Jobs as Online Travel Agents (Plus 14 Industry Companies)
In today’s digital age, the opportunity for remote work has expanded, and one area where there are plenty of openings is in travel booking. Working as an online travel agent from the comfort of your own home means utilizing internet tools for pricing and bookings and having the flexibility to set your hours. However, finding the right online travel agent job is crucial for success, as it involves selecting a business that aligns with your work requirements and level of expertise.
To help you navigate this exciting industry, we have compiled a list of fourteen companies that hire remote travel agents. Whether you are just starting out or have experience in customer service and travel booking, these organizations offer a variety of opportunities to explore.
An online travel agent is responsible for providing customer support for a range of services, from developing trip plans to booking flights, excursions, and accommodations for clients. Some online agents run their own agency with the support of a host agency, while others work for established firms, interacting with clients via messaging systems or phone calls.
Virtual travel agents handle tasks such as assisting clients with travel arrangements, comparing airline rates, booking staff travel for government and business organizations, planning group trips, managing customer travel programs, troubleshooting booking issues, and maintaining relationships with tourism businesses.
Here are fourteen companies that hire remote travel agents:
1. ADTRAV Travel Management: Specializes in government and management staff travel bookings, offering security warnings, expenditure reporting, and frequent flyer program management.
2. BCD Travel: Provides corporate travel management services, offering travel advice for businesses to optimize their travel expenses.
3. Carlson Wagonlit Travel: Offers business-to-business services for staff travel bookings in six continents, with a focus on tailored travel solutions.
4. Group Ovation Travel: Employs independent travel consultants to be part of their network, offering training and support to help agents succeed.
5. Travel Leaders Group: Franchises travel agents to join their network, providing customizable tools and resources for agents to run successful businesses.
6. World Travel Holdings: Operates Cruises Inc., allowing independent contractors to work from home booking trips for customers.
7. Dream Vacations Franchise: Offers franchise opportunities for travel agents to operate from home, providing training and support from a corporate development manager.
8. Princess Cruise Lines: Contracts remote cruise vacation planners to sell to clients and build relationships with customers.
9. Hopper: Utilizes travel agents to assist with flight ticket pricing and booking through their mobile app.
10. Carlisle Travel: Employs remote travel advisers as part of their independent contractor team, offering services to customers and marketing support to agents.
11. Virtual Vacation Centre: Assigns independent travel advisers to work remotely, providing inbound and outbound leads and a draw while waiting for commission.
12. Aspira: Seeks customer service-oriented reservation and licensing sales agents to work from home, offering hourly pay for those with at least 29 hours availability.
13. Wyndham: Employs bilingual customer care agents to assist with bookings for overseas customers, focusing on sales and marketing of travel goods and services.
14. Travel Solutions for Quality: Hires remote travel consultants, providing flexible, commission-based options for individuals with sales and customer service experience.
To become a virtual travel agent, follow these steps:
1. Obtain a GED or high school diploma to meet the minimum education requirement for most virtual agent positions.
2. Gain travel experience to enhance your ability to assist clients and understand the booking process.
3. Work in customer service and sales to develop skills in communication, sales, and customer satisfaction.
4. Select the right host agency to support your remote travel agent career, considering factors such as marketing support and training.
5. Apply for positions with virtual agents, tailoring your resume to highlight your skills and experience.
6. Set up a productive workspace at home with a reliable internet connection and minimal distractions to focus on your online work.
By following these steps and exploring opportunities with reputable companies in the travel industry, you can embark on a rewarding career as a remote travel agent. The online travel industry offers a dynamic and flexible work environment that allows you to connect with travelers worldwide and help them plan unforgettable vacations.
