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Many companies offer remote work options, but skilled applicants can find numerous job opportunities in the travel booking sector. Working as an online travel agent allows individuals to utilize internet tools for pricing and bookings, as well as enjoy flexible hours. Choosing the right online travel agent job involves selecting a business that aligns with your work requirements and level of expertise.
In this article, we provide guidance on entering the exciting travel industry along with a list of fourteen organizations that hire remote travel agents.
What Does an Online Travel Agent Do?
Online travel agents work remotely to provide customer support for various services. They develop trip plans and book flights, excursions, and accommodations for clients. Some virtual agents operate their own online agencies with technology resources and clientele provided by a host agency, while others work for established companies and communicate with clients through messaging systems or remote calls.
Virtual travel agents may perform a variety of tasks, including helping clients plan airline, hotel, cruise, and tour itineraries, comparing airline rates, booking staff travel arrangements for businesses, planning group trips, managing customer travel programs and frequent flyer miles, assisting clients with troubleshooting booking issues, contacting past clients to offer exclusive vacation deals, researching industry standards, canceling trip plans, and providing refunds to clients, and maintaining relationships with tourism and holiday businesses.
Fourteen Companies Hiring Virtual Travel Agents
From entry-level agents to experienced individuals with a background in customer service and travel booking, the organizations listed below often seek candidates with varying levels of expertise. Here are some well-known companies that frequently hire remote travel agents, even if they currently do not have open positions:
1. ADTRAV Travel Management – Provides virtual agents to handle government and corporate travel bookings with services such as security warning systems, expense reporting, and frequent flyer program management.
2. BCD Travel – Hires virtual travel advisors to assist with corporate travel management for businesses.
3. Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) – Offers business-to-business travel booking services across six continents and manages regional travel experiences through remote consultants.
4. Group Ovation Travel – Contracts with independent travel consultants to join their network without upfront costs and provides support systems and training.
5. Travel Leaders Group – Allows independent agents to join as franchise members with customizable booking tools and support.
6. World Travel Holdings – Offers opportunities to work as an independent contractor with their Cruises Inc. division from home.
7. Dream Vacations Franchise – Provides franchise opportunities under World Travel Holdings for individuals looking to work from home as travel agents.
8. Princess Cruise Lines – Contracts remote cruise vacation planners to sell to clients and build relationships while working remotely.
9. Hopper – Hires travel agents to use their mobile app for booking and customer support.
10. Carlisle Travel – Assigns remote travel advisors to work as independent contractors under the Tzell Travel Group.
11. Virtual Vacation Center – Offers remote independent travel advisors opportunities with inbound and outbound leads and minimal experience requirements.
12. Aspira – Seeks customer service-oriented reservation and sales agents to book travel and lodging for outdoor experiences from home.
13. Wyndham Destinations – Hires bilingual remote customer care agents to assist with booking for international customers.
14. Quality Travel Solutions – Welcomes remote travel consultants with commission-based options for those with sales and customer service experience.
How to Become a Virtual Travel Agent
If you are interested in working as a virtual travel agent, follow these steps to pursue a career in this field:
1. Obtain a GED or high school diploma to meet the minimum education level requirements for most virtual agent positions.
2. Gain travel experience to enhance your understanding of the industry and build credibility with clients.
3. Develop skills in customer service and sales to better assist clients throughout the booking process.
4. Choose the right host agency that aligns with your business requirements and level of expertise.
5. Apply to virtual agents by following the application process outlined by the host company or travel agency you have selected.
6. Set up a dedicated workstation in your home to work efficiently and free from distractions while conducting business online.
By following these steps, you can embark on a rewarding career as a virtual travel agent and enjoy the flexibility and opportunities that come with remote work in the travel industry.
