fields into a PNR
• Enter telephone numbers into a PNR
• Enter received from field information and know why it’s important
• End and retrieve a PNR
• Build supplemental information into a PNR including form of payment, frequent-flyer information, addresses, remarks, and special service requests
• Make changes, deletions, corrections, and cancellations to the PNR
• Read seat maps and make seat assignments
• Make car rental reservations
• Interpret car rental rules, policies, codes, and price displays
• Make hotel reservations
• Interpret hotel facilities, policies, codes, and price displays
• Read and interpret tariff displays and fare rules
• Find lowest applicable fares
• Price itineraries and issue tickets
• Understand the function of PNR queues and process the queues
• Change segment status
• Use Sabre functions unrelated to the PNR, including currency conversion, calculator functions, and converting time
• Use online Sabre Help

CRS—Apollo

There are several major computer reservations systems (CRSs) used worldwide. Four of the largest CRSs used in the United States and Canada are Apollo, Sabre, WORLDSPAN, and Amadeus. Each CRS can be used to:

 

• Make air and rail reservations
• Book car rentals
• Reserve space on tours and cruises
• Reserve hotel rooms
• Order limousine service with any connected supplier
• Give current fare and rate information
• Print travel documents
• Locate information vital to the travel professional

These systems are interconnected. As a travel agent, you’ll probably work within one or more of these systems. Your work here in the Apollo CRS will allow you to access one of the largest information databases in the world.

 

This course will walk you through the Viasinc CRS Training System, which you’ll access via the internet. Viasinc is a huge database that simulates a CRS. It will guide you step by step through the many procedures done in a CRS, and show you how to effectively use your time to complete your Apollo exams. Think of this course as being a companion to help you review and practice the information from your Apollo hands-on training program. It follows the same format as the Viasinc Apollo training program. Each section in this course provides a brief overview of the major concepts of the corresponding training lesson in Viasinc.

 

Remember: You’ll log on to Viasinc to complete the quizzes and exams for Apollo.

 

When you complete this lesson, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Sign in and sign out of the CRS
• Explain the required parts of a passenger name record (PNR)
• Encode and decode airlines and airports
• Pull an availability screen
• Describe the meaning of each letter, figure, and word on the availability screen
• Choose and reserve the best flights for a client
• Enter passenger name fields into a PNR
• Enter telephone numbers into a PNR
• Enter received from field information and know why it’s important
• End and retrieve a PNR
• Build supplemental information into a PNR including form of payment, frequent flyer information, addresses, remarks, and special service requests
• Make changes, deletions, corrections, and cancellations to the PNR
• Read seat maps and make seat assignments
• Make car rental reservations
• Interpret car rental rules, policies, codes, and price displays
• Make hotel reservations
• Interpret hotel facilities, policies, codes, and price displays
• Read and interpret tariff displays and fare rules
• Find lowest applicable fares
• Price itineraries and issue tickets
• Understand the function of PNR queues and process the queues
• Change segment status
• Use Apollo functions unrelated to the PNR, including currency conversion, calculator functions, and converting time
• Use online Apollo Help

Selling travel is unlike any other form of retail sales. The buyer doesn’t wrap up a tangible product, put it into a bag, and take it home. Some travel agencies sell hundreds of millions of dollars of travel each year, while others barely survive on what they sell. Why? What makes a travel agency successful? Success can be attributed to many different factors, with the major reasons being successful sales techniques and high-quality customer service.

 

Think about it this way: Travel agencies sell the same products that are offered by the same suppliers, at similar prices. What sets travel agencies apart from each other is how successful the agents are in selling these products and providing their customers with proper follow-up, which we call service.

 

Corporate travelers, senior citizens, singles, families, couples, students, and hobbyists are important potential clients to the travel agent, not only as individuals but also as members of groups. Group travel brings very special benefits to the travel industry. It stimulates new business on a large scale, providing higher profit rates of volume bookings to travel agents and suppliers such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators.

