What does a Corporate Travel Agent do?
Published 4 min read
A corporate travel agent is responsible for booking travel for employees of a company. This may include airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars, and more. The agent will work with the company to ensure that all travel arrangements are made in a timely and efficient manner.
Corporate Travel Agent job duties include:
- Make travel arrangements for corporate clients
- Arrange transportation, hotel accommodations, and meeting facilities
- Determine itineraries and make reservations
- Advise clients on travel regulations, passports, and visas
- Keep abreast of developments in the travel industry to ensure that the company’s services are up-to-date
- Prepare cost estimates for various travel options
- Negotiate with vendors to get the best rates and services for corporate clients
- Handle customer complaints and resolve problems
- Maintain detailed records of all business transactions
- Prepare reports on the company’s travel business
Corporate Travel Agent Job Requirements
Corporate travel agents typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most travel agencies prefer agents to have experience in customer service. Agents must be able to obtain a license from the Transportation Security Administration. Many travel agencies also require agents to complete a certification program.
Corporate Travel Agent Skills
- Arranging travel
- Booking flights
- Booking hotels
- Booking rental cars
- Creating itineraries
- Dealing with customer inquiries
- Handling customer complaints
- Managing customer accounts
- Negotiating with suppliers
- Processing payments
- Upselling travel products and services
- Writing reports
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How to become a Corporate Travel Agent
A corporate travel agent is someone who specializes in making travel arrangements for corporate clients. They work with businesses to find the best deals on travel and accommodations, and help to plan itineraries that are efficient and cost-effective. Corporate travel agents must be well-organized and detail-oriented, as they often have to juggle multiple clients and bookings at once. They should also be good at customer service, as they will be dealing directly with clients and helping them to resolve any issues that may arise. If you are interested in becoming a corporate travel agent, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Get a degree in tourism or hospitality. This will give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to work as a travel agent.
2. Start working in a travel agency. This will give you first-hand experience of the industry and will help you to build up a network of contacts.
3. Get certified by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). This will show potential employers that you are serious about your career and have the necessary skills to do the job well.
4. Specialize in corporate travel. Start by taking on small corporate accounts and gradually build up your business.
5. Keep up with industry trends. Technology is constantly changing the way that travel is booked and managed, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
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