If you’re interested in working closely with people, have an interest in travelling and you’re organised then a career as a Travel Consultant could be for you.
Career Overview
This career choice can be extremely enjoyable and allow individuals to be creative in the way they apply their organisational skills. It is, however, an office job that requires a lot of time in front of a computer. Travel Consultants work closely with clients to assist them in planning their desired holidays and trips.
Required School Subjects
There are no specific subjects required to become a Travel Consultant.
Recommended Subjects:
- English
- Tourism
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Accounting (at some institutions)
Take a look at our Subject Guide to find the value of specific subjects as well as suitable subject packages for various career fields.
Institution and APS
There is no formal qualification to become a Travel Consultant, however there are various tourism related qualifications that one can obtain to become more suited to the position.
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – APS of 22 (Pure Maths) or APS of 24 (Maths Literacy)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – APS of 27
- Oxbridge Academy – No APS required
- Duban University of Technology (DUT) – No specific APS required but Accounting is a compulsory subject
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – APS of 28 (Pure Maths) or APS of 30 (Maths Literacy)
Required Qualification/s
To qualify as a Travel Consultant, you will need to complete a formal qualification to give you the edge in the industry. One of the most popular qualifications is a National Diploma in Tourism Management. This is a qualification that’s offered at a range of institutions. A National Certificate in Tourism is also a decent formal qualification to obtain.
Required Skills
In order to be successful as a Travel Consultant, you should have the following skills:
- Enthusiastic about travel and tourism
- Proficiency in English
- Excellent sales and presentation skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Organisational skills
- Numerical skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
Where you can work
Travel Consultants can work in various office environments for larger travel agencies situated in retail spaces or in airports etc.
Working Hours
Hours might include regular office hours though some Travel Consultants may have to work over weekends or in relation to different time zones.
Expected Salary
An average Travel Consultant salary in South Africa could be around R150 123 per year.
What to expect
Travel Consultants are required to have high energy and able to relate to all different types of people. They are required to keep up to date with travel trends and be adaptable to different individual’s tastes and schedules.
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