 

Thousands of companies, clubs, civic organizations, and other groups are potential buyers of group travel. The popularity of group travel and the huge profit potential of this market require travel agents to become highly creative in developing a variety of group events, from meetings and conventions to golf vacations and whale-watching trips. In this course, you’ll discover ways in which you can become successful in travel sales!

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Describe the types of needs that motivate travel buyers
• Explain a minimum of four ways to leave a positive first impression when meeting clients
• Identify at least six methods to enhance travel product knowledge
• List and briefly define the five steps in the sales cycle
• Discuss the importance of up-selling and cross-selling
• Explain how directed selling benefits both the travel agency and its clients
• Describe typical concerns voiced by clients and recommend effective ways to handle them
• Provide examples of four types of closes used by travel agents: (1) assumption close, (2) choice close, (3) direct close, and (4) summary close
• Use effective telephone and email techniques when communicating with clients
• Describe the major differences between leisure travel and corporate travel from the client’s point of view
• Identify the basic skills required to be a successful corporate travel agent
• Explain the major benefits for an agency selling corporate travel
• Describe the needs of corporate travelers in terms of accuracy of information, prompt service, and personalized attention
• Describe the function of a request for proposal (RFP) when a company is looking for a travel agency to handle its corporate travel
• List the major factors that influence a company’s final selection of a travel agency
• Discuss the practice of rebates and the major reason that few corporate travel agencies offer them
• Define and provide examples of two major types of transaction-based and management-based service fees
• Name the standard services typically provided by corporate travel agencies to their clients
• List the specialized services that many corporate travel agencies offer their large corporate clients
• Discuss the three basic ways a travel agency works with corporate accounts: full service, on-site, and corporate travel department
• Explain the impact and benefits of electronic ticketing to the travel industry
• Identify and describe the major types of meeting events
• Discuss the major steps involved when planning a meeting

In this lesson, you’ll review the types of job positions that are available in addition to corporate and retail travel agency sales jobs. This lesson will also discuss how to get these jobs by reviewing how to write professional résumés and cover letters, present yourself during job interviews, and follow up with some job-winning tips. This lesson also covers some general issues about owning your own travel agency and focuses on how you can make your travel business as successful and profitable as possible.

 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

 

• Describe the reasons for the projected increases and decreases in job opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry
• Name examples of different career opportunities with travel-related companies, such as travel agencies, hotels, airlines, tour companies, and cruise lines
• Explain how travel agents can grow professionally after they’re hired
• Name at least four sources of information about job openings
• Identify the two general types of résumés and select the one that’s best for you
• List the key features of a résumé
• Write a job résumé that presents you in the best light
• Write a cover letter to accompany your résumé
• Describe at least three keys to a successful interview
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of opening a start-up agency, buying an existing agency, and buying a franchised agency
• Define three types of travel agency ownership: (1) sole proprietorship, (2) partnership, and (3) corporation
• Name at least three major travel groups or organizations that approve or appoint travel agencies through the conference appointment process
• Describe the basic ARC/IATA appointment requirements regarding financial, personnel, location, and ticket security standards of a new travel agency
• Identify five major sources of a travel agency’s income earnings and discuss how agency specialization, leisure travel sales, high-commission products, and personal computer use can benefit a new travel agency
• List the nine U.S. states that require some form of travel agency licensing
• Name and describe the major components of a business plan
• Specify at least five major factors to consider when selecting a location for your new travel agency
• Identify essential and optimal types of insurance coverage for a travel agency
• Explain key legal, insurance, financial, and ethical issues in travel

Travel Agency Proficiency Exam

When you reach this lesson, you’ll be given information that allows you to sit for the nationally recognized Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) certification exam. Developed by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the Travel Institute, this exam measures the basic knowledge and proficiency of entry-level travel agents.

It’s administered independently, so you’ll find a complete information packet on your student page to make arrangements for this exam, which you’ll complete in the form of a proctored exam. You’ll select the location and the person you want to supervise the exam according to Penn Foster’s established policies and qualifications.