Travel Agents

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for travel agents will grow by 3 percent from 2023 through 2033. This is about as fast as the average for all careers. Agents who specialize in niche services, such as arranging travel for the corporate world or providing services to travelers with disabilities or those seeking adventure travel itineraries, will have the best job prospects. There will also be opportunities to plan tour services for foreign visitors vacationing in the United States, and to arrange frequent trips for businesses with overseas offices.

Despite continuing job growth, travelers are becoming less dependent on agents to make their travel arrangements. Most airlines and other travel suppliers now offer consumers the option of making their own travel arrangements through online reservation services, which are readily accessible through the Internet. Airlines have eliminated the flat commission they pay travel agencies. This has reduced the income of many agencies, thereby making them less profitable and less able to hire new travel agents.

Despite the challenges travel agents face, there are still some people who prefer their services over online booking, because they appreciate the efficiency, value, professional knowledge, and face-to-face contact that is provided by travel agents